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Troubleshooting Widgets Not Displaying

One of the most frustrating experiences when setting up Review Multiplier is configuring a widget only to find it doesn't appear on your storefront. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes and their solutions, helping you get your review widgets displaying correctly as quickly as possible.

Before you start troubleshooting: Most widget display issues stem from just a few common causes. Following this guide systematically will help you identify and resolve the problem efficiently.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist​

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, run through this quick checklist. Many widget display issues can be resolved by verifying these basics:

  • Widget Configuration ID is correct - The ID in your theme editor matches the one from Review Multiplier app
  • Widget status is "Active" - Check in Review Multiplier app admin that your widget is enabled
  • Reviews exist - You have reviews available that match your widget's filters
  • Browser cache cleared - Try hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+R on Mac)
  • JavaScript console has no errors - Open browser DevTools (F12) and check Console tab
  • Theme is OS 2.0 compatible - If using Theme Extensions, verify your theme supports app blocks
  • Installation method is correct - You're using either Theme Extension OR manual code, not mixing both

If checking these items doesn't solve your problem, continue to the detailed troubleshooting sections below.

Issue 1: Widget Not Appearing At All​

Symptoms: The widget location appears empty. No reviews display, no error messages, just blank space where the widget should be.

Cause A: Incorrect Widget Configuration ID​

This is the #1 most common cause of widgets not displaying.

How It Happens​

When you create a widget in Review Multiplier, the app generates a unique Widget Configuration ID (looks like clxtk7m8q0001...). This ID must be entered in your theme editor settings to link the widget block to your configuration. If the ID is missing, incorrect, or truncated, the widget can't load your reviews.

How to Fix​

  1. Find your Widget Configuration ID:

    • Open Review Multiplier app in Shopify admin
    • Navigate to Review Display > Widgets
    • Click on your widget
    • Look for the Widget Configuration ID (usually displayed prominently with a copy button)

  2. Verify the ID in your theme:

    • Open Online Store > Themes > Customize
    • Click on your review widget block in the theme editor
    • Find the Widget Configuration ID field
    • Compare it character-by-character with the ID from step 1

  3. Common mistakes to avoid:

    • ❌ Using "default" instead of your actual widget ID
    • ❌ Copying only part of the ID (truncation)
    • ❌ Adding extra spaces before or after the ID
    • ❌ Mixing up IDs from different widgets

  4. Correct the ID:

    • Delete the current value in the Widget Configuration ID field
    • Copy the complete ID from Review Multiplier app
    • Paste into theme editor field
    • Save your theme
    • Hard refresh your storefront (Ctrl+Shift+R)
Pro Tip

Always use the Copy button in the Review Multiplier app rather than manually selecting and copying the ID. This prevents truncation and ensures you get the complete ID.

Cause B: Widget Status is Inactive​

Widgets in Review Multiplier can be set to "Active" or "Inactive" status. Inactive widgets won't display any reviews, even if properly installed.

How to Check​

  1. Open Review Multiplier app
  2. Go to Review Display > Widgets
  3. Look at your widget's status badge
  4. If it shows "Inactive", click into the widget settings
  5. Find the Status toggle and enable it
  6. Save the widget configuration

Cause C: Theme Extension Not Properly Added​

If you're using the Theme Extension installation method (recommended for Shopify 2.0 themes), the app block must be added to your theme's layout.

How to Verify​

  1. Open Online Store > Themes > Customize
  2. Navigate to the page where widget should appear (Homepage, Product page, etc.)
  3. Check if you see the review widget block in your theme sections:
    • Look in the sidebar for sections list
    • Scroll through to find "Review [Widget Type]" under the Apps section
    • If missing, the block wasn't added

How to Fix​

  1. From the Review Multiplier widget install page, click Add to Theme
  2. Select the page type (Homepage, Product pages, Collection pages, etc.)
  3. Theme editor will open with the widget pre-selected
  4. Drag the widget block to your desired location in the layout
  5. Enter your Widget Configuration ID in the settings
  6. Save theme
Installation Methods

Review Multiplier supports two installation methods:

  • Theme Extension (Shopify 2.0 themes) - Drag and drop installation via theme editor
  • Manual Code (All themes) - Copy/paste embed code into theme files

Use Theme Extension when possible—it's easier and doesn't require code editing.

