How to update identifier_exists through Shopify?

Shopify Apps

Topic summary

Google Merchant Center warnings for Shopify’s Google channel show “Limited performance due to missing identifiers [gtin, mpn, brand].” Core fix: create a Feed Rule in GMC (Feeds > Content API > Feed rules) and set identifier_exists to “no” (Google’s updated value; “false” still works). Apply/test and wait—changes often reflect within ~24 hours; verify via Products > All products > Final attributes.

Targeting/scale:

  • For only some products (e.g., custom), target feed rules using conditions or use a supplement feed.
  • Bulk editing these fields in Shopify is limited; consider a third‑party bulk product editor.

Data guidance:

  • If identifier_exists = no, leave brand, mpn, and gtin empty to avoid contradictions.
  • Some categories require GTIN; setting identifier_exists to no won’t remove warnings—submit valid barcodes or accept limited performance and ineligibility for enhanced free listings.

Troubleshooting notes:

  • Two warnings differ: missing identifiers vs missing value [gtin]; the latter persists in GTIN‑required categories.
  • If historical data used “FALSE,” add a rule to standardize “FALSE” to “No.”
  • To remove a mistaken supplement, save as draft then apply to complete deletion.

Outcome: Many merchants report the feed‑rule fix cleared warnings; unresolved cases involve GTIN‑required categories. Discussion remains partly open for edge cases.

Summarized with AI on January 18. AI used: gpt-5.
15

Hi, I have a similar problem with Google Merchant Store. I am selling Aquarium Filters and I think this is one of the categories that require GTIN barcodes.

2 weeks of time after I submitted my products to Merchant Store, products are still pending with GTIN warnings. Even though I set products as custom on Shopify Google app, data on Merchant Store says that the API posted identifier_exist as true, so Google tries to search for a barcode at this situation. When I add a rule for it to change identifier_exist to false, then it says This item has an internationally recognized, unique identifier. Submit a valid GTIN, and either set this value to true or remove this value. So how can I solve this problem, is deleting the product category is going to solve this problem? I am selling these products on Amazon and my own store too, can I use the ASIN number for this?

Or there is no way for me to list my products on the Google Merchant Store?