Fix Shopify CLI GraphQL 401 Error

If you're working with a Hydrogen project and encountering a GraphQL 401 error when running npm run dev with Shopify CLI, you're not alone. This error typically occurs due to authentication issues with the Shopify CLI.

The Error

The error message you're seeing looks like this:

Error: GraphQL Error (Code: 401): {"response":{"error":"","status":401,"headers":{}},"request":{"query":"\n query FindApp($apiKey: String!) {\n app(apiKey: $apiKey) {\n developmentStorePreviewEnabled\n }\n }\n","variables": ...

This indicates that the Shopify CLI is unable to authenticate properly with Shopify's servers.

Solution 1: Remove .shopify Folder

The most commonly suggested solution is to remove the .shopify folder from your project root:

rm -rf .shopify

However, this doesn't always work for everyone.

Solution 2: Logout and Login (Recommended)

This is the solution that worked for me and resolved the issue:

shopify logout
shopify login

After running these commands, try running your development server again:

npm run dev

This approach refreshes your authentication tokens and often resolves the 401 error.

Additional Troubleshooting

If you're still experiencing issues, here are some additional steps to consider:

For Shopify CLI Users

1. Check your Shopify CLI version: Make sure you're using the latest version

   shopify version
   

2. Verify your project configuration: Ensure your shopify.app.toml file is properly configured

3. Check your internet connection: Sometimes network issues can cause authentication problems

For Non-Shopify CLI Users

If you're facing similar GraphQL 401 errors outside of Shopify CLI (e.g., when using Shopify APIs directly), consider these steps:

1. Verify your Authorization header: Ensure you have a valid access token

   headers: {
     'Authorization': `Bearer ${YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN}`,
     'Content-Type': 'application/json'
   }
   

2. Check your API endpoint: Confirm the endpoint matches the type of query:

   • Partners API: https://partners.shopify.com/api/
   • Admin API: https://your-store.myshopify.com/admin/api/
   • Storefront API: https://your-store.myshopify.com/api/

3. Verify your Node.js version: Ensure you're using a compatible Node.js version

   node --version
   

4. Check token permissions: Make sure your access token has the necessary permissions for the operations you're trying to perform

Prevention Tips

To avoid this issue in the future:

• Regularly update your Shopify CLI to the latest version
• Don't share your .shopify folder between different projects
• Use environment variables for sensitive configuration
• Keep your authentication tokens secure and up-to-date

Conclusion

The GraphQL 401 error in Shopify CLI is typically an authentication issue that can be resolved by logging out and logging back in. If that doesn't work, the additional troubleshooting steps should help identify and resolve the underlying cause.

Remember to always keep your Shopify CLI updated and follow best practices for managing authentication tokens in your projects.

If you continue to experience issues after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to Shopify's support team or checking their official documentation for the most up-to-date troubleshooting information.

Have you encountered this error before? What solution worked for you? Reach out to me on Contact.