---
title: >-
  Simplifying how metafield and metaobject permissions work - Shopify developer
  changelog
description: >-
  Shopify’s developer changelog documents all changes to Shopify’s platform.
  Find the latest news and learn about new platform opportunities.
source_url:
  html: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/posts/simplifying-how-metafield-and-metaobject-permissions-work
  md: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/posts/simplifying-how-metafield-and-metaobject-permissions-work.md
metadata:
  effectiveApiVersion: 2025-01
  affectedApi:
    - displayName: Admin GraphQL API
      handle: admin-graphql
    - displayName: Liquid
      handle: liquid
  primaryTag:
    displayName: API
    handle: api
  secondaryTag:
    displayName: Deprecation announcement
    handle: deprecation-announcement
  indicatesActionRequired: true
  createdAt: '2024-12-07T18:22:44-05:00'
  postedAt: '2024-12-10T17:01:00-05:00'
  updatedAt: '2024-12-11T17:16:15-05:00'
  effectiveAt: '2024-12-10T17:01:00-05:00'
---

December 10, 2024

# Simplifying how metafield and metaobject permissions work

DateDecember 10, 2024

Version[2025-01](https://shopify.dev/changelog?api_version=2025-01)

Flags[Deprecation announcement](https://shopify.dev/changelog?filter=deprecation-announcement)[Action required](https://shopify.dev/changelog?action_required=true)

SurfacesAPI

Affected APIs[Admin GraphQL API](https://shopify.dev/changelog?api_type=admin-graphql)[Liquid](https://shopify.dev/changelog?api_type=liquid)

In the new year we’re simplifying how metafield and metaobject permissions work. This makes the system easier to work with and will further improve API response times.

In summary:

* On **Jan 1, 2025**, the `2025-01` admin API will remove both private and public permissions for [app-reserved metafields and metaobjects](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/custom-data/reserved-prefixes) from all **mutations**.
* On **Feb 1, 2025**, **across all API versions**, we will fully remove **private** permissions for [app-reserved metafields and metaobjects](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/custom-data/reserved-prefixes). **We will migrate all existing metafields and metaobjects** to be merchant readable automatically. All metafields and metaobjects will also become accessible in liquid.
* On **Apr 1, 2025**, **across all API versions**, we will fully remove **public** permissions for [app-reserved metafields and metaobjects](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/custom-data/reserved-prefixes).**We will migrate all existing metafields and metaobjects** to be only accessible by your app and the merchant automatically.

Details below:

On **Jan 1, 2025**:

* The following **inputs** to app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccessInput) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccessInput) API **mutations** will be removed in 2025-01: `PRIVATE`, `PUBLIC_READ`, `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE`
* The following **outputs** from app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccess) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccess) API **queries** will be removed in `2025-01`: `LEGACY_LIQUID_ONLY`
* Otherwise, existing **queries** and data will continue to support these removed input types

On **Feb 1, 2025**:

* The following **outputs** from app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccess) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccess) API **queries** will be removed **across all versions**:`PRIVATE`
* **Existing** app-reserved metafields and metaobjects permissions **will be migrated**: `PRIVATE` → `MERCHANT_READ`
* All metafields and metaobjects will become accessible in liquid

On **Apr 1, 2025**:

* The following outputs from app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccess) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccess) API **queries** will be removed **across all versions**:`PUBLIC_READ` and `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE`
* **Existing** app-reserved metafields and metaobjects permissions **will be migrated**:`PUBLIC_READ` → `MERCHANT_READ` and `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE` → `MERCHANT_READ_WRITE`