How to create a non-embedded app in shopify

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Topic summary

  • Goal: build a non-embedded Shopify app (runs outside the Shopify Admin iframe).

  • Options:

    • Single-store: create a Private App to obtain API credentials and call the Admin API/Storefront API from your own client.
    • Public app: you can choose not to embed it. In the Partner dashboard (App Setup), go to Embedded app → Manage → Disable (a screenshot illustrates this path).

  • Implementation notes:

    • Do not use Shopify App Bridge or EASDK (and avoid libraries that depend on them, e.g., shopify_app), since they are for embedded apps.
    • Converting an app built with the shopify_app gem: set config.embedded_app = false in config/initializers/shopify_app.rb, and ensure the frontend does not force iframe redirects (e.g., set config.forceRedirect = false in _app.js).

  • Status:

    • Practical steps were shared for both private and public apps, including disabling the Embedded app setting and code changes to prevent App Bridge behavior.
    • Whether a non-embedded public app will be approved by Shopify was asked but not answered; the discussion remains open on that point.
Summarized with AI on January 27. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hello,

I have been here and there to find that how to create a non embedded app in shopify And not yet find any helpful documentation for this, I want to load my app outside from shopify i frame, If anyone has achieved this please guide us steps to accomplish this. I thank you so much for hearing me.

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Hi @sbdev ,

Are you trying to build a public app, or just an app for your one store only?

If it is just an app for your store, you need to create a Private App. When you create a Private App, you will get API credentials. With these API credentials, you can make any request you want to the Shopify Admin API and Storefront API through any client you want. Follow these guides for help here: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/apps/private-apps, https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-a-private-app-with-shopify-admin, https://weeklyhow.com/shopify-private-app/

If its a public app, make sure in the partner dashboard you select to not embed your app into the Shopify Admin: https://shopify.dev/tutorials/embed-your-app-in-the-shopify-admin

In both cases, make sure you do not use the Shopify App Bridge library or EASDK (or another library/gem which uses these client side libraries - like shopify_app), as these client side libraries are for embedding your app into the Admin.

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Hi @hassain

I have build a Shopify Embedded App using shopify_app gem.

But I am not sure how I can convert a Embedded App into non-embedded App.

In config/initializers/shopify_app.rb, I have changed to

config.embedded_app = false

But the App still is in the AppBridge. Can you please help me?

Thank you.

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set config.forceRedirect in _app.js as false

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Hi @hassain

I am building a Shopify public app, Can I use the non-embedded app for public app. Can this is right approach? Will Shopify approves my app, If I use the non-embedded app for public app.

Note:- I know If I am using non-embedded app, I should not use Shopify App Bridge.

6

Apps → App → App Setup → Scroll down → Embedded app → Manage → Disable

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