Introduction

As Shopify transitions to the new admin.shopify.com domain, developers may encounter challenges when testing embedded apps in development stores. Previously, testing environments automatically used myshopify.com domains, which meant apps could not be easily debugged or previewed in the new admin.shopify.com URL structure. This guide provides insights and solutions to help you navigate testing your Shopify app using the new domain structure for accurate testing and troubleshooting.

1. Understanding the New admin.shopify.com Domain

The recent transition to the admin.shopify.com domain reflects Shopify’s ongoing improvements to the platform, aiming for a streamlined, centralized admin experience for users. This domain standardization impacts developers testing apps, as some features, user flows, and domain-based scripts may behave differently under the new structure.

Testing app installations within this domain structure is essential for ensuring compatibility and functionality before deploying your app to live stores, as customers are already using admin.shopify.com, which could reveal undiscovered bugs.

2. Testing Limitations on Development Stores

Testing embedded apps on development stores under the admin.shopify.com domain is currently limited. Most development stores default to the myshopify.com URL, making it challenging to simulate the exact environment experienced by live customers.

Key limitations include:

• Inability to directly set a development store to the new admin.shopify.com URL by default.
• Differences in redirection behavior and user flow between the two domain structures.
• Unpredictable domain-based features such as session tokens, authentication flows, and resource loading.

3. Why Shopify Transitioned to a New Domain

The switch to admin.shopify.com for Shopify’s admin interface aims to unify the user experience across all Shopify stores and reduce dependency on individual store URLs. This centralized approach can enhance security, create a more consistent user experience, and allow Shopify to roll out features faster. However, it has also introduced testing and compatibility considerations for developers, making it important to adapt and test apps accordingly.

4. Preparing Your App for Testing on admin.shopify.com

To ensure compatibility with admin.shopify.com, there are a few best practices for app development:

• Update URL Handling: Review and update your app’s URL handling logic to ensure compatibility with the new domain.
• Check Embedded App Settings: Ensure embedded apps function properly under the admin.shopify.com domain by testing on live stores or modified test stores.
• Monitor Redirect Behavior: Test redirection logic to handle potential cross-domain behavior, as some session and authentication tokens may behave differently on this domain.

5. Contacting Shopify Partner Support for Access

Some Shopify Partners have successfully tested their apps on the new admin.shopify.com domain by contacting Shopify Partner Support. Shopify Support may “convert” a development store to access the new domain or apply a beta flag to the store, which allows developers to preview the admin.shopify.com environment.

Steps to request access:

1. Log in to your Shopify Partner Dashboard and initiate a support chat or email.
2. Request that your development store be granted access to the new admin.shopify.com domain for testing purposes.
3. Provide details about your app and explain how the admin.shopify.com domain impacts your testing requirements.

While results vary, this approach has worked for some developers who received beta flags enabling the new domain on their test stores.

6. Alternative Debugging Methods

If accessing the new domain remains unavailable, here are some alternative approaches for testing:

• Use a Live Store for Testing: You can install your app on a live store (with owner permission) that uses admin.shopify.com, allowing you to test in the new environment.
• Simulate Domain Differences Locally: Set up local development configurations to mimic domain changes in session handling and URL resolution.
• Monitor Customer Feedback: Track any customer-reported issues related to admin.shopify.com behavior to identify areas needing further testing.

7. Future Outlook and What to Expect

As Shopify continues rolling out admin.shopify.com, it’s likely that future updates will accommodate more flexible testing options for developers. Shopify’s developer feedback channels, such as Partner Slack and support forums, have indicated that the platform is aware of current limitations, and they may provide additional tools for streamlined testing in the future.

Conclusion

Testing embedded apps on Shopify’s new admin.shopify.com domain has posed challenges for developers, but workarounds and support solutions exist. Contacting Shopify Partner Support and requesting conversion to the admin.shopify.com domain on a test store is a key option to consider. By staying adaptable and maintaining open lines of communication with Shopify’s support team, you can prepare your app to function smoothly on this new domain structure.

FAQs

• Can I force my development store to use admin.shopify.com?
  Currently, no. You need to contact Shopify Partner Support to request domain access for testing on admin.shopify.com.
• What changes should I make to my app for the new domain?
  Review URL handling, session tokens, and embedded app settings to ensure compatibility with admin.shopify.com.
• Will Shopify offer easier access to this domain in the future?
  Shopify is likely to improve testing flexibility for developers, as feedback from the developer community is under review.
• Can I test on a live store instead of a development store?
  Yes, with permission from the store owner, you can test your app on a live store using admin.shopify.com.