Cause D: Browser Cache Preventing Display​

Modern browsers aggressively cache website assets for performance. Sometimes this cache prevents updated widgets from appearing.

How to Fix​

  1. Hard Refresh your storefront page:

    • Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + R
    • Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + R
    • This bypasses cache and reloads everything fresh

  2. Clear browser cache completely:

    • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data > Cached images and files
    • Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data
    • Safari: Develop menu > Empty Caches

  3. Test in Incognito/Private browsing mode:

    • This uses a clean browser session with no cache
    • If widget appears in incognito but not regular browsing, cache is the culprit
    • Clear cache as described above

Cause E: JavaScript Errors Blocking Execution​

JavaScript errors anywhere on your page can prevent widgets from loading. These errors might come from your theme, other apps, or custom code.

How to Check​

  1. Open your storefront where widget should appear
  2. Press F12 to open browser Developer Tools
  3. Click the Console tab
  4. Look for red error messages
  5. Note any errors mentioning "Review" or "widget"

How to Fix​

If errors mention Review Multiplier:

  • Take a screenshot of the error
  • Contact Review Multiplier support with the screenshot
  • Include your store URL and which widget is affected

If errors are from other sources:

  • These may be blocking our widget JavaScript
  • Try disabling other apps temporarily to test
  • Contact your theme developer if errors are theme-related
  • Check with other app developers for their errors

Common JavaScript conflicts:

  • Outdated jQuery versions
  • Multiple JavaScript libraries loading
  • Theme code errors
  • Conflicting apps modifying the DOM

Issue 2: "[Widget Name] Not Added" Error (Theme Extension)​

Symptoms: When clicking "Add to Theme" button, the theme editor opens but shows an error message: "[Widget name] not added. There is a problem with the app block."

This error is specific to the Theme Extension installation method and indicates the widget block couldn't be added to your theme.

Cause A: Target Section Doesn't Exist​

The deep link URL includes a target section (like "main-product" for product pages). If your theme doesn't have this section, the block can't be added.

How to Fix​

  1. Try selecting a different page type from the install page dropdown

  2. For product pages specifically:

    • Your theme must have a sections/main-product.liquid file
    • Some custom themes use different section names
    • Check with your theme developer for the correct section name

  3. Alternative: Use Manual Installation method instead

    • Click "Manual Installation" tab on widget install page
    • Copy the embed code
    • Paste into your theme code where desired

Cause B: Theme Compatibility Issues​

Some themes, especially heavily customized ones, may have app block compatibility issues.

How to Check Theme Compatibility​

  1. Your theme must be Shopify 2.0 (Online Store 2.0)
  2. Check theme version:
    • Online Store > Themes
    • Click ... (three dots) next to your theme
    • Select Edit code
    • Look for {% schema %} blocks in section files—these indicate OS 2.0

If Theme is Not Compatible​

  1. Use the Manual Installation method:

    • Get embed code from widget install page
    • Add to theme files where you want widget to appear
    • This works with all themes (vintage and modern)

  2. Consider upgrading to a Shopify 2.0 theme:

    • Most modern themes support app blocks
    • Easier widget management
    • Better long-term compatibility

Issue 3: Widget Shows Empty State​

Symptoms: Widget appears on your storefront, but shows a message like "No reviews yet" or "No reviews match your filters" instead of displaying reviews.

This means the widget is correctly installed and working, but no reviews are available to display based on your configuration.

Cause A: No Reviews Available​

How to Check​

  1. Open Review Multiplier app
  2. Go to Reviews page
  3. Check if you have any reviews at all
  4. If review count is 0, you need to collect some reviews first

How to Fix​

  1. Collect reviews using Review Multiplier:

    • Set up review request emails (Review Collection > Email Settings)
    • Import existing reviews if you have them
    • Wait for customer orders to receive review requests

  2. Import reviews from other platforms:

    • Review Multiplier can import from CSV
    • Connect platforms like Google, Trustpilot, Facebook
    • Navigate to Connections to set up imports

Cause B: Rating Filter Too Restrictive​

If your widget is set to only show 5-star reviews, but you only have 3-4 star reviews, nothing will display.

