2022 Guide: Easiest Way to Get Shopify API Key

5 min readMar 7, 2022

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 key, 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?
Key differences between Shopify Public Apps and Shopify Private Apps
How to Get Shopify API Key for Public Apps?
How to Get Shopify API Key for 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 a step-by-step instruction.

Shopify provides a set of APIs that developers may use to grow the platform’s built-in features, themes. These APIs enable Partners to read and write merchant data, integrate with other systems and platforms, and add up Shopify’s new functionality.

– Shopify definition –

In addition, to merchants/store owners/vendors, generating API keys helps them integrate with sales tax tools, connect your store with the best-suited 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.

Let’s dive into the major differences between Public Apps and Private Apps to have a clear mind before you begin your development process!

Key Differences between Private Apps and Public Apps in Shopify

As you now may know about the key differences, let’s discuss instructions on how to get a Shopify API Key for your online store!

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 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).

#2: 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 (which is also 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.

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.

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.

FAQs — Shopify API Key

#1: Is It Secure to Give an API Key to a Third Party?
It is a definite NO! According to Shopify API License and Terms of Use, bear in mind that you MAY NOT share the API Credentials with any third party.

#2: Is Shopify API Free to Get?
Storefront API is free to get and most of the other APIs are free too. However, there are some APIs that require Shopify Premium Plan or Shopify Plus, such as the checkout page.

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 Service is here to help! Our team will help you succeed in performing Shopify store perfectly! Please contact us, we are always here for help.

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