Tiktok Shop Academy

TikTok for Shopify - Onboarding guide

10/23/2025

TikTok for Shopify App Guide

The TikTok for Shopify channel app enables sellers to expand their reach while maintaining operational efficiency. This app connects your existing Shopify workflows with TikTok Shop's powerful commerce features, allowing you to manage your TikTok Shop business directly from your familiar Shopify admin interface.
Since our launch, we've made over 20 significant updates to enhance your integration experience:
✅ Improved app reliability with optimized product syncing and order management
✅ Expanded warehouse management capabilities from 20 to 45 locations
✅ Added customization options for product listings before sync
✅ Streamlined returns management directly within Shopify
✅ Enhanced search filters for better catalog management
✅ Simplified onboarding with pre-filled attributes and instant listing features
These improvements reflect our commitment to providing sellers with the tools they need to scale efficiently on TikTok Shop - whether you're just getting started or are a Shopify Plus seller.

Built by TikTok Shop. Built for control and flexibility.

As your business grows on TikTok Shop, maintaining operational efficiency becomes crucial. The TikTok for Shopify app centralizes your workflow and streamlines your operations by keeping everything in your Shopify admin. The app adapts to your business needs, offering you control and flexibility whether you're managing a few products or a large catalog. Some highlights include:
Warehouse Management
Set up your fulfillment operations your way:
  • Manage multiple warehouses (up to 45 locations)
  • Choose which warehouses to sync with TikTok Shop
  • Configure 3PL and 4PL shipping settings directly within Shopify
Product Catalog Management
Take control of your product presence with our simplified sync process
  • Sync products with automated attribute pre-filling
  • Customize product details, descriptions, and images before they go live
  • Bulk sync products based on your Shopify organization (tags, categories, types)
  • Monitor sync status across both platforms in a unified view
Order and Returns Management
Keep your customer service running smoothly:
  • Process returns directly within Shopify
  • Manage FBT (Fulfilled by TikTok) orders seamlessly
  • Track order sync status with advanced filtering
  • Handle various fulfillment scenarios including 4PL orders
Tax Management Handle your tax needs with the app
  • Detailed line-item tax breakdown for each transaction
  • Clear tax liability indicators for marketplace facilitation
  • Automated tax calculation and reporting through Shopify

Integration Paths

Choose the path that works best for your business:

For New TikTok Shop Sellers

Get started quickly with our streamlined onboarding:
  1. Direct account creation and verification through Shopify
  2. Automated warehouse mapping with customization options
  3. Instant product listing with smart attribute pre-filling
  4. Built-in TikTok shipping service configuration

For Existing TikTok Shop Sellers

Connect your existing business smoothly:
  1. Connect your existing TikTok Shop account
  2. Map your current product catalog to Shopify
  3. Configure preferred shipping and fulfillment settings
  4. Set up order sync preferences
As you get set up, keep in mind the following system requirements. Your Shopify business location must be:
  • Based in the United States
  • Configured with valid warehouse addresses (P.O. Box addresses not supported)
  • Set up with complete business contact information
  • Ready with a product catalog that meets TikTok Shop policies

Get Started

  1. TikTok Shop Onboarding
Download the TikTok for Shopify app in the Shopify app store. Both new and existing TikTok Shop sellers can seamlessly connect by creating a new account or logging in with their existing TikTok Shop account
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  1. Warehouse, Product Catalog & Inventory sync
Map warehouse address, sync product catalog and inventory from Shopify to TTS
  • Seamless data transfer from Shopify to TikTok Shop without seller intervention.
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  1. Product & Inventory Management
Product catalog widget provides an overview of product sync status. This feature can also be used to update product attributes and fix product sync errors.
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  1. Order Management
Order widget will notify users about orders that need their attention
  • Notification for sensitive order updates (e.g. Pending orders and returns)
Manage and update orders that need your attention and ensure the order status is in sync between your Shopify Order Admin and TikTok Shop. (E.g. product sync- or tracking ID issues)
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  1. TikTok Shipping & Shipped by Seller Fulfillment Support
Sellers can choose between TikTok Shipping (default) with shipping label creation in TikTok Shop or their own shipping service.
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Checklist & Important Information

