Guidance Needed for MERN-Based Shopify App Development

Shopify Apps

Topic summary

A developer is building a public Shopify app using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) and plans to host it on a custom domain. They have a Shopify Partner account and are preparing for App Store submission.

Key Questions:

  • Is it acceptable to redirect merchants to a custom domain after app installation from the Shopify App Store?
  • Are there specific requirements or restrictions for using custom domains to host the app’s UI?

Context:
The developer wants to ensure their redirect approach complies with Shopify App Store policies and won’t result in rejection during the review process. The discussion remains open with no responses yet addressing these compliance and technical requirements.

Summarized with AI on October 28. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I’m currently building a public Shopify app and plan to publish it on the Shopify App Store. I have a quick question regarding the app installation and redirect process:

  • My app is being developed using a custom tech stack MERN

  • I have a Shopify Partner account, and I also own a custom domain where the app will be hosted.

My question is:
After a merchant installs my app from the Shopify App Store, I would like to redirect them to my own domain to access the dashboard. I want to ensure this approach is compliant with Shopify App Store requirements and won’t cause rejection during app review.

Can you confirm if:

  1. This redirect flow is acceptable for a public app listed on the App Store?

  2. There are any specific requirements or restrictions when using a custom domain for hosting the app UI?