Shopify App Submission Glitch: Sellers Blocked on "Checking App Listing"
A persistent issue within the Shopify App Store review process is currently hindering developers from submitting their applications. Multiple sellers have reported being stuck on the “Checking app listing…” screen, with the crucial “Submit for review” button remaining greyed out for extended periods, sometimes days. This roadblock can have significant financial implications for sellers who are eager to launch or update their apps and capitalize on seasonal demand or new feature rollouts.
The core of the problem lies in the app review dashboard, where developers have meticulously completed all prerequisites. This includes configuring API versions, resolving configuration issues, providing emergency contact details, creating the app listing, obtaining approval for protected customer data requests, passing automated checks, and selecting embedded app capability. Despite these confirmations, the system appears to be stuck in a verification loop.
Understanding the “Checking App Listing…” Stage
This stage is a critical part of Shopify’s app review process, designed to ensure that all technical aspects and listing details of an app are in order before it reaches human reviewers. The system performs automated checks, including verifying that the embedded app capability is correctly configured and that the app is functional on a development store. Shopify indicates that “Embedded app checks” are performed automatically every two hours. However, in cases like the one reported, these checks seem to stall or fail to update the status, leaving the submission button disabled.
Developer Troubleshooting Efforts
Sellers encountering this issue have undertaken several troubleshooting steps, as outlined in a recent community discussion. These efforts include installing the app on a development store, actively using it to simulate user interaction, confirming that the App Bridge is loading correctly, and ensuring the implementation of session tokens. Despite these thorough checks, the “Checking app listing…” status has persisted, leaving developers perplexed about the next steps. Common questions arising from this situation include how long this step typically takes, what specifically triggers its completion, whether continuous interaction with the app on a dev store is necessary, and if the issue can remain unresolved indefinitely.
Community Reaction and Potential Causes
The issue has sparked discussion within the Shopify seller community. While no definitive solution has emerged, the shared experiences highlight a common frustration. Developers are seeking clarity on the expected duration of this checking phase, with some questioning if interacting with the app on a development store is a necessary trigger for the system to proceed. The underlying cause remains unclear, but potential factors could range from temporary glitches in Shopify’s review system to specific configurations that are not being correctly validated by the automated checks. The lack of official commentary on this specific roadblock adds to the uncertainty.
Actionable Takeaways for Sellers
If you are a Shopify developer facing the “Checking app listing…” roadblock:
- Patience and Monitoring: While frustrating, understand that automated checks can sometimes take longer than expected. Continue to monitor the status, as it may resolve itself.
- Verify Development Store Interaction: Ensure you have thoroughly tested your app on a development store, simulating real user scenarios. Some community members speculate this interaction might be a factor.
- Check Shopify Status Pages: Keep an eye on Shopify’s status pages for any reported system-wide issues that might be affecting the review process.
- Contact Shopify Support: If the issue persists for an extended period (e.g., more than 48 hours) and you’ve exhausted troubleshooting, reach out directly to Shopify Support. Provide them with detailed information about your app and the specific problem.
This situation, as discussed by sellers like /u/Historical_Lawyer484 on Reddit, underscores the importance of clear communication and robust automated systems within app marketplaces. While Shopify provides extensive tools for app development and review, occasional system hiccups can create significant delays.
Source: Shopify App stuck on “Checking app listing…” — submit button greyed out for days?