Unable to connect a theme

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Problem: A user cannot connect a theme from a GitHub repository in Shopify (Online Store > Themes > Theme Library > Add theme > Connect from GitHub). Clicking Connect yields no response, while colleagues can connect the same themes. The user tried clearing cookies, multiple browsers, and inspecting for errors; none appeared.

Likely causes discussed:

  • Insufficient Shopify permissions for GitHub integration and theme management; account-level issue vs. others with higher privileges.
  • GitHub app authorization or access token misconfiguration in Shopify (Apps and Sales Channels > GitHub).
  • Repository access/setup: public vs. private, user’s write access, correct default/selected branch, presence of config/settings_data.json.

Suggested actions:

  • Verify and, if needed, request required permissions from the store owner/admin.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the GitHub app in Shopify; reauthorize with GitHub.
  • Ensure repo/branch accessibility and correct selection; test incognito/disable extensions.
  • Check Shopify notifications/activity logs for backend errors.
  • If unresolved, contact Shopify Support with steps tried, repo/permission details, and screenshots.

Status: No confirmed resolution; the original poster acknowledged the help with thanks.

Summarized with AI on December 14. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hello!

I’m having trouble connecting themes I’ve created.

Here’s my method:

Create the theme → go to Shopify, Online Store, Themes → Theme Library, Add Theme → Connect from GitHub → find the theme, click Connect.

Nothing happens.

My colleagues can connect my themes and their own themes using the exact same process without issue.

I’ve cleared my cookies, tried different browsers, checked the elements - no errors anywhere; nothing seems to fix this.

Can anyone from Shopify help please?

2

Ensure your Shopify account has the necessary permissions:

  • Check with the store owner or admin if you have the required GitHub integration and theme management permissions.
  • Permissions for Online Store and Themes are essential.
  • Ensure the repository is public or you’ve properly connected your GitHub account to Shopify if the repository is private.
  • If private, ensure you have the correct GitHub access token configured for your account. You can verify this in:

    • Shopify Admin > Settings > Apps and Sales Channels > GitHub.

    • Disconnect and Reconnect GitHub:

      • Go to Apps and Sales Channels in Shopify Admin.
      • Remove the GitHub app.
      • Reinstall the GitHub app and reauthorize it with your GitHub account.

    • Repository Settings:

      • Verify that the branch you’re trying to connect has a valid config/settings_data.json file. Missing or misconfigured settings may cause issues.
3

It sounds like you’ve taken all the logical troubleshooting steps already. The fact that your colleagues can connect the same themes using the same process suggests the issue might be specific to your account or its permissions. Here are some additional steps to resolve this:

1. Confirm GitHub App Permissions- Ensure that your Shopify account has the required permissions to manage themes. If your colleagues have higher admin privileges, they may be able to perform actions you cannot.

  • Check that the GitHub app in your Shopify account is properly authorized. Go to Apps > GitHub in your Shopify admin to verify.

2. Verify GitHub Repository Access- Ensure your GitHub account has write access to the repository. Shopify requires proper access to pull the theme from GitHub.

3. Double-check Repository Setup- Verify that the repository is public or, if private, correctly configured to allow Shopify to access it.

  • Confirm that the branch you’re trying to connect to is the default branch or specified correctly during the connection process.

4. Check for Shopify-specific Errors- Log into your Shopify admin and go to Settings > Notifications, or use Shopify’s debugging tools to check for error logs.

  • If possible, enable Shopify’s activity logs to confirm whether the connection request is reaching Shopify’s backend.

5. Clear Cache and Debug Further- While you’ve already cleared cookies and tried different browsers, try incognito mode or disabling extensions that may interfere with GitHub integrations (like ad blockers or script blockers).

6. Reach Out to Shopify Support- If none of these work, contact Shopify Support directly and provide the following:

  • Steps you’ve already tried.
  • A detailed explanation of your setup, including GitHub repository details and permissions.
  • Screenshots or screen recordings of your process.

Shopify’s support team can investigate from their side and may identify backend issues with your account or integration.

4

Thank you!!

1 Like
5

Thanks for your help.