Building a non-embedded Shopify app – can I skip App Bridge and session tokens?

Partner Discussions
1

Hi everyone,

I’m currently building a Shopify app and wondering if I really have to implement App Bridge and the session token flow.

I understand these are required for embedded apps in the Shopify Admin. I know you need to handle the host parameter, keep it in all routes, and initialize App Bridge on every page to get session tokens for authentication.

But I actually don’t want that. My goal is more like Klaviyo:
:white_check_mark: Merchant installs the app via Shopify.
:white_check_mark: After install, they’re redirected to my own external web app.
:white_check_mark: No embedded Admin UI, no iframe, no App Bridge, no session tokens—just OAuth once, then my own UI and login system.

My questions:
:right_arrow: Is this officially supported?
:right_arrow: Can I disable the embedded mode in the Partner Dashboard?
:right_arrow: Will Shopify approve an app that simply has an Admin link redirecting to my website?

I want to deliberately keep the merchant experience separate and fully under my control, outside the Shopify Admin.

Has anyone here built an app this way and can confirm Shopify allows it?
Thanks for any tips!

Best,
Alwin

2

These docs will give you information on the authorization methods available for non-embedded apps.

3

Keep in mind, you will not be able to apply for Built for Shopify status if your app is not embedded.