Shopify API Key: Easiest Guide to Get in 2024

Should a person be a Shopify user, he must be familiar with terms like API, known as an application programming interface. In general, Shopify API Key enables users to access a program's functionality or data so that it may be handled by another application. In order to generate the Shopify API keys, you will have to choose between creating public apps or private apps.

Don’t fret, you are in good hands! In this article, LitExtension – #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert will walk you through:

• What is Shopify API Key?
• How to Get Shopify API Key for Private Apps?
• How to Get Shopify API Key for Public Apps?
• Key differences between Shopify Public Apps and Shopify Private Apps 

What is Shopify API Key?

If you are fed up with reading walls of text, check out our latest detailed Shopify API Tutorial below to get step-by-step instructions.

To merchants/store owners/vendors, generating API keys helps them integrate with sales tax tools, connect their store with the Shopify CRM system or such.

Getting API keys indeed involves different procedures. This depends on whether you're creating a private app for a specific store or a public app for the Shopify App store as a whole.

How to Get Shopify API Key for Private Apps?

In terms of authenticating with Shopify Private Apps, you can get API Keys (i.e. API Key and Secret Key) by using the Partner dashboard or your Shopify admin panel.

#1: Getting keys to run migration with LitExtension

To get API key to run either demo or full migration to a new store with LitExtension, you will need to get Admin API access token.

Here's how:

• First, log into your Shopify admin panel, go to Settings.
• Then, click on Apps and sales channels.

• Now, click on Develop apps.

•  On the next page, hit Create an app and enter your App name.

• Click on Configure Admin API scopes.

• In this area, scroll down and tick all Permissions “Read_….” and “Write_…” (if any).

• Click Save at the bottom of the page.

•  Scroll up and click Install app at the right corner of the dashboard to get your Admin API token.

• Click Install to give this app access to your data.

• Now, Shopify will reveal the Admin API access token, and you are ready to run your migration!

Note: Be noticed that Admin API token will only be revealed once due to data protection. Copy and save your Admin API access token in a secure place.

#2: Getting keys using Shopify admin panel

• Log into your Shopify admin panel, go to Apps Menu.
• Scroll down the page and click on Develop apps for your store.

• Click on Create an App and then enter your App name.

• Click on API credentials then scroll down, in the Access tokens area, click Configure Admin API access.

• In this area, tick all Permissions “Read_….” and “Write_…” (if any).

• Click Save App, at the bottom of the page.

•  Choose API credentials and you will see API Key and Secret Key (i.e. API Key and Password).

#3: Getting keys using your Partner dashboard

If you are Shopify Partner, a broad community of designers, developers, marketers, and affiliates that make eCommerce websites, themes, and applications using the Shopify platform, you can use Partner dashboard to get Shopify API keys.

Without further ado, let’s see the following steps:

• Log into your Partner Dashboard.
• Choose Apps and click on Create App.

• Choose Custom App (known as Private App).

• Enter the App name and App URL in the General settings, and Allowed redirection URL(s). Then, click on Create app.

• Scroll down to the API keys to view API Key and API Secret Key.

And that's how to get API keys using your Partner dashboard!

How to Get Shopify API Key for Public Apps?

In order to authenticate with Shopify Public Apps, it is essential to get credentials on the Partner dashboard and later use them for OAuth implementation.

Now, check out the following easy step-by-step guide on how to get public Shopify API Key:

• Log into your Partner Dashboard.
• Choose Apps and click on Create App.

• Select Public App.

• Enter the App name and App URL in the General settings, and Allowed redirection URL(s). Then, click on Create app.

• Scroll down to the API keys to view API Key and API Secret Key.

Key Differences Between Shopify Private Apps and Public Apps

Private Apps:

• Online merchants can only create Private Apps for a specific store. They have certain special needs that are unique to that shop.
• Shopify applications do not need to go through Shopify’s app approval.
• You can’t sell apps in the Shopify App Store if you are a private Shopify app developer. You can’t buy private apps for your stores as a user.
• The private apps are created & managed via the Shopify admin panel or in the Partner dashboard under the private/custom app section.
• Handle auth with Basic HTTP Shopify Authentication.

Public Apps:

• Public apps are ones that are designed to be shared & used by any stores/merchants/developers.
• Before being permitted for usage in the Shopify shop, public apps should be accessed & thoroughly processed.
• Shopify Public Apps are allowed to be sold in the Shopify App Store.
• Shopify Public apps will be created & managed from the Partner dashboard.
• Handle auth with Shopify OAuth 2.0

Shopify API Key – FAQs

Bottom Line

We hope this article helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel after struggling in getting Shopify API Key. Now, you are ready and able to create an API key for your apps. Find your business’s goals and the types of apps you urge for. Ultimately, following the abovementioned steps, you will generate API Key without any challenges or confusion.

If you are currently using Shopify and may come across any issues, LitExtension – #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert is here to cater to your needs! Our team will help you succeed in performing Shopify store perfectly! Please contact us, we are always here for help.

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