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How to Bulk Update Order Tracking Numbers in Shopify

Update tracking numbers (and URLs) in bulk using a simple spreadsheet import.

Updated today

Goal: Bulk-update order fulfillment tracking numbers and tracking URLs, and optionally notify customers via email, using Altera’s export/import workflow.

Video walkthrough: Watch the 3‑minute video

Prerequisites:

  • You have Altera installed on your Shopify store

  • You’re logged into Shopify with permission to use Apps

  • Your orders are already fulfilled or you know which fulfillments you want to update

Step 1 - Export Your Orders

In your Shopify admin, open Apps > Altera, then click New Export.

  • In Data types, select Orders.

  • In Fields, select at minimum: General and Fulfillments.

  • (Optional) In Filters, set Fulfillment status to Fulfilled to limit the export to fulfilled orders.

  • Click Start Export and download the file when ready.

Step 2 - Prepare the Spreadsheet

Open the exported file. Keep only the columns needed to update tracking data and identify orders.

  • Keep one identifier column:

  • Prefer ID (best for accuracy). If you don’t have IDs, you can use Name (order number) instead.

  • For tracking updates, keep these columns:

  • Fulfillment: Tracking number

  • Fulfillment: Tracking URL (optional)

  • Fulfillment: Send receipt (set to TRUE to email customers via Shopify)

  • If an order has multiple fulfillments, also keep:

  • Fulfillment: ID (required to target the correct fulfillment)

Delete all other columns to simplify the file.

Step 3 - Enter Tracking Information

Fill the rows with the new values you want to apply:

  • Enter the new Tracking number for each order (and fulfillment, if applicable)

  • (Optional) Enter a Tracking URL

  • Set Send receipt to TRUE if you want Shopify to email the customer

Leave any field blank to keep the current value unchanged.

Step 4 - Import the Updated File

Return to Altera and go to Upload file.

  • Select your edited spreadsheet.

  • Review the analysis preview for any warnings.

  • Click Start import to apply the updates.

Outcome

Altera will process the spreadsheet and update the specified orders (and fulfillments) with your new tracking numbers and URLs. If you enabled Send receipt, Shopify sends an email to customers notifying them of the tracking update. You can confirm the changes in your Shopify admin by opening the updated orders.

Example

ID

Fulfillment: ID

Fulfillment: Tracking number

Fulfillment: Tracking URL

Fulfillment: Send receipt

123456

1Z999AA10123456784

TRUE

789012

456789

9400111899223123456789

FALSE

Important Notes

  • For orders with multiple fulfillments, include Fulfillment: ID to target the correct fulfillment record.

  • If you only have the order Name (e.g., #1001) and not the ID, you can still update tracking, but using ID is more reliable.

  • Use TRUE/FALSE (or TRUE/blank) for Send receipt.

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