Please read the following information carefully, before you start onboarding to TikTok Shop using the TikTok for Shopify App.
Your business location in Shopify
  • A U.S. business location is required (Only U.S. based businesses and warehouse address(es) are supported)
  • Your 'locations' in Shopify need to be in the correct format. (Shopify>Settings>Locations) Make sure the 'location' fields in Shopify are filled out correctly.
  • Valid country/region/state. (Only U.S. addresses are supported)
  • Valid and complete street information. (P.O. Box is NOT supported)
  • Valid contact information.
  • Valid phone number. (10 digit phone number format)
  • Valid zip code. (5 digit zip code)
  • We automatically sync the U.S. based 'locations' you have saved in Shopify to TikTok Shop during the onboarding process and save it as your warehouse and return location.
  • The new warehouse mapping logic provides enhanced flexibility and control over warehouse creation. This allows sellers to modify automatically created warehouses and guides them through the process of setting up warehouse mapping independently, refer to the document here
Your Product Catalog in Shopify
  • We automatically sync your product catalog from Shopify to TikTok Shop and auto assign a TikTok Shop product category. You can go to TikTok Seller Center > Manage Products to review and update the category as needed.
  • The following product attributes might be required in TikTok Shop, which are not available in Shopify or optional only. To ensure that your product catalog syncs successfully and your products are getting approved, have the following info on product level available:
  • Product weight
  • Product dimension (Height, width, length)
  • Product certification (Required for some product categories)
Shipping Service in TikTok Shop
  • If you are new to TikTok Shop, we default you to 'Shipped by Platform', which is the TikTok shipping service. You will create the shipping labels for your TikTok Shop orders in TikTok Seller Center and the sellers can also manage these orders from Shopify > TikTok > Shop Management > Orders > Orders via TikTok Shipping and we will automatically update your order fulfillment status in Shopify. To print shipping labels go to:
  • Shopify > TikTok > Shop management > Shop Settings > Shipping options
  • TikTok Seller Center > Shipping Labels
  • If you want to change the Shipping Service from 'TikTok Shipping' to 'Shipped by Seller' (and vice versa) you can update that at any time in TikTok Seller Center.
  • TikTok Seller Center > Shipping Options
Your Third Party Connector Apps & Services [Existing TikTok Shop Sellers only]
  • If you are using connector apps to manage your TikTok Shop in Shopify, make sure that these apps & services are compatible with the TikTok for Shopify App or disconnect incompatible apps & services before you connect to the TikTok for Shopify App. (Eg. Incompatible apps can cause order status issues)
Your TikTok Shop Orders[Existing TikTok Shop Sellers only]
  • If you are an existing TikTok Shop seller, we advise you to complete any pending or unfulfilled orders (inclusive of pending returns and refunds) before you connect to the TikTok for Shopify App. Existing TikTok Shop orders and any updates to existing orders (e.g. refunds) will not be synced to Shopify and can only be managed in Seller Center.
Your Existing Product Catalog in TikTok [Existing TikTok Shop Sellers only]
  • If you are an existing TikTok Shop seller with an existing product catalog in TikTok Shop, you can map and sync your products from products on Shopify Tab, by clicking on Map Now option.

Onboarding Steps from TikTok seller center using Shopify connector:

NOTE: This option is currently available only for specific sellers and will soon be available for all TikTok sellers

Overview:

Shopify Connector is an embedded solution within TikTok Shop Seller Center that allows Shopify sellers to directly connect their Shopify account to TikTok Shop. This one-click solution enables sellers to sync their entire Shopify store, manage products, and update settings seamlessly within Seller Center, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms.

Key Benefits

  • Instant integration: Bring your entire Shopify catalog to TikTok Shop in minutes with a simple setup directly in Seller Center.
  • Safe & secure syncing: Your Shopify store stays protected while fixing order problems—we only import what you approve.
  • Automatic updates & stability: Changes you make in Shopify appear instantly on TikTok Shop, keeping both platforms reliably connected.