How to Check​

  1. Go to your widget configuration in Review Multiplier app
  2. Check the Minimum Rating Filter setting
  3. Compare with the actual ratings of your reviews

How to Fix​

  1. Edit widget configuration
  2. Change Minimum Rating Filter to "All ratings" or "4+ stars"
  3. Save configuration
  4. Widget will immediately update on storefront (no theme changes needed)
Transparency Builds Trust

Showing a mix of ratings (including some 4-star reviews) actually increases conversion by up to 15% compared to showing only 5-star reviews. Customers trust mixed ratings more than perfect scores.

Cause C: Source Filter Excluding Reviews​

If you've filtered to show only "Google reviews" but your reviews are from Trustpilot or native collection, nothing will display.

How to Fix​

  1. Edit widget in Review Multiplier app
  2. Change Review Source Filter to "All sources"
  3. Alternatively, verify you have reviews from the selected source
  4. Save and check storefront

Cause D: Product-Specific Reviews Setting​

On product pages, if "Show Product-Specific Reviews" is enabled but you don't have reviews for that specific product, the widget will be empty.

How to Check and Fix​

  1. Open theme editor
  2. Click on your widget block
  3. Find Show Product-Specific Reviews toggle
  4. Option A: Disable this to show all reviews
  5. Option B: Ensure you have reviews for the current product

Issue 4: Widget Partially Working​

Symptoms: Reviews appear, but some features don't work (arrows, auto-rotate, images, etc.).

Causes and Fixes​

  1. Auto-rotate disabled in settings:

    • Theme editor > Click carousel > Check "Auto-Rotate Slides" toggle
    • Enable it and save

  2. JavaScript error blocking carousel:

    • Check browser console (F12) for errors
    • Resolve any JavaScript conflicts

  3. "Pause on hover" is active:

    • If your mouse is hovering over the carousel, auto-rotate pauses
    • Move mouse away to resume

Causes and Fixes​

  1. Navigation disabled in settings:

    • Theme editor > Click widget
    • Enable "Show Navigation Arrows" and "Show Navigation Dots"
    • Save theme

  2. Not enough reviews to paginate:

    • Arrows and dots only appear if you have more reviews than fit in one view
    • Add more reviews or reduce "Reviews to show at once" setting

  3. Theme CSS hiding navigation:

    • This is rare but possible
    • Contact your theme developer if settings are enabled but arrows still don't show

Review Images Not Displaying​

Causes and Fixes​

  1. Images disabled in settings:

    • Widget configuration in Review Multiplier app
    • Enable "Show Review Images"
    • Save configuration

  2. No reviews have images:

    • Encourage customers to upload photos with their reviews
    • Check if "Allow image uploads" is enabled in Review Collection settings

  3. Image optimization issue:

    • Review Multiplier automatically optimizes images
    • If images aren't loading, check browser console for 404 errors
    • Contact support if images are missing

Pagination Not Appearing​

Causes and Fixes​

  1. Not enough reviews:

    • Pagination only appears when reviews exceed "Reviews per page" setting
    • Example: If showing 6 per page and you have 5 reviews, no pagination

  2. Pagination disabled:

    • Theme editor > Widget settings
    • Enable "Show Pagination"
    • Save theme

Issue 5: Performance Issues​

Symptoms: Widget loads slowly, page feels sluggish, or widget causes lag.

Cause A: Too Many Reviews Loading​

Loading 20+ reviews per page can slow down your site, especially on mobile devices.

How to Fix​

  1. Reduce reviews per page:

    • Theme editor > Widget settings
    • Change "Reviews per Page" or "Maximum Reviews to Load" to 6-9
    • Save theme

  2. Enable pagination:

    • This loads reviews in chunks rather than all at once
    • Much better performance

Cause B: Image Optimization Not Enabled​

Customer-uploaded images can be large files. Review Multiplier automatically optimizes them, but this must be enabled.

How to Fix​

  1. Open Review Multiplier app
  2. Go to Settings > Display Settings
  3. Ensure Image Optimization is enabled
  4. This compresses images for faster loading

Cause C: Multiple Widgets on Same Page​

Having 3-4 widgets on a single page can cause performance issues.

