Shopify app listing

Shopify Apps

Topic summary

A developer asks whether they can create a Shopify app that isn’t published on the App Store but can still be used by other users, and how to implement this.

Solution Identified:
Multiple respondents confirm this is possible through custom apps (also called unlisted apps):

  • Custom apps don’t appear in App Store search results or categories
  • Can be installed via direct installation links provided by the developer
  • Can be hosted on the developer’s own server (AWS, Heroku, DigitalOcean, etc.)

Implementation Steps:

  1. Activate custom app development in Shopify admin
  2. Create and configure the custom app
  3. Set up API credentials and permissions
  4. Host on preferred server
  5. Provide installation link to users

Key Resources Shared:

  • Shopify’s official custom apps documentation
  • Distribution method selection guide

The discussion reached a clear resolution with consistent guidance from multiple contributors.

Summarized with AI on October 25. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hello everyone, I have a couple of questions and would appreciate your guidance:

  1. If I don’t want to publish my Shopify app on the App Store, but instead host it on my own server as an unlisted app, is it possible to still make it available for other users?

  2. If yes, could you please explain the process? Any examples or documentation links would be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support.

2

Hi @user198

Think you are looking for the Custom apps documentation

https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/apps/app-types/custom-apps

You can install a custom app by clicking an install link provided to you by the app’s developer

3

As mentioned, a custom app is what you’re describing. Here’s some different documentation with more info:

2 Likes
5

Hi @user198 ,

Yes, you can develop a custom app for your Shopify store and host it on your own server as an unlisted app. Unlisted apps are not displayed in the Shopify App Store search results or categories, but they can be installed from the app’s App Store listing or directly from the developer’s website

To get started, you can refer to Shopify’s official documentation on creating and installing custom apps:

:link: Shopify Custom Apps Documentation

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to:

  • Activate custom app development in your Shopify admin.

  • Create a custom app and configure its settings.

  • Set up API credentials and permissions.

  • Install the app on your store.

Once your app is developed and ready, you can host it on your preferred server (such as AWS, Heroku, or DigitalOcean) and provide the installation link to your clients. They can then install the app directly from the link without it being listed in the Shopify App Store.

Best regards,
Felix