How to Test Shopify Apps Without Shopify App Store Approval
Z
Zack Saadioui
1/14/2025
How to Test Shopify Apps Without Shopify App Store Approval
Testing your Shopify apps before launching them can be quite a challenge, especially when considering the guidelines and approval processes laid out by Shopify. However, there are avenues that can help you ensure your app is FUNCTIONING properly and ready to serve merchants effectively without going through the app store approval process. Below, I'll explore various ways to test your Shopify apps effectively and efficiently.
Understanding the Shopify App Ecosystem
Before we dive into the testing methods, let’s first set the stage with an overview of the Shopify app development landscape. Shopify is a massive e-commerce platform that relies heavily on apps to enhance its functionality. Developers can create public or private apps, and each has different testing and deployment requirements.
Public vs. Private Apps
When developing apps for Shopify, you generally have two types:
Public Apps: These are listed in the Shopify App Store and undergo a standard review process before they are made available to merchants.
Private Apps: These are designed for a single store and can be installed without the need for approval from Shopify. These apps are a great way to customize and enhance a specific merchant's store functionality.
The Importance of Testing Shopify Apps
Regardless of the type of app you are working on, thorough testing is necessary. Proper testing helps identify bugs, ensure compliance with Shopify’s standards, and ensures a positive user experience for merchants.
Why Test Without App Store Approval?
Testing without app store approval means you can focus on functionality and performance without being tied to the stringent requirements provided by Shopify. This flexibility allows developers to:
Validate app functionality quickly.
Iterate on feedback more rapidly.
Test integrations with custom solutions and features.
1. Utilizing Development Stores for Testing
One of the easiest ways to test your Shopify app is to create a development store. These stores are specifically designed for app developers to build and test apps without negatively affecting any live stores.
Steps to Create a Development Store
Log into your Partner Dashboard: Head over to Shopify Partners and log in.