Shopify Barcode Scanner: Everything you need to know

Summer Nguyen | 09-15-2025

Shopify barcode scanner has made product management easier for online business owners than ever, as it helps streamline operations and track sales. With this tool, you can boost overall business efficiency and optimize the customer experience.

This blog covers everything you need to know about the Shopify barcode scanner, including how it integrates with your Shopify store and boosts business growth.

Table of Contents

What is a Shopify barcode scanner?

A Shopify barcode scanner is a specialized device or software that allows retailers to collect and scan barcode data directly into their Shopify inventory system. It quickly updates stock levels, tracks products, and performs inventory-related operations accurately, simplifying and automating inventory management.

A barcode scanner uses optical technology to decode barcodes, which are patterns of parallel lines representing product details. The scanner converts this data into a readable format for your system.

When integrated with Shopify, the scanner becomes a robust asset, scanning barcodes on products, packaging, or shelf labels to update inventory in real time, reducing manual entry and human errors.

The Shopify barcode scanner comes in two forms:

  • Handheld device: Connects via Bluetooth or USB.
  • Mobile app: Uses a smartphone or tablet camera for scanning.

Inventory management tasks with a barcode scanner include:

  • Sales and Point of Sale (POS) operations: Record sales, deduct stock, and generate invoices by scanning barcodes.
  • Stocktaking: Quickly update stock levels and ensure precise counts.
  • Receiving and fulfillment: Scan shipments to update inventory and match purchase orders.
  • Locating and organizing products: Track physical locations within your warehouse or store.
  • Retrieve product details: Access descriptions, pricing, and variants by scanning barcodes.

Why do you need a barcode scanner for your Shopify?

Integrating a barcode scanner with Shopify provides several benefits:

  • Time-saving process: Automates stock updates, stocktakes, and inventory management.
  • Great accuracy: Eliminates manual entry errors and ensures correct stock levels.
  • Efficient order fulfillment: Speeds up picking and packing while minimizing shipping errors.
  • Frequent inventory updates: Real-time inventory changes prevent overselling or stockouts.
  • Enhanced inventory visibility: Gain insights into product location, movement, and availability.
  • Integrated effortlessly with Shopify: Seamlessly communicates with Shopify’s inventory system.
  • Fuel growth and scalability: Handles larger inventories and transaction volumes as your business grows.

What typical features does a Shopify barcode scanner have?

  • Barcode scanning: Scan and decode barcodes accurately for quick product info retrieval.
  • Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth-enabled scanners for cable-free operation.
  • Real-time inventory sync: Updates stock levels and product details instantly.
  • Mobile app integration: Scan using a smartphone or tablet camera.
  • Inventory reporting: Generate reports and analyze sales patterns.
  • Shopify compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly with Shopify.
  • Compatibility with various barcode types: Supports UPC, EAN, QR codes, etc.

What are the different types of barcode scanners that Shopify supports?

Two main categories:

Handheld barcode scanner

Handheld scanners are independent devices designed to scan barcodes. They come in wired and wireless versions.

Key features and benefits:

  • Scan various barcode types (1D, 2D).
  • Simple controls and ergonomic design for comfortable use.
  • Durable for harsh environments and long-term performance.
  • Batch scanning supported for offline or mass inventory counts.
  • Accessories like stands or charging cradles improve efficiency.

Types of handheld scanners:

  1. Wired handheld scanners:
    • Connect via USB or other wired interfaces.
    • Stable and reliable connection.
    • Ideal for stationary setups with POS systems.
  2. Wireless handheld scanners:
    • Connect via Bluetooth or wireless protocols.
    • Provide mobility and flexibility in inventory management.
  • Establish a wireless connection with the PC or mobile device using Bluetooth technology.
  • Offer enhanced mobility and flexibility, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
  • Particularly beneficial in environments that require mobility, such as warehouses or retail floors.
  • Enable scanning of barcodes from a distance, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Mobile barcode scanning application

Another type of barcode scanner is mobile barcode scanning applications that leverage smartphones or tablets’ integrated cameras to scan barcodes. These apps are installed on mobile devices and establish direct connections with your Shopify store.

Here are the noteworthy features and advantages they offer:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Mobile barcode scanning apps eliminate the necessity of investing in dedicated barcode scanning hardware. They can also lower equipment expenses while still capitalizing on the advantages of barcode scanning.
  • Convenience: Barcode scanning apps harness the existing hardware of smartphones or tablets, eliminating the requirement for extra devices. They are perfect for businesses seeking flexibility and the ability to scan on the move. Users can effortlessly launch the app, direct the camera to the barcode, and capture the information.
  • Shopify compatibility: Shopify-focused mobile apps provide seamless connectivity with the platform, ensuring precise and real-time inventory changes.

