Unpublished app deprecation frequently asked questions

An unpublished app was a type of public app that could be installed by one or more merchants. Unpublished apps had the same functionality as other public apps, but weren't required to be reviewed and approved by Shopify to ensure quality and security. Unpublished apps couldn't be created as of December 9, 2019.

Why is Shopify deprecating unpublished apps?

In the interest of merchant trust and security, we require all unpublished apps to be reviewed by the Shopify App Store review team and updated to meet the requirements for either public or custom apps. Public app requirements ensure that Shopify apps provide the best experience across the app lifecycle including branding, installation, onboarding, functionality, and quality.

What steps have been taken so far?

Unpublished apps with no installations on active stores had their API access revoked. If you want to test your app, then you can create a new app to test on a development store. Apps on development stores display as merchant installations in the Partner Dashboard. We're working to make this badging clear.

Unpublished apps that are installed on one active store, or on multiple stores in a single organization, can no longer be installed. Unpublished apps that are installed on active stores in two or more organizations must be submitted for review or sunset. You'll receive an email at the business email that's associated with your account, which outlines next steps, including the deadline to submit your app(s) for review. If no action is taken by that date, then you'll receive a 60-day notice that your app's API access will be revoked, and your app(s) will be uninstalled from any merchant stores. Shopify will provide additional support to minimize Partner and merchant impact.

If you believe that any action was taken in error, or have additional concerns, then reach out to Shopify Support by logging into your Partner account from the Help Center, and then selecting either chat or email support, or by using your Shopify Partner Dashboard. When you log in, you can select your Partner organization name for questions related to your Partner Account.

How long do I have to submit my app for review?

Apps that are installed on stores in two organizations or more must be submitted for review or sunset. You will receive an email at the business email associated with your account that outlines next steps, including the deadline to submit your app(s) for review. If no action is taken by that date, then you'll receive a 60-day notice that your app's API access will be revoked and your app(s) will be uninstalled from merchant stores. Shopify will provide additional support to minimize Partner and merchant impact.

Will existing merchants with my app installed be impacted?

Existing merchants with your app installed will not be immediately impacted. However, apps installed on stores in two organizations or more that haven't been submitted for review or sunset by the required date will have their API access revoked and be uninstalled from all merchant stores. You will be notified at least 60 days prior to any changes being made, and Shopify will provide additional support to minimize Partner and merchant impact.

What can I do to ensure that there’s no disruption to merchants who have my app installed?

Create an app listing and submit your app for review. You can set the visibility of your public app to listed or unlisted.

Do existing merchants need to take any action after my app becomes Public?

No, merchants won't need to reinstall or re-accept OAuth permissions after your app has been reviewed and approved.

How does this change impact unpublished apps that developers use as a staging environment?

Unpublished apps used as staging environments that are not installed on an active store will need to be rebuilt as draft apps. For more information, refer to the best practice for testing your app.

Does my app need to be discoverable in the Shopify App Store?

You can choose to make your app unlisted by changing your app’s visibility at in the Shopify App Store at any time.

Controlling access to your app varies based on the app type you choose. For example, you can set the visibility of you public app to unlisted, to allow select merchants to install your app without it being discoverable by others.

Can I sunset my own app?

Yes, as long as this is started before our review. For information about best practice, refer to sunsetting your apps.

My dashboard shows that I have merchant installs. Why was my app deprecated?

Our Partner Dashboard includes affiliate and test stores in its merchant install count. This is currently being revised and will be fixed in a future update. Apps that have been deprecated had zero active merchant installs.

What resources are available to app developers to support this transition?

The following resources can help you transition an unpublished app to published: