App installation blocked with “This app is under review” even from Dev Dashboard

Shopify Apps
1

Hello Shopify Team,

We are facing an issue while trying to install our app from the Developer Dashboard. When attempting installation, we see the error message check attached screenshot

This app is under review. Dev Pricing & Discount Suite needs to be reviewed by Shopify before it can be installed. Contact the app developer for more information about this app.

Our situation:

The app is configured for public distribution, since we have implemented billing (Shopify requires public distribution for billing).

However, installation is blocked with the “under review” message, even when installing directly from the Dev Dashboard.

In the past, with our other two partner accounts, we were able to install apps across partner accounts using custom distribution. But this option also seems unavailable now.

Questions:

How can we test or install our app while it is still pending review?

Is there any way to enable custom distribution for testing between partner accounts, or has this been deprecated?

Additionally, where can we find the webhook version for our app inside the Shopify Admin?

Any guidance on how to proceed here would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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2

Hi @SatishMantri,

Thanks for sharing the screenshot — that red banner message “This app is under review” is the key here. It confirms that Shopify has locked installation because your app is set for public distribution with billing enabled. In this state, the app cannot be installed anywhere until it passes Shopify’s review.

Here’s how this relates to what you’re seeing on screen:

1. Why the “under review” banner shows up

  • In your screenshot, Shopify is blocking installation even though you’re trying from the Dev Dashboard.

  • That’s expected behavior for public apps pending approval — Shopify only allows installs on dev stores tied to the same partner account.

2. Testing options you still have

  • If you create additional development stores under the same partner account, you’ll be able to install and test your app there despite the “under review” message.

  • What you can’t do anymore (as your screenshot suggests you tried) is install across other partner accounts — that old custom distribution path has been deprecated.

3. For billing tests

  • Because billing requires public distribution, you’ll need to wait for review approval before you can test with real external stores.

  • Until then, stick to your dev stores within this account for end-to-end testing.

4. Webhooks / API versioning

  • While not visible in your screenshot, webhook “versions” are tied to the Admin API version (e.g., 2024-01). You’ll find and set this in your Partner Dashboard app settings, not the Admin.

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In short, your screenshot reflects Shopify’s current rules: apps with billing + public distribution = review required before broader installs. For now, keep testing in dev stores on the same partner account until your app passes review.

3

Hey @SatishMantri,

Thanks for posting this to Shopify community. This is very straight forward and very easy to understand situation.

Actually the app that you are trying to install may violate the rules of Shopify and that’s why shopify put it under reviews. This is very common. So, you need to wait until it’s become live or the Shopify support team review it.

Thanks

4

Hi @SatishMantri,

Great question — this situation can definitely be confusing since Shopify changed app distribution and testing rules over the past year. Let me break it down:

1. Why you’re seeing the “under review” message

  • Once you enable public distribution with billing, the app cannot be installed until it passes Shopify’s review.

  • This is by design, to protect merchants from unreviewed apps that charge fees.

  • That’s why you were able to install via custom distribution before, but not now. Custom/private installs have been limited if billing is enabled.

2. Testing while pending review

  • The only way to test an app with billing enabled before approval is on a development store linked to your partner account.

  • From your Dev Dashboard, you should still be able to install it onto a dev store under the same partner account.

  • Installing to other partner accounts or live merchant stores is blocked until review is complete.

3. Custom distribution

  • As you suspected, Shopify has deprecated the older “custom distribution” path for apps with billing.

  • If you want to test outside your own account, the workaround is to temporarily remove billing, switch to custom distribution, test, then re-enable billing before resubmission.

4. Webhook versioning

  • Webhooks aren’t versioned inside the Admin UI.

  • They are tied to the API version you call. For example:
    https://{shopDomain}/admin/api/2025-04/graphql.json
    If you’re subscribing to webhooks programmatically, make sure you’re using the same version string (2025-04 in your case).

  • You can also confirm webhook subscriptions via your Partner Dashboard > App Setup > Webhooks.

    Recommended next step:

  • If you need to keep billing enabled, test only on your own dev stores until Shopify approves the app.

  • If broader testing is required first, disable billing, use custom distribution, then re-enable billing before submitting for review.

This way, you’ll be aligned with Shopify’s current rules and avoid further install roadblocks.