Onboarding steps:

With Shopify Connector, sellers can now connect to Shopify from TikTok Seller center:
  1. Login to Seller center
  2. In the Menu, click on Shopify connector --> Get started
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  1. Enter your Shopify domain and click on link account
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  1. This takes you to Shopify with TikTok App link.
  2. Install the TikTok App
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  1. Once Installed, the connection is now complete and seller can continue with next onboarding steps
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  1. Continue with next onboarding steps like Setting up Shipping, Warehouse mapping as stated in our onboarding document here
  2. The seller can now control product sync and view any other Shopify 1P from TikTok Seller Center
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  1. If you are an existing seller on TikTok Shop and plan to connect to Shopify 1P, you can follow the above steps, and sync the existing products using the Map Now banner as shown. For more details refer to the document here:
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Onboarding Steps from Shopify:

Follow these steps to complete the onboarding process for the TikTok for Shopify app.
Step 1: Download/Setup 1P Connector App
  1. Open the Shopify App Store.
  2. Search for TikTok for Shopify App and install it.
    • If already installed, open the app.
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Step 2: Enter the TikTok Shop Onboarding Funnel
Select ‘Set up now’ on the TikTok Shop product card to begin onboarding.

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Step 3: Create or Log in to a TikTok Shop Account
Option A: Log in to an Existing TikTok Shop Account Click 'Connect account' to connect your existing TikTok Shop account
image.pngEnter your login credentials.
image.pngEdit shipping settings as needed by clicking Edit.
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Complete warehouse setup by clicking Add warehouseFor detailed steps regarding warehouse setup, refer to the document hereimage
You can choose to connect or skip connecting your TikTok Marketing and TikTok accounts
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Option B: Create a TikTok Shop AccountClick 'Connect account'.
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Select 'Sign up now' to create a new account.
image.pngComplete your business profile by clicking Complete profile.
image.pngEnter your business details and provide valid ID information for verification.
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Once verification is complete:
  • Set up shipping and adjust shipment settings as needed.
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Complete warehouse setup by clicking Add warehouseFor detailed steps, refer to the document hereimage
You can choose to connect or skip connecting your TikTok Marketing and TikTok accounts.
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Start Selling on TikTok Shop

Set up shipping and warehouse

After logging in, you can provide or edit shipping settings by clicking on Edit, adding warehouse information, etc.
Please note：
  • For all New US sellers, your shipping options will be set as TikTok shipping by default.
  • If you set Seller Shipping as the preferred shipping option, you need to complete the shipping fees template before uploading products.
*For more information about how to set it, please visit Seller Center> Academy> search Warehouse Setting
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Provide your Tax information

Provide your tax information so TikTok can collect the correct withholding taxes and issue certified invoices. You can skip and complete it later if needed.
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TikTok Shop Account Status

The TikTok Shop account status bar provides you with information about your current account status and a call to action if anything needs your attention. You can switch the country to check the status of different markets.
You might encounter the following TikTok Shop statuses in the TikTok for Shopify App:
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Description and Call to Action
  • Setup in progress
    • If you haven't finished the shop information, you can go to the "connection management" page first.
    • If you have finished Shop information, you can start product syncing
  • Pending account review: Your TikTok Shop account is under review. Please come back later while we are reviewing your account.
  • Ready: Your TikTok account is approved and you are ready to start selling on TikTok Shop. Click 'Manage Shop' to go to Seller Center and manage your business on TikTok.
  • Holiday Mode: You have enabled 'Holiday mode' in Seller Center, and your products are hidden from buyers. You can disable holiday mode in Seller Center by clicking on 'My account > Account setting >Holiday mode'.
  • Update needed: Your TikTok Shop requires updates. Click on 'Manage Settings' to view and make the required updates.
  • Suspended: Your TikTok Shop got suspended. Click on 'Seller Academy' to find more information.

Product Catalog Management

Product Catalog & Inventory Sync

Initial Product Catalog & Inventory Sync

The initial product catalog and inventory sync from Shopify to Tiktok Shop is automatically done during the onboarding process in the TikTok for Shopify App. We show all products that are currently Active in Shopify. Your product catalog in Shopify is the 'source of truth', adding new products or updates to existing products should always be made in Shopify (Shopify > Products). Any product updates you make in Seller Center will get overriden. Exception: Product attributes that are required by TikTok Shop, but not part of the Shopify catalog format (See details below).
In the latest update of the TikTok for Shopify app, the "Shop Management" section of the channel app now features essential tabs. These tabs are vital for efficiently managing products and ensuring seamless synchronization between Shopify and TikTok Shop.
Click here to view Shop management tab and rest of the product sync process

Incremental Product Catalog & Inventory Sync

The incremental sync will be triggered automatically by any of the following product changes made in Shopify and will be reflected in TikTok Shop.
  • Product fields updated (including inventory)
  • Product variant fields updated
  • Product variants added & deleted
  • Product published to app (= New product added for publishing on Tiktok)
  • Product unpublished from app (= Product removed from publishing on Tiktok)
Note: It might take some time for product updates to be reflected in TikTok Shop.

