What is the localization cookie?
The localization cookie is generated automatically by Shopify, the e-commerce platform powering the store being visited. It appears as soon as a user visits a Shopify store that has multiple languages or shipping/currency regions enabled.
It isn't a cookie the store owner picks from a list of options — it's part of the standard technical infrastructure of Shopify themes (including Online Store 2.0) that handles content localization.
What data it stores
The cookie generally stores the language code and/or the country/region selected by the visitor (for example, a preference for Romanian, English, or another market available in the store). The exact value format may vary between stores, depending on the localization setup in the theme and any installed Shopify apps.
The value is stored locally in the visitor's browser and sent to Shopify's servers with each request to the store, so pages can be displayed in the correct language or region.
What it is used for
The cookie's purpose is purely functional: it prevents visitors from having to re-select their language or region on every page or on a return visit within the same session. For the store, this means a consistent browsing experience and less friction in the purchase flow.
It is not used for advertising, profiling, or traffic analytics — its role is limited to displaying correctly localized content.
Does it require consent?
Under CookieFix's classification, this cookie falls into the strictly necessary category, since it supports a function explicitly requested by the user (displaying the site in the right language/region) and does not involve tracking or profiling.
- Under GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC, transposed in Romania via Law 506/2004), strictly necessary cookies don't require prior consent.
- Store owners must still disclose it in the cookie policy, including its purpose and duration.
- If localization data is also used for additional purposes, such as region-based marketing personalization, that extended use may require reclassification and consent.
How to block or delete localization
A visitor can delete or block this cookie from browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge – per-site cookie management). The practical effect is that the store will revert to its default language or region on the next visit or page reload.
For Shopify store owners who want centralized control over all cookies, a CMP platform such as CookieFix can automatically block scripts in categories that require consent until the visitor gives their approval, while strictly necessary cookies like this one remain active to support core site functionality.
Frequently asked questions
No, since it's classified as strictly necessary for site functionality, it doesn't require prior consent under GDPR and ePrivacy, but it must be disclosed in the cookie policy.
The store will revert to the default language or region set by the owner, and the preference will need to be selected again on the next visit.
The typical duration is 2 weeks, after which it expires automatically if the visitor doesn't return to the site.
No, its role is strictly to remember the selected language and/or region, without collecting data about browsing behavior or purchases.