Theme App Extensions
Theme App Extensions (TAE) is the recommended way to integrate ReplayPRO with your Shopify store. This modern approach provides better performance, reliability, and easier management.
What are Theme App Extensions?
Theme App Extensions is Shopify's modern method for apps to add functionality to your storefront. Instead of injecting scripts via Script Tags, TAE adds app blocks directly to your theme through the theme editor.
Benefits of Theme App Extensions
Performance
- Faster loading - Scripts are optimized by Shopify
- No render blocking - Loads asynchronously
- Better caching - Leverages Shopify's CDN
Reliability
- Theme compatibility - Works with all Online Store 2.0 themes
- No conflicts - Isolated from other scripts
- Consistent behavior - Managed by Shopify's infrastructure
Management
- Easy toggle - Enable/disable from theme editor
- No code editing - No need to edit theme files
- Theme safe - Survives theme updates and changes
Enabling Theme App Extensions
Step 1: Open Theme Settings
- In ReplayPRO, go to Settings or the Dashboard
- In the Setup Guide or Integration Method section, click Open Theme Settings
- This opens your Shopify theme editor with the Apps section focused
Step 2: Enable the Recorder Block
- In the theme editor, look for App embeds or Apps
- Find ReplayPRO in the list
- Toggle the Recorder block to ON
- Click Save
Step 3: Verify Installation
- Return to ReplayPRO
- Click Check Status
- You should see "Theme App Extension is enabled and working correctly"
Checking Status
At any time, verify your integration:
- Go to Settings > Integration Method
- Click Check Status
- Status will show:
- Active (green) - Extension is enabled and working
- Pending (yellow) - Extension needs to be enabled
Troubleshooting
"Recorder block is disabled"
The block exists but is turned off:
- Open Theme Settings
- Find ReplayPRO in App embeds
- Toggle the Recorder to ON
- Save and check status again
"Recorder block is not yet enabled"
The block hasn't been added:
- Open Theme Settings
- Go to App embeds section
- Find and enable ReplayPRO Recorder
- Save changes
Extension Not Appearing
If ReplayPRO doesn't appear in your theme editor:
- Ensure your theme is Online Store 2.0 compatible
- Try refreshing the theme editor
- Contact support if the issue persists
Using Legacy Theme
If your theme doesn't support App embeds:
- Consider upgrading to an Online Store 2.0 theme
- Or continue using Script Tags (legacy method)
- Contact support for assistance
Switching from Script Tags
If you're currently using Script Tags:
- Go to Settings > Integration Method
- Click Switch to Theme App Extensions
- Follow the prompts to enable the extension in your theme
- Verify with Check Status
The switch preserves all your existing data and settings.
Technical Details
What Gets Added
The Theme App Extension adds:
- Recorder script - Captures visitor sessions
- Configuration - Your ReplayPRO settings
- Minimal footprint - Optimized for performance
Where It Loads
The extension loads:
- On all storefront pages (except checkout)
- After page content loads (non-blocking)
- Only when enabled in theme settings
Data Captured
When enabled, the extension captures:
- Page views and navigation
- Session recordings (when enabled)
- Cart and purchase events
- Custom events you've configured
Best Practices
Keep Extension Enabled
Only disable the extension if you need to completely stop recording. For temporary pauses, use the Recording toggle in Settings instead.
Regular Status Checks
Periodically verify the extension is working:
- Check Status in Settings
- Verify recent sessions are being recorded
- Test by visiting your store
Theme Updates
After theme updates:
- Check that the extension is still enabled
- Test recording functionality
- Report any issues to support
FAQ
Will this slow down my store?
No. Theme App Extensions are optimized by Shopify and load asynchronously without blocking your store.
Does it work with all themes?
TAE works with Online Store 2.0 themes. Older themes may need to use Script Tags.
Can I use both methods?
No. Use either Theme App Extensions or Script Tags, not both. TAE is recommended.
What if I switch themes?
You'll need to enable the ReplayPRO extension in your new theme. Your data and settings are preserved.
Related Topics
- Settings - Configure ReplayPRO
- Upgrading to Theme App Extensions - Migration guide
- Session Recordings - Understanding recordings