Operating your TikTok Shop

This section provides you with information on how to run your TikTok Shop using the TikTok for Shopify App in Shopify.

Order Creation

Once a TikTok Shop order is created on TikTok, the order gets passed to Shopify for an inventory check.
  • If inventory is available in Shopify or you have disabled inventory check in your Shopify settings, the order gets created on Shopify and shows in your Shopify Order Admin (Shopify > Orders). The 'Channel' column in your Shopify Order Admin indicates that this order is from 'TikTok'.
  • If inventory is not available in Shopify or the product does not exist in Shopify, the order will not be created in Shopify and will not show in your Shopify Order Admin. TikTok Shop auto cancels the order and sends a cancel notification to the buyer.

Order Fulfillment

TikTok Shipping

  • If you have 'TikTok Shipping' selected as your shipping service, the order is tagged as 'TikTok Shipping' in the 'Tags' column of your Shopify Order Admin (Shopify > Orders).
    • For orders that use 'TikTok Shipping', the shipping label has to be created in Seller Center (NOT in the Shopify Order Admin or other third party shipping services). The TikTok for Shopify App will notify you about any orders that need your attention on the overview page and under the Shop Management' Tab (TikTok for Shopify App > Shop Management > order sync status & notification)
      • TikTok Shop automatically updates fulfillment and order status in Shopify.
        • Buyer receives 'order shipped' + 'order delivered' email and status shown within TikTok app.

Shipped by Seller

  • If you have 'Shipped by seller' selected as your shipping service, you will create and fulfill the order in your Shopify Order Admin or in the external shipping app/services (if applicable) and update the order status in Shopify.
    • The shipping and fulfillment status automatically updates in TikTok Shop.
      • Buyer receives 'order shipped' + 'order delivered' email and order status shown within TikTok app.
  • NOTE: It is important that you provide a valid tracking ID in Shopify for any orders that are 'Shipped by seller' for TikTok Shop to update the orders status correctly in TikTok and to inform buyer on the order status.
    • In case the tracking ID is invalid, not supported or missing, the TikTok for Shopify App will notify you about any orders that need your attention via a notification banner on the overview page and under the Shop Management' Tab (TikTok for Shopify App > Shop Management > order sync status & notification). You are then asked to correct the tracking ID to ensure the correct order status is maintained and communicated to the buyer.

Order Cancel

There are three ways cancellation can be initiated.

TikTok

-initiated Cancellation
A TikTok initiated cancellation is performed by TikTok Shop and the cancellation order status gets automatically updated in your Shopify Order Admin.
  • Two scenarios for this: Buyer fraud or order not shipped within TikTok Shop SLA.
    • Buyer receives 'cancel success' email and order status shown within TikTok app.

Buyer

-initiated Cancellation
A buyer initiated cancellation is performed by the buyer on TikTok
  • If order is NOT shipped: Cancellation order status gets automatically updated in your Shopify Order Admin.
    • Buyer receives 'cancel success' email and order status shown within TikTok app.
  • If order is shipped: Cancellation will fail and existing order status remains.
    • Buyer receives 'cancel failure' email and order status shown within TikTok app.

Seller

-initiated Cancellation
A seller initiated cancellation is performed by the seller either in Seller Center or in Shopify Order Admin.
  • Cancellation order status gets automatically updated in TikTok Shop and Shopify Order Admin.
    • Buyer receives 'cancel success' email and order status shown within TikTok app.

Split orders:

NOTE: Currently Split orders are NOT supported by Shopify TikTok Plugin

Return and Refunds

Seller Initiated Return and Refunds

A seller initiated cancellation is performed by the seller in Seller Center. (Seller Center >
  • NOTE: Returns and Refunds can ONLY be initiated in Seller Center. Returns or refunds initiated in the Shopify Order Admin are NOT supported. (Even though the Shopify Order Admin still provides you a refund and return function, the refund or return status update will NOT be reflected in TikTok Shop)

Buyer Requests Refund-only

A buyer requests a refund on TikTok
  • Seller can approve or reject refund request in Seller Center.
    • If seller approves: Order status gets automatically updated in your Shopify Order Admin and buyer receives a refund and refund notification update.
    • If seller rejects: Buyer can initiate a dispute. If rejection is upheld, the case gets closed & buyer notified of resolution. If rejection is overturned, see case above for 'seller approves' flow.

