How to Retrieve Shopify Product Variant IDs for Checkout

Understanding Shopify Product Variant IDs

When working with Shopify’s API to create checkouts or perform other operations, you’ll often need to use product variant IDs. However, there are different types of IDs used in Shopify, which can lead to confusion. Let’s dive into the world of Shopify variant IDs and learn how to obtain the correct one for your needs.

Types of Shopify Variant IDs

Numeric IDs

These are simple numeric identifiers, such as:

32225551155258

Global IDs

Global IDs are prefixed with “gid://” and include the resource type, like:

gid://shopify/ProductVariant/32225551155258

Base64 Encoded IDs

These are encoded versions of the global IDs, often used in GraphQL queries:

Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9Qcm9kdWN0VmFyaWFudC8zMjIyNTU1MTE1NTI1OA==

Why Different ID Types Matter

Understanding these ID types is crucial because different Shopify APIs and operations may require specific ID formats. For instance, when creating a checkout, you’ll typically need the Base64 encoded ID.

Retrieving the Correct Variant ID

To get the Base64 encoded ID needed for checkout creation, you’ll need to use Shopify’s GraphQL API. Here’s how to do it correctly.

Using the Admin API

The most reliable way to fetch the correct variant ID is through Shopify’s Admin API. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Set Up Your GraphQL Query

Your GraphQL query should look like this:

query {
  productVariant(id: "gid://shopify/ProductVariant/32225551155258") {
    id
    title
  }
}

2. Use the Correct API Version

Make sure you’re using a compatible API version. As of the time of writing, versions like 2021-01 or newer should work fine.

3. Set the Correct Endpoint

Your API endpoint should be:

https://your-store-name.myshopify.com/admin/api/2021-01/graphql.json

Replace your-store-name with your actual Shopify store name and adjust the API version if needed.

4. Set Proper Headers

Ensure your headers include:

• Content-Type: application/json
• X-Shopify-Access-Token: your_admin_api_access_token

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Wrong API Endpoint

If you’re getting an error like “Field ‘productVariant’ doesn’t exist on type ‘QueryRoot’”, you might be using the Storefront API instead of the Admin API. Double-check your endpoint URL.

Incorrect Query Structure

Make sure your query is structured correctly. Use productVariant (singular) when querying for a specific variant by ID.

API Version Mismatch

If you’re still having issues, try updating to the latest API version supported by your store.

Using the Variant ID for Checkout Creation

Once you have the correct Base64 encoded variant ID, you can use it to create a checkout. Here’s an example mutation:

mutation {
  checkoutCreate(input: {
    lineItems: [{ variantId: "Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9Qcm9kdWN0VmFyaWFudC8zMTQ4NDM0OTU3OTMyMg==", quantity: 4 }]
  }) {
    checkout {
      id
      webUrl
      lineItems(first: 5) {
        edges {
          node {
            title
            quantity
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

This mutation creates a checkout with a single line item, using the Base64 encoded variant ID.

Troubleshooting

No Data Returned

If you’re not getting any data back (e.g., "productVariant": null), double-check that:

1. The variant ID exists in your store
2. You have the necessary permissions to access the variant data
3. Your access token is correct and has the required scopes

API Versioning

Shopify regularly updates its API. If you’re experiencing issues, consider:

1. Checking the latest API version documentation at https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin
2. Updating your API version in the endpoint URL
3. Reviewing any breaking changes in the Shopify changelog

By following these steps and understanding the different types of variant IDs, you should be able to successfully retrieve the correct ID for your Shopify checkout creation and other API operations. Remember to always refer to the official Shopify documentation for the most up-to-date information on API usage and best practices.