Additionally, barcode scanning apps can easily sync with Shopify services, such as order management and sales analytics. They can capture additional product characteristics and qualities, such as product photos or descriptions, in addition to barcodes.

  • Performance: Barcode scanning apps leverage sophisticated algorithms and image processing techniques to achieve precise barcode recognition. Certain apps provide additional features like batch scanning, bulk editing, or automatic population of product details, enhancing overall efficiency.

Both handheld barcode scanners and mobile barcode scanning apps present viable solutions for integrating barcode scanning into your Shopify inventory management. The selection depends on your distinct business requirements, the nature of your environment, and your preferences regarding mobility or dedicated scanning devices.

Top 11 Shopify barcode scanning apps

EasyScan

EasyScan stands out as a highly popular barcode app offered on Shopify. Its simple interface and extensive feature set make it an excellent choice for effective inventory management.

With EasyScan, you can effortlessly scan items using your smartphone’s camera and conveniently save them for future reference, allowing you to quickly retrieve pricing information or check stock levels at a later time.

Features:

  • Use your phone’s camera for scanning
  • Store scanned items for future reference
  • Verify stock levels
  • Retrieve pricing details
  • Create barcodes for products
  • Generate SKUs for products

Quick Scan

When it comes to swiftly scanning barcodes and effectively managing your inventory, Quick Scan is the ideal solution. This intuitive app simplifies barcode scanning, enables you to monitor stock levels effortlessly, and facilitates seamless product transfers between different locations.

Quick Scan offers the flexibility to be used across multiple locations, empowering users to specify the location when adding or deducting products from stock levels. Along with efficient stock level management, this app can track the inflow and outflow of stock. Furthermore, all this valuable information can be downloaded and stored in an offline file. This enables you to maintain records according to your specific requirements.

Features:

  • Efficiently scan barcodes using a barcode scanner for swift processing
  • Monitor inventory across various locations
  • Effortlessly update and transfer stock between different locations
  • Maintain a record of transactions and access a comprehensive transaction history

Barcode Man

For Shopify store owners seeking a barcode app, Barcode Man is an excellent choice. This app provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, empowering you to customize your labels effortlessly. With the ability to rotate and resize labels, you can easily design the perfect label for your products. Furthermore, Barcode Man includes an SKU generator, simplifying the process of generating unique barcodes for your products.

Features:

  • A wide selection of more than 40 pre-designed label templates
  • Utilize a convenient SKU generator
  • Effortlessly edit labels with intuitive drag-and-drop tools

Yanet

Yanet stands as a robust barcode label maker designed specifically for Shopify stores. With this app, you can effortlessly generate and personalize labels for your products by utilizing a diverse range of templates and editing tools. Additionally, Yanet provides the flexibility to utilize custom-size papers and labels, ensuring that you can create labels that perfectly suit your products.

Yanet includes a GTIN generator, enabling you to generate distinct GTINs for utilization on your barcode labels. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionalities, Yanet proves to be an outstanding option for individuals in search of a barcode label maker for their Shopify store.

Features:

  • Built-in GTIN generator
  • Both simple and advanced design options
  • Accessible and available labels

Multi‑Label Barcodes

When it comes to printing multiple labels simultaneously, Multi-Label Barcodes proves to be an exceptional app. With its bulk label printing feature, you can efficiently print hundreds or even thousands of labels in a single go. Moreover, Multi-Label Barcodes offers a diverse array of customization options, allowing you to design your labels precisely according to your preferences.

Features:

  • Print labels using any printer of your choice
  • Automate stock management to maintain accurate records of your warehouse inventory and prevent any loss of track
  • Effortlessly assign barcodes and SKUs to your products with a simple click

Retail Barcode Labels

Retail Barcode Labels is an exceptional and cost-effective Shopify app that empowers you to effortlessly create, allocate, and print barcodes for all your products. The process of generating barcodes and associating them with specific items is incredibly user-friendly and can be conveniently performed within your Shopify store management screen.

Each barcode can be accompanied by unique labels that encompass essential details such as the barcode itself, SKU code, price, and product name. You can benefit from a wide range of appealing designs available for your labels.

Once you have finalized the design for your barcode labels, you can print them using any printer, including secure air-printing from mobile devices. However, it is recommended to utilize specialized label printing products like Avery or Dymo for optimal results.

