---
title: appByKey - GraphQL Admin
description: |-
  Retrieves an [`App`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/App) by its client ID (API key). Returns the app's configuration, installation status, [`AccessScope`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/AccessScope) objects, and developer information.

  Returns `null` if no app exists with the specified client ID.
api_version: 2025-10
api_name: admin
type: query
api_type: graphql
source_url:
  html: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/queries/appbykey
  md: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/queries/appbykey.md
---

# app​By​Key

query

Retrieves an [`App`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/App) by its client ID (API key). Returns the app's configuration, installation status, [`AccessScope`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/AccessScope) objects, and developer information.

Returns `null` if no app exists with the specified client ID.

## Arguments

* api​Key

  [String!](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/scalars/String)

  required

  Client ID of the app.

***

## Possible returns

* App

  [App](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/App)

  A Shopify application that extends store functionality. Apps integrate with Shopify through APIs to add features, automate workflows, or connect external services.

  Provides metadata about the app including its developer information and listing details in the Shopify App Store. Use the [`installation`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/App#field-App.fields.installation) field to determine if the app is currently installed on the shop and access installation-specific details like granted [`AccessScope`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/AccessScope) objects. Check [`failedRequirements`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/App#field-App.fields.failedRequirements) before installation to identify any prerequisites that must be met.

***

## Examples

* ### appByKey reference

## Query Reference

```graphql
{
  appByKey(apiKey) {
    # appByKey fields
  }
}
```