How to fix the error Unpublishing payments app extensions and versions is not permitted?

Shopify Apps
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Topic summary

Error encountered when launching a new payment app version for testing: “Unpublishing payments app extensions and versions is not permitted.” The issue appears tied to changes in how Shopify handles payment apps.

Key suggestions shared:

  • Verify app permissions and any new Shopify API requirements.
  • Check recent Shopify platform updates/announcements about payment app version handling.
  • Publish a new version instead of attempting to unpublish an existing one.
  • Contact Shopify Support via the Partner Dashboard for definitive guidance.
  • Use a staging environment or a separate app listing for testing.

Latest findings:

  • Deploying configuration via Shopify CLI removes the off-site payment extension and doesn’t create/link it.
  • Making changes in the Partner Dashboard and generating a new version does create/link the payment extension.
  • The app uses API version 2023; the author suspects the old API version may prevent the CLI from generating the extension.

Notes:

  • Screenshots are central, illustrating the extension not linked after CLI deployment versus linked after dashboard versioning.

Status:

  • Unresolved. Open questions include whether an API version update is required and whether Shopify has changed policies/processes for payment app extensions.
Summarized with AI on December 20. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi, there

Im trying to launch a new version of a payment app for testing and I’m receiving the following error:

“Unpublishing payments app extensions and versions is not permitted”

How to fix it? I have always used this flow to release new versions for testing, but have not gotten this error previously

2

Hey Daniloab,

Heddy from Gameball here.

The error message you’re seeing, “Unpublishing payments app extensions and versions is not permitted,” usually occurs when there’s a change in Shopify’s policies or how they handle payment apps.

Here are a few things you might want to check or try:

  1. Double-Check Permissions: Make sure that your app has the necessary permissions for the actions you’re trying to perform. Sometimes, changes in Shopify’s API or app handling can introduce new requirements.

  2. Check for Updates or Announcements: Shopify occasionally updates its platform, and it’s possible that there has been a recent change in how they handle payment app versions. Look for any recent updates or announcements from Shopify that might explain this new restriction.

  3. Consider Using a New Version: If unpublishing is no longer allowed, you might need to create a new version or extension and publish it separately for testing instead of trying to unpublish an existing one.

  4. Reach Out to Shopify Support: Since this seems to be a new issue, contacting Shopify Support or using their Partner Dashboard support might give you a clearer answer. They can provide insights specific to your app and possibly guide you through any new processes.

  5. Testing in a Staging Environment: If you’re trying to test changes, consider setting up a staging environment or using a separate app listing specifically for testing purposes. This way, you avoid conflicts with the live version.

This error might be part of a broader change in how Shopify manages payment apps, so checking in with support could be key to figuring out the exact cause and solution.

Hope this helps!

3

First of all thanks for answering!

I discovered something when I deployed the config directly through the CLI. It is removing my off-site payment extension.

This example shows Shopify does not create or link the extension on it when deploying by cli:

Screenshot 2024-08-29 at 09.18.55.png
Screenshot 2024-08-29 at 09.18.55.png1007×170 6.41 KB

But, if I go to the partner dashboard, change something on the payment app, and generate a new version:

Screenshot 2024-08-29 at 09.18.42.png
Screenshot 2024-08-29 at 09.18.42.png972×178 10.5 KB

Im trying to understand if is something related to the API version of this specific payment app. The version is 2023, may when deploying by cli does not generate the extension because of the old version