Features:

  • Free Shopify app
  • Print labels using a diverse selection of printers
  • Enhance stock management and inventory control
  • Generate distinctive labels that incorporate a variety of product information

SKULabs

The SKULabs app stands as one of the most robust barcode solutions for Shopify, particularly beneficial for businesses selling across multiple channels. With its comprehensive capabilities, you can efficiently oversee and handle all your orders, shipments, and stock levels through a user-friendly, cloud-based system.

Furthermore, this app enables seamless synchronization of inventory updates across all your sales channels. It integrates with major US-based platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and ShipStation. As a result, whenever there are changes in stock levels, they are automatically reflected across all channels, eliminating the risk of overselling products.

Features:

  • Track product stock levels across various selling channels
  • Minimize picking errors by cross-referencing products with barcodes
  • Gather the correct quantity of products necessary to fulfill multiple orders in a single trip
  • Initiate product orders from suppliers when stock levels reach a low threshold

8. SKU Print

With the SKU Print app, you can effortlessly generate personalized barcode labels and price tags. These labels can include information such as title, vendor name, price, and barcode, with the option to include variations if applicable. All barcodes can be stored directly in your Shopify Point-of-Sale or admin area.

You can also incorporate images into your custom labels to create brand-specific labels that align with your identity.

Barcodes are generated automatically. If no barcode numbers are entered, they will be auto-generated. You can also modify a barcode number easily if needed.

Features:

  • Print personalized product labels directly within your store.
  • Automatically assigns barcode numbers if none were previously assigned.
  • Integrates with both online stores and point-of-sale locations.
  • Add logos and images to customize and brand your barcode labels.

9. StockSavvy

StockSavvy is designed to streamline stock management. It enables efficient tracking and management of inventory.

A standout feature is bulk barcode scanning, allowing you to update quantities quickly after scanning. For multiple locations, StockSavvy can manage stock counts across all locations or individually.

Features:

  • Monitor discrepancies in stock levels using tracking capabilities.
  • Compatible with all barcode scanners.
  • Update stock levels across various channels and locations simultaneously.
  • Simplify accurate stock record maintenance.

10. Zenstores

While not a typical Shopify barcode app, Zenstores focuses on shipping and is tailored to the UK market. It offers barcode functionalities and helps manage orders efficiently.

The app imports orders from Shopify into Zenstores, allowing management of picking, label printing, and dispatching from a single dashboard.

Features:

  • Access a wide range of couriers for optimal delivery times.
  • Trial period allows shipping up to 100 orders.
  • Streamline printing shipping labels, including barcodes for Royal Mail parcels.
  • Generate professional invoices with flexible VAT inclusion.

11. Retail/Wholesale Catalog Maker

The Retail/Wholesale Catalog Maker app helps create catalogs for online documents and printable marketing materials.

Simply import your Shopify products into the drag-and-drop builder to construct catalogs easily. Customize layouts and designs to align with your branding.

Features:

  • Generate barcodes with detailed product information.
  • Optimize catalogs for SEO and easy navigation.
  • Create catalogs for online use or printable for physical stores.

How to use your Shopify barcode scanner properly

Select the right barcode scanner

Choose a Shopify-compatible barcode scanner based on your business needs, scanning volume, workflow, mobility, and features. Options include handheld scanners or mobile scanning apps.

Set up and connect the barcode scanner

Use a barcode generator tool or Shopify’s built-in barcode functionality. Consider customization, integration, and ease of use. Print barcodes with a high-quality printer and proper label size.

Configure the barcode scanner

Connect via USB or Bluetooth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to configure scanning modes, settings, and customization.

Install the barcode-scanning app

For mobile apps, install from the Shopify App Store. Log in to Shopify and grant necessary permissions to synchronize data.

Scan the barcode

Scan barcodes during stocktaking, receiving new inventory, or fulfilling orders to update inventory quantities in real time.

Final thoughts

The Shopify Barcode Scanner revolutionizes inventory management. It eliminates manual errors, ensures accurate stock levels, and integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store. With it, your inventory remains precise, supporting steady business growth.

Summer Nguyen

Summer Nguyen

Summer is the CMO and Digital Commerce Solution Expert with 10+ years of experience. She specializes in Magento, Shopify, ERP, CRM, AI, and Blockchain, delivering strategic solutions that transform businesses. With a deep understanding of digital commerce, she helps brands scale and stay ahead in a competitive market.