Best Practices​

  1. Limit to 1-2 widgets per page:

    • Use one main review display (grid or carousel)
    • Optionally add a summary badge
    • Avoid multiple grids/carousels on same page

  2. Use lighter widget types:

    • Review Badge is very lightweight
    • Summary widgets are more performant than full review grids

Installation Method Troubleshooting​

Theme Extension (Shopify 2.0) Issues​

When to use:

  • Your theme supports Shopify 2.0 (app blocks)
  • You want drag-and-drop installation
  • Easiest method for non-technical users

Common issues:

  • "[Widget] not added" error → See Issue 2 above
  • Widget disappears after theme update → Re-add from theme editor
  • Settings not saving → Hard refresh browser and try again

Manual Installation Issues​

When to use:

  • Vintage themes (non-2.0)
  • Highly customized themes
  • When Theme Extension method doesn't work

Common issues:

  1. Code pasted in wrong location:

    • Ensure you're editing the correct template file
    • For product pages: sections/main-product.liquid or templates/product.liquid
    • For homepage: sections/main-homepage.liquid or templates/index.liquid

  2. Code syntax error:

    • Copy the complete embed code without modifications
    • Ensure no extra characters before/after the code
    • Don't remove any parts of the code

  3. Theme editor auto-formatting:

    • Some theme editors auto-format code and break it
    • Use "Disable formatting" if available
    • Paste code exactly as provided

Browser & Cache Issues​

Hard Refresh Instructions​

Always try a hard refresh before assuming something is broken:

  • Chrome (Windows/Linux): Ctrl + Shift + R
  • Chrome (Mac): Cmd + Shift + R
  • Firefox (Windows/Linux): Ctrl + Shift + R
  • Firefox (Mac): Cmd + Shift + R
  • Safari: Cmd + Option + R
  • Edge: Ctrl + Shift + R

Testing in Incognito/Private Mode​

Incognito mode uses a completely fresh browser session with no cache or cookies. This helps isolate cache-related issues.

How to open incognito:

  • Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac)
  • Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac)
  • Safari: Cmd + Shift + N
  • Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N

If widget works in incognito but not regular browsing:

  • The issue is definitely browser cache
  • Clear your cache completely (instructions above)
  • Close and reopen browser

Mobile vs Desktop Differences​

Sometimes widgets appear on desktop but not mobile (or vice versa).

Common Causes​

  1. Responsive settings:

    • Some widgets have separate mobile/desktop settings
    • Check "Mobile columns" settings in theme editor

  2. Mobile theme customization:

    • Your theme may use different sections for mobile
    • Test on actual mobile device, not just browser resize

  3. Mobile caching:

    • Mobile browsers cache aggressively
    • Hard refresh on mobile (varies by browser)
    • Try mobile incognito mode

Still Having Issues?​

If you've worked through this guide and your widget still isn't displaying:

Gather This Information​

Before contacting support, collect:

  1. Store URL (the actual storefront URL where widget should appear)
  2. Widget Configuration ID (from Review Multiplier app)
  3. Installation method (Theme Extension or Manual)
  4. Browser console errors (F12 > Console tab > screenshot any red errors)
  5. What you've tried (from this guide)
  6. Screenshot of the empty widget area

Contact Support​

  1. Open Review Multiplier app
  2. Click Support or Help in the bottom navigation
  3. Provide all the information gathered above
  4. Support team will investigate and respond quickly

Summary​

Most widget display issues fall into these categories:

  1. Incorrect Widget Configuration ID (most common)
  2. Widget status is inactive
  3. No reviews available or filtered out
  4. Theme extension installation incomplete
  5. Browser cache preventing updates

Quick troubleshooting workflow:

  1. Verify Widget Configuration ID is correct
  2. Check widget status is Active
  3. Confirm reviews exist
  4. Hard refresh browser
  5. Check browser console for errors
  6. Review filter settings

Follow this guide systematically and you'll have your widgets displaying correctly in no time. If you're still stuck after trying these solutions, don't hesitate to contact our support team—we're here to help!

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