Rejected for Rule 2.3.1 (Manual Entry) – How to implement App Store flow for a brand-new, unpublished app?

Shopify App Store
1

Hi everyone,

I’m seeking some guidance on Shopify App Store Requirement 2.3.1 (Initiate installation from a Shopify-owned surface).

My app was recently rejected because my external landing page includes a text input for users to manually enter their .myshopify.com URL. I understand that I need to remove this and redirect to a Shopify-owned surface, but as a new developer with an app that has never been published, I’m stuck on the implementation.

The Issue:

  1. My app is currently “Paused/Draft” in the Partner Dashboard.

  2. My shopify.app.toml doesn’t have a handle set yet, so my preview URL is just a long ID string: https://apps.shopify.com/9b1dsdfdsf8sdf9ds98fas9dfsd9fsf8d9sfc-dummy/preview/en.

  3. Because I am not listed, I don’t have a “live” App Store URL (like 1. apps.shopify.com/app-name) to link my website button to.

My Questions:

  • If I remove the manual URL entry from my website, how do I “Initiate installation” for a new user who finds my website first?

  • Should I just link my “Install” button to the “Preview” URL, or is there a way to define my permanent handle now so the link doesn’t break later?

  • For those who passed recently: Did you just remove the input field and tell the reviewer to use the “Test Store” button in the Partner Dashboard, or did you have to provide a working “Install” button on your site during the review?

Any advice on the cleanest way to satisfy this requirement for a first-time listing would be greatly appreciated!

2

Just remove the link from your website for now. And once you’re approved you can add it back to link to the app store listing.

3

Thank you for the response.