Shopify apps can now start Sidekick conversations with a prefilled prompt

Shopify has added a way for embedded apps to start a Sidekick conversation on a merchant’s behalf. According to the Shopify release notes published October 28, 2026, apps can use the Sidekick Launch API to open Sidekick with a pre-filled prompt, so merchants can get help in context without leaving the app.

From within the Shopify admin, an app can start the conversation directly. Shopify’s example is an “Ask Sidekick” button placed next to a report. The button calls shopify.sidekick.launch({ message }), and Sidekick opens with the developer’s prompt already sent as the merchant’s message.

Why it matters

Merchants often stop working in a tool when they need help interpreting data or deciding on a next step. This feature lets app developers connect that moment to Sidekick, Shopify’s built-in assistant, instead of sending merchants to documentation or support. For developers, it is a simple way to add guided help without building a separate chat interface.

What to do

If you build or manage Shopify apps, review the Sidekick Launch API documentation to see how the launch call works and which prompts make sense in your app’s existing screens. If you are evaluating apps for your store, look for embedded tools that advertise Sidekick-based help, and confirm on the vendor’s site which features are available to you.