Feasibility of a Public App Without an Admin Interface

Topic summary

A developer is creating a public Shopify app that would only provide import and export functionality, without including a traditional admin interface. They’re seeking confirmation on whether this approach meets Shopify’s requirements for public apps.

Current Status:

  • The question remains unanswered with no definitive guidance yet provided
  • One community member suggested contacting Shopify support directly or consulting senior Shopify staff for official clarification

Key Uncertainty:
Whether Shopify’s public app guidelines permit apps without admin interfaces, focusing solely on data import/export capabilities

Summarized with AI on October 31. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

We are developing a public app, but instead of providing an admin interface, we plan to offer only import and export functionality. Would this be acceptable?

Hi @oscprofessional I personally can’t say for sure since I haven’t encountered any like that but I think your best bet would be to ask Shopify support directly if this will be possible or if you can enquire from a senior Shopify staff.