---
title: Getting started with POS UI extensions
description: Learn how to prepare your development environment to start building POS UI extensions.
api_version: 2024-07
api_name: pos-ui-extensions
source_url:
  html: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/pos-ui-extensions/2024-07/getting-started
  md: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/pos-ui-extensions/2024-07/getting-started.md
---

# Getting started with POS UI extensions

Learn how to prepare your development environment to start building POS UI extensions.

## What you'll learn

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to do the following tasks:

* Generate a POS UI extension using Shopify CLI.
* Run the local extension in your development store.
* Test your app in Shopify POS.

## Requirements

* Create a [development store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/tools/development-stores).
* Install or migrate to [Shopify CLI version 3.0 or higher](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/tools/cli).
* Create an [app](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/getting-started/create).
* Embed [your app in Shopify POS](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/pos/getting-started#embed-your-in-app-in-shopify-pos).

## Step 1: Generate a POS UI Extension

1. Navigate to your app directory.

2. Ensure Shopify CLI is using the most up to date versions.

3. Generate your POS UI extension template.

4. Select `POS UI` under the Point-of-Sale menu.

5. Give your extension a working name.

6. Select the programming language that you want to work in.

### Examples

* #### Generate a POS UI Extension

  ##### Default

  ```bash
  shopify upgrade
  shopify app generate extension
  ```

## Step 2: Run the local extension in your development store

After you create your extension, you can [start a local development server](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/getting-started/create#step-2-start-a-local-development-server) so that you can run your extension in your development store.

When you start the server, Shopify CLI uses [Cloudflare](https://developers.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-one/connections/connect-apps/do-more-with-tunnels/trycloudflare/) to create a secure tunnel. Cloudflare gives your app extension a unique URL.

1. Install your project's dependencies using the command from your package manager of choice.

2. Start your local server for your extension in the app directory.

3. Follow the prompts to associate your extension with your app and development store. Your development server should now be running.

![Local Development Server Example](https://shopify.dev/images/apps/pos/ui-ext-dev-server-console.png)

To learn more about the processes that execute when you run `dev`, refer to the list of [Shopify CLI commands](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/shopify-cli/app/app-dev).

### Examples

* #### Install dependencies and start a local development server

  ##### npm

  ```bash
  npm i
  shopify app dev
  ```

  ##### yarn

  ```bash
  yarn
  shopify app dev
  ```

## Step 3: Install your app and preview your extension

You can install your app and preview your extension in Shopify POS from the developer console.

1. With your server running, press `p` to open the developer console.

2. To preview your extension, select the **View mobile** button. This generates a deep link or QR code.

3. Using a mobile device with the Shopify POS app installed, scan the QR code. This opens Shopify POS on your device and installs the extension in preview mode. If your extension's URL changes, you will need to re-add the smart grid extension tile.

Tip

If you're using Android and your extension isn't loading, then refer to the [troubleshooting guide](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/pos/ui-extensions/troubleshooting).

![The developer console showing a POS UI extension](https://shopify.dev/images/apps/pos/ui-ext-dev-console.png)

## Updating

You can refer to the [list of the available POS UI Extension versions](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/pos-extensions/ui-extensions-reference/versions) to see if you are using the latest one.

Merchants can manage their POS UI extensions across locations from the POS channel. You can direct merchants to this capability in your merchant facing communication: `https://admin.shopify.com/store/{shop}/apps/point-of-sale-channel/settings/pos-ui-extensions`

## Next steps

* Follow along with an [example discount extension](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/pos-ui-extensions/example-discount-extension).
* Explore the full [reference of Shopify retail APIs and components](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/pos-ui-extensions) that you can use for your POS UI extension.
* Learn how to [deploy and release an app extension](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/deployment/app-versions).