Install dev custom app embedded and extensions on non-development store for testing purposes

Shopify Apps
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Topic summary

Topic: Getting app extensions (blocks/embedded) to appear when installing a development-stage custom app on a production store.

  • Problem: After installing a custom app (not listed/approved) on a production store, the embedded admin app worked via App Bridge, but no app extensions appeared in the theme editor.

  • Resolution: It is possible to use extensions with a custom app in this scenario. You must deploy the extensions: run “npm run deploy” to push the first version. Once deployed, extensions show up in the theme customizer; subsequent deploys update them automatically.

  • Additional clarification: Serving the embedded app and multiple extensions from the same repository is optional. What matters is that extensions are linked to the same Shopify app (CLIENT_ID/app_id) and are placed in the extensions folder so “npm run deploy” can discover and publish them. Deployment strategy (deploy all vs. only changed) is up to the team.

  • Status: Resolved with clear steps; no outstanding technical blockers noted.

Summarized with AI on December 30. AI used: gpt-5.
1

We have worked on a Shopify app that has both app bridge embedded which can be used on the admin panel on the left side, and as well, some extensions both app blocks and app embedded.

We have arrived to at a good point in development, testing within development store went very well and we wish to try the app on a production store even if the app is currently in development (not listed, neither approved). So, the chosen distribution method is Custom app for a targeted customer store.

After installation, we could find the app bridge embedded part working but NO app extensions, when accessing the theme customization there were no app extensions.

Is it possible to install app extensions in development using custom apps?

2

For those that will find this useful.

After having created the custom app and installed it on any production store to have the app extensions, wether they are blocks or embedded you’ll need to deploy.

So, run “npm run deploy” and push your first version, after having done so, you’ll see your extensions automatically customizing the theme within the visual editor.

And also, everytime a new version is deployed those will be updated.

2 Likes
3

Were you able to serve the embedded app and extensions from the same repository? We are working on the same thing and have an embeded app in the admin panel and 3 extensions to deploy. Not sure if they can or have to come from the same repository in GitHub or whatever platform we use.

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Hi, I think what matters is that those extensions are linked to the Shopify CLIENT_ID (or app_id), and within the extensions folter, so when you run “npm run deploy” locally or on any pipeline, those are found.

From here of course there are more questions as, you wish to deploy all three always, or only when modified etc.

I suggest you, but also I suppose you already went ahead and created a new topic discussion.