Authorization error while setting up local development

Topic summary

Issue: Users encounter an authorization error when attempting to use Shopify CLI for local development, despite being logged in as the store owner. The error message states they are not authorized to develop in the provided store.

Common Setup: Affected users are typically on Shopify CLI version 3.68.0 or later, part of the Partner Program, and have already enabled custom app development in store settings.

Initial Troubleshooting Attempts (Unsuccessful):

  • Adding /admin to store URL
  • Creating additional user accounts with owner permissions
  • Enabling app development in settings
  • Commands like shopify login and shopify whoami don’t exist in CLI v3.68+

Working Solutions:

  1. Use the .myshopify.com domain instead of custom domain when running commands:

    shopify theme dev --store=your-store.myshopify.com
    

    Multiple users confirmed this resolved the issue.

  2. Verify app development permissions: Navigate to Settings > Apps and sales channels > Develop apps, then enable “Allow custom app development” for the organization.

  3. Use proper login command: shopify login --store your-store.myshopify.com (without /admin)

Status: Multiple users reported the same problem as of December 2024, with the .myshopify.com domain solution proving most effective.

Summarized with AI on October 24. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

Hi,
I’m new to Shopify and am trying to connect to my store via CLI with the store owner account but I get the following error:

“You are not authorized to use the CLI to develop in the provided store.”

I’ve already tried several solutions that are mentioned online, like adding /admin after the store URL or creating another user account that has the same rights as the store owner and logging in via this account but I will always get the same error. I’ve also checked my settings and allowed app development for the store but still no getting forward.

This somehow seems to be a reoccurring issue as others struggle with this, too.

The store is on the Shopify plan and we’re part of the partner program. Not sure if that’s important. I’m using the latest versions of node.js and npm. Git isn’t set up yet. Shopify CLI version 3.68.0. And I’m working on Mac.

Any help would be highly appreciated!

3 Likes

Hey @cocktailfass ,

It seems like you’re encountering an issue with the permissions when trying to connect via the Shopify CLI. Here are a few things to check and try:

  1. Confirm that you’re logged into the correct Shopify Partner account:

    • Since you’re part of the Partner Program, ensure you are logged in to the correct Partner account that has access to the store. You can check this by running:
    • bash:
shopify whoami
​
  • This will show which account you’re currently logged into.
  • Check App Development Permissions:
  • Make sure that your store has app development enabled. If you’re using a store under your Partner account, double-check the app settings by going to the Apps section in the Shopify admin. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to develop apps for the store.
    1. Create a Store User with Developer Permissions:

      • If you haven’t already, try creating a store user from the Shopify admin with developer permissions and log in through this account. Sometimes using the primary owner account can result in restrictions, depending on the account setup.
    2. Double-check Shopify CLI Version Compatibility:

      • Ensure that you’re using a compatible version of Shopify CLI with your store plan. Shopify CLI 3.68.0 should work fine, but verify that there isn’t a mismatch with the store’s settings, or try updating it:

        bash
        
npm install -g @shopify/shopify-cli
  • Ensure Store API Permissions:

    • In your store’s admin panel, under Apps > Manage private apps, ensure that the API access is granted, including the necessary permissions for development work.
  • Check Store Owner Account:

    • Double-check that the account you’re using is indeed the store owner. Only the store owner has the right level of access to use the CLI for development.
  • Check for Required Development Stores:

    • If you’re trying to work with a development store, ensure it is correctly set up in your Shopify Partner Dashboard. Development stores should automatically allow you to use the CLI.
  • Re-login:

    • Sometimes the authentication token can get corrupted. Try logging out of your Shopify CLI and logging back in:

      bash:

shopify logout
shopify login --store 

- **Use the Correct Store URL**:

  - When specifying the store, ensure you're using the correct store URL without /admin or other unnecessary paths (just the base domain like mystore.myshopify.com).

If after all these steps the issue persists, it might be worth reaching out to Shopify Support for specific assistance regarding your account and store permissions

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Best Regard,
Rajat Sharma

Hi Rajat,

thanks for you reply but I already tried/did all of these things and the error remains.

The commands login and whoami aren’t working either. It tells me that they don’t exist. You’re probably referring to an older CLI version.

I will try to reach out to Shopify for support.

@cocktailfass ,

It sounds like you’re on the right track with reaching out to Shopify Support, especially if you’ve covered all the standard troubleshooting steps. Shopify CLI’s commands and structure have indeed gone through some updates, which might explain why the commands aren’t recognized in your version.

If you need further help navigating Shopify Support or have other technical questions along the way, feel free to ask. Good luck with getting it sorted!

I’d greatly appreciate it if you could like my replies . Your support really helps my profile—thank you!

I’m having the same exact issue as you. Have you had any luck figuring this out? The answer that the other person provided does not work whatsoever since it is for a previous version of the CLI. I’m using the same setup as you. Nothing I do seems to work.

Getting this error:

You are not authorized to use the CLI to develop in the provided store. │
│ │
│ You can’t use Shopify CLI with development stores if you only have Partner staff member │
│ access. If you want to use Shopify CLI to work on a development store, then you should be │
│ the store owner or create a staff account on the store. │
│ │
│ If you’re the store owner, then you need to log in to the store directly using the store URL │
│ at least once before you log in using Shopify CLI.Logging in to the Shopify admin directly │
│ connects the development store with your Shopify login.

I’m using the store owner account so I have no idea why it would think I do not have access. Thanks for any help!

1 Like

Hey @scottlandes ,

Could you please message me via email so we can discuss this in more detail? I’d be happy to assist you further.

Thank you!

Same here as of 12/9/24

Same here today…

also having this error right now

1 Like

Same case using version 3.72.0

Same here as well. Maybe it could be due to the store has a basic plan.

Hi @cocktailfass ,

I faced the same issue when I tried using the following command:

shopify theme dev --store=

but when I replaced "my-current-domain.com" with "given-shopify-domain.myshopify.com" I was able to be authed correctly.

```markup
shopify theme dev --store=

I hope that works for you too.

Best Regards.
3 Likes

This worked for me :+1:

Baarak Allahu feek bro.

1 Like

Thank you very much, this worked for me!

This is what happens when the store permissions are not aligned with what the Shopify CLI requires to work in development. Try this:

In admin, navigate to Settings > Apps and sales channels > Develop apps then for Default for organization, enable Allow custom app development.

Log in using this command: shopify login --store your-store.myshopify.com (No /admin).

Use the store owner or a staff member with full permissions (including install apps).

And if that’s still failing, create a development store in your Partner Dashboard, test the CLI there, then connect to the main store.

That usually clears the authorization problem.