Installing apps

After you've found an app that you want to use, you need to add it to your store. You can either install it from the Shopify App Store or with a third-party install link. If you want to install a custom app, then you need to use the unique install link provided by the developer.

Install an app through the Shopify App Store

Steps:

1. Log in to the Shopify App Store.
2. Find an app that you want to install, and then click it.
3. On the app listing page, click Install.
4. In your Shopify admin, to authorize the use of the app, click Install.

After the app is installed, you can view and use it from the Apps page in your Shopify admin.

Install an app with a third-party install link

Note

Third-party install links only work for apps created before December 5, 2019. If you click a third-party install link for an app made after that date, then you get an error message in your Shopify admin and can't install the app.

Steps:

1. Get the app install link from the developer's site, and then click the link.
2. In your Shopify admin, to authorize the use of the app, click Install app.

When installing with a third-party install link, you receive a warning that the app isn’t from the Shopify App Store. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the app is unsafe. However, the app has not been through the verification and approval process that’s required for apps that are listed in the Shopify App Store.

Install a custom app

If you hire a developer to build a custom app for your Shopify store, then they provide you with an installation link. Custom app installation links are specific to your store, and can't be used to install the app on another store.

Steps:

1. Get the app install link from the developer, and then click the link.
2. In your Shopify admin, to authorize the use of the app, click Install app.

For security reasons, custom install links expire after seven days. If your link expires, then the app developer needs to provide a new one.

If a developer has a collaborator account on your store, then they can install custom apps for you if you give them the full Manage and install apps and channels permission and activate the Approve app charges permisson. Learn more about store permissions.