Auto-generated by Markets
Enable Markets with multiple languages. Shopify adds <link rel='alternate' hreflang='en-US'> for each language on every page.
Variant URLs + hreflang
Variant URLs share the base product page. hreflang points to product URL (not variant permutation).
x-default
Shopify auto-sets x-default to your default market. Fallback for users not matching any specific language.
Verification
Google Search Console → International Targeting → hreflang report. Verify each language pair is bidirectional.
Frequently asked questions
Does Shopify auto-generate hreflang?
Yes — Markets with multiple languages auto-adds hreflang tags.
hreflang for variant URLs?
Points to base product URL. Variants canonical to base.
x-default value?
Shopify auto-sets to default market. Change in Markets settings.
Verify hreflang setup?
Google Search Console → International Targeting → hreflang report.
Common hreflang mistakes?
Missing bidirectional links (US → EU but not EU → US). Shopify auto-links prevents this.
hreflang vs canonical?
canonical = duplicate content prevention. hreflang = language/region targeting. Both together.
Manual hreflang override?
Advanced — edit theme.liquid. Rare need.
hreflang for personalized products?
Same as any product page. Personalization doesn't create new URLs.
Related reading
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