Is there any API or way to detect whether “Allow app to block checkout” is enabled for a Checkout UI extension?

Extensions
1

With Shopify’s recent update (Jan 26, 2026) where Checkout UI extensions now default to non-blocking behavior, apps that rely on blocking must require merchants to explicitly enable “Allow app to block checkout” in the Checkout Editor.

I’m currently building a Checkout UI extension that requires blocking behavior to function correctly, and I have a few questions around merchant activation flow.

What I’m trying to achieve

  • Detect whether the merchant has enabled or disabled the “Allow app to block checkout” toggle

  • If it’s disabled, guide the merchant to enable it with a smooth UX

  • Ideally, make this similar to Theme App Extensions, where the app can:

    • Deep-link the merchant to the correct admin page

    • Merchant enables the setting

    • Clicks Save, then returns to the app

My questions

  1. Is there currently any API, GraphQL field, or Admin endpoint that allows an app to programmatically check whether “Allow app to block checkout” is enabled?

  2. Can a Checkout UI extension or Admin app:

    • Detect this state in real time?

    • Or receive any signal / permission status related to checkout blocking?

  3. Is there a recommended deep link pattern to redirect merchants directly to the Checkout Editor with this specific setting highlighted?

  4. Are there any plans to support a Theme Extension–like activation flow for Checkout UI extensions?

I’m aware of the recommendation to:

  • Show warnings via useExtensionEditor()

  • Ask merchants to manually enable the toggle

However, for apps that critically depend on blocking behavior (e.g. checkout validation, address validation, shipping rules), a more guided or detectable activation flow would greatly improve merchant experience.

Would really appreciate any guidance or best practices from the Shopify team or other developers who’ve faced the same situation.

2

Hey there :waving_hand: Thanks for your question!

For 1 and 2, and a new best practice suggestion, you can use useExtensionCapability(‘block_progress’) in your ui-extension to check if the capability is enabled. You can see a recommended code snippet in the buyer journey api docs.

  1. We don’t have have functionality for deep linking to a specific setting unfortunately and I don’t see it on any roadmaps right now.
  2. I also don’t see a “Theme Extension-like activation flow” planned, but will bring the suggestion to our Product team
1 Like
3

Thanks for your response. We look forward to seeing an improvement from your team in the near future.