Google & YouTube Shopify App Sync Issues Post August 18 API Update

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Using the Google and YouTube Shopify app to automatically sync products from Shopify to Google Merchant Center may soon present a significant challenge. According to rumors, by August 18, 2026, you will be required to reinstall the app, and doing so will result in all product IDs being rewritten.

Back in January, Emmanuel Flossie highlighted this issue, but it wasn’t until recently that Google acknowledged it. Even now, there has been no official confirmation of a solution. Flossie shared a video explaining that if you’re planning to uninstall and reinstall the app to migrate it, you should reconsider. The migration process causes product IDs to change from a format like:

– OLD: Shopify_US_12345_67890 (or AU, GB, etc.)
– NEW: Shopify_ZZ_12345_67890

This ID change occurs when the Google Merchant API takes over from the Content API, which is tied to the migration process.

The video detailing this issue is available for viewing, and Flossie initially thought the problem might have been fixed. However, comments on his recent LinkedIn post confirmed that the issue persists.

Google’s Ads Liaison, Ginny Marvin, has finally responded to concerns about this situation, stating that Google is looking into the matter. The primary concern with changing product IDs is the potential loss of performance history, which could adversely impact Google Ads campaign performance until the data is rebuilt.

Matinique Roelse recommended a workaround: stop using the Shopify app for your product feed before the deadline and switch to a feed management tool like Channable. This approach allows you to maintain control over your product IDs, preventing changes during reinstallation.

Emmanuel Flossie also shared updates on the Google Merchant Center forums and his LinkedIn. He’s monitoring whether Google will implement an actual fix or if alternative solutions will be necessary, especially with the deadline less than a month away.

Discussion and updates on this issue continue on LinkedIn, where industry professionals are sharing insights and potential strategies for navigating the upcoming changes.