Fix Shopify App Installation Loop Issues with Simple Solutions

Are you a Shopify developer struggling to get your newly created app up and running? You’re not alone. Many developers, especially those new to the Shopify ecosystem, encounter hurdles during the app installation process. One particularly frustrating issue is getting stuck in a loop when trying to access your app after installation. Let’s dive into this problem and explore some solutions.

Understanding the Issue

The “You are about to visit” Loop

When following Shopify’s documentation for creating an app (https://shopify.dev/apps/getting-started/create), some developers find themselves trapped in a cycle after installing their app to their development store. The process typically goes smoothly up until the point of using the app in the store. Then, they encounter a message that reads:

“You are about to visit: [your-ngrok-url]”

Clicking the “Visit site” button simply results in the same message appearing again, creating an endless loop.

Why This Happens

This issue can occur for various reasons, including:

1. Browser settings interfering with the app loading process
2. Compatibility issues with certain browsers
3. Problems with the ngrok tunnel
4. Strict cookie policies preventing proper functionality

Solutions to Break the Loop

1. Try a Different Browser

The Edge Solution

The most straightforward solution that has worked for many developers is switching to Microsoft Edge. While Chrome and Firefox may struggle to load the app correctly, Edge seems to handle it without issues. If you’re experiencing the “You are about to visit” loop, give Edge a try before diving into more complex solutions.

Why Edge Works

Edge’s default settings may be more permissive when it comes to loading content from tunneled URLs, which is crucial when working with ngrok during Shopify app development.

2. Check Browser Settings

Review Security Settings

If switching browsers doesn’t solve the issue, take a look at your browser’s security settings. Overly aggressive settings that block trackers, ads, and fingerprinting can prevent the app from loading correctly.

Adjust Cookie Policies

Strict cookie policies can also interfere with the app’s functionality. Try adjusting your browser’s cookie settings to allow third-party cookies, at least temporarily while developing your app.

3. Use an Alternative Tunnel

Cloudflare Tunnel

If ngrok is causing issues, consider using Cloudflare as an alternative tunneling solution. Here’s a quick guide to set it up:

1. Download Cloudflare from https://developers.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-one/connections/connect-apps/install-and-setup/installation

2. Rename the downloaded file to cloudflared.exe (for Windows users)

3. Open a terminal in the directory containing the Cloudflare executable

4. Run: ./cloudflared tunnel --url http://localhost:3000

5. Note the https URL ending with trycloudflare.com from the logs

6. In your app’s root directory, run one of the following commands (replace with your actual URL):

   yarn dev --tunnel-url https://your-randomly-generated-hostname.trycloudflare.com:3000
   npm run dev -- --tunnel-url https://your-randomly-generated-hostname.trycloudflare.com:3000
   pnpm dev --tunnel-url https://your-randomly-generated-hostname.trycloudflare.com:3000

   Note the extra -- when using npm.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Check for Console Errors

If you’re able to access the local URL but still encountering issues, check your browser’s console for specific error messages. These can provide valuable clues about what’s going wrong.

Verify Your Development Setup

Ensure you’re running the app correctly. Use the command npm run dev to start your development server, and double-check that all dependencies are properly installed.

Stay Updated

Shopify’s CLI and development practices evolve. Keep an eye on the official Shopify documentation for any updates or changes to the app development process.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to overcome the “You are about to visit” loop and continue with your Shopify app development. Remember, the key is often to start with the simplest solution—trying a different browser—before moving on to more complex troubleshooting steps. Happy coding!