Are you a merchant trying to connect a service like Cart2Cart to your Shopify store, but finding yourself lost in the new Developer Dashboard when trying to locate your Shopify Admin API access token? You're not alone. Shopify has updated its app development interface, and the traditional path to finding custom app API credentials has changed. This guide will walk you through the current process, show you the necessary scopes for Cart2Cart, and remind you of the legacy path if your store still supports it.

Shopify Developer Dashboard showing custom apps and the 'Create an app' button
Shopify Developer Dashboard showing custom apps and the 'Create an app' button

Navigating the New Shopify Dev Dashboard for API Access

When you navigate to "Apps" > "Develop apps" in your Shopify admin, you now land in the Developer Dashboard, a centralized hub for managing all your custom apps. The old "Custom apps" screen is no longer the default view. To get your Shopify Admin API access token, you'll need to create or select an existing custom app within this dashboard.

Steps to Obtain Your Admin API Access Token:

  1. Access the Developer Dashboard: From your Shopify admin, go to Apps > Develop apps.
  2. Create a New Custom App (if needed): If you don't have an app for your migration, click the "Create an app" button. Give your app a descriptive name (e.g., "Cart2Cart Migration App") and select a developer.
  3. Configure API Scopes: Once the app is created, go to the "Configuration" tab. Find the "Admin API integration" section and click "Configure". Here, you'll select the necessary API scopes. We'll detail the required scopes for Cart2Cart in the next section.
  4. Install Your App: After configuring the scopes, go to the "API credentials" tab and click "Install app". You'll be prompted to confirm the installation.
  5. Retrieve the Access Token: Immediately after installation, the Admin API access token will be displayed ONCE. Copy it and save it securely. This token will not be shown again for security reasons. If you lose it, you'll need to uninstall and reinstall the app to generate a new one.

For more detailed information on navigating the new developer experience, refer to the official Shopify documentation on the Dev Dashboard.

Shopify Custom App API credentials and Admin API access token display
Shopify Custom App API credentials and Admin API access token display

Essential Scopes for Cart2Cart and the Legacy Path

When setting up your custom app for a migration service like Cart2Cart, selecting the correct API scopes is crucial. These permissions dictate what data Cart2Cart can access and manipulate on your behalf. Failing to select the proper scopes can lead to incomplete migrations or errors.

Required Scopes for Cart2Cart (example set, verify latest with Cart2Cart):

  • read_products: To read product information, variants, images, etc.
  • write_products: To write new products or update existing ones.
  • read_customers: To read customer details.
  • write_customers: To write new customers or update existing ones.
  • read_orders: To read order history and details.
  • write_orders: To write new orders or update existing ones (often for historical orders).
  • read_fulfillments: To read fulfillment information.
  • write_fulfillments: To write fulfillment details.
  • read_shipping: To read shipping zones and rates.
  • write_shipping: To write shipping information.
  • read_price_rules: To read discounts and pricing rules.
  • write_price_rules: To write discounts and pricing rules.
  • read_draft_orders: To read draft order information.
  • write_draft_orders: To write draft order information.
  • read_content: To read blog posts, pages, etc.
  • write_content: To write blog posts, pages, etc.

Always consult Cart2Cart's most current documentation for the precise list of required scopes to ensure a smooth migration. If you have more questions about migrations, check our FAQ section on shopping cart migrations.

Accessing the Legacy Custom App Screen (if available):

While most stores will now use the Dev Dashboard, some older stores might still have access to the legacy custom app screen. If you find yourself needing to access it, you might find a link within the Developer Dashboard (e.g., "View legacy custom apps") or by navigating directly to Apps > Develop apps for your store > View legacy custom apps. However, Shopify is deprecating this path, so it's best to familiarize yourself with the new Developer Dashboard for future-proofing your store integrations and securing your Shopify Admin API access token.