Buyer Requests Return-for-Refund

A buyer requests a return for refund on TikTok
  • Seller can approve refund request in Seller Center.
    • If seller approves: Buyer receives return shipping label from TikTok
      • Buyer ships return package and seller approves return package in Seller Center.
        • Order status gets automatically updated in your Shopify Order Admin and buyer receives a refund and refund notification update.
      • Buyer ships return package and seller rejects return package in Seller Center.
        • Buyer can initiate a dispute. If rejection is upheld, the case gets closed & buyer notified of resolution. If rejection is overturned, see case above for 'seller approves' flow.
For more information, see TikTok Shop Customer Order Cancellation, Return, and Refund Guidelines for Sellers https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=7461385762162478&role=1&course_type=1&from=search%7BcontentIdParams%7D&identity=1

Tax Management Breakdown

Introduction

Managing taxes is a critical aspect of operating within the TikTok for Shopify app. This article outlines how taxes are handled within the app and highlights recent updates that enhance tax reporting for sellers. With these improvements, sellers gain clear insights into tax responsibilities, aiding them in order management and financial accuracy.

Detailed Tax Breakdown

Enhancements:
  • Detailed Visibility: Tax amounts are now itemized by line item, offering sellers detailed insights into each transaction.
  • Improved Transparency: This new breakdown enhances clarity in how taxes are allocated within orders.
  • Implementation: For each TTS order on Shopify, taxes are calculated at the line item level using the existing Shopify Order API.
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    Tax Liability Indicator

    • Marketplace Facilitator Law Compliance: In the U.S., taxes collected from buyers are remitted to local tax authorities by TikTok, acting as the marketplace facilitator.
    • Enhancements:
      • 'tax_liable' Parameter: The TikTok for Shopify app now includes a 'tax_liable' parameter at the order level, clearly indicating whether TikTok or the seller is responsible for remitting taxes.
      • Indicator Usage: When ChannelLiable = true appears in the app, it signifies that TikTok is responsible for tax remittance to local authorities.
      • API Integration: Sellers can access this information via the Shopify Orders API.
    • For further details, please visit the Shopify development changelog at: Shopify API Improvements
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    Settlement / Payouts

    To receive your payouts to your bank account you need to go to Seller Center to bind your bank account. https://seller-us.tiktok.com/profile/account-setting/payment?tab=payment. Detailed information here
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    Help Center

    To access seller resources or to get in touch with our Support Team please visit https://seller-us.tiktok.com/ticket/faq or navigate to 'Get support' in the TikTok for Shopify App.
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    FAQ:

    Q: I'm having issues connecting my Shopify store with TikTok Shop. I keep getting an error message when trying to connect my store. What should I do?

    Error: "We couldn't connect TikTok Shop with your Shopify account. Currently, your TikTok For Business Account is not linked to your TikTok Marketing account."If you're experiencing issues and receiving an error message while attempting to connect your Shopify store with TikTok Shop, it might be due to the use of different credentials. To address this, ensure you use the same login credentials for both TikTok Shop in Shopify and your TikTok for Business/Marketing/Ads account. Verify your Shopify account details from the Settings page on Shopify, and use the email associated with it to log in to your TikTok for Shopify app. Consistent login credentials across both platforms are crucial for a successful connection. If the issue persists, please click on "Continue." This will log you out of the current setup, allowing you to proceed with the connection process without further complications
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    Workaround: With current TTS set up, only the main owner account can set up with Shopify and not any other role on TTS. If any other role on TTS tries with Shopify set up, the seller sees the error below.
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    While the seller can be an admin on TT4B and continue set up on Shopify.
    1. Have the seller disconnect with TT4B from Shopify --> TikTok --> Settings
    2. Start by connecting to TTS from Shopify
    3. Once completed, have the TTS owner account added as admin role in TT4B and Pixel accounts
    4. Once the seller has admin access, they can continue with TT4B set up and finish onboarding process

    Q: Can one Shopify store be connected to multiple TT accounts

    No, any point of time one Shopify store can only be connected to one TikTok Shop account. The seller can either
    1. Create a new Shopify store within the same Shopify account, install TikTok app and connect to different TikTok account (or)
    2. Disconnect TikTok Shop from existing Shopify store and connect to another TikTok Shop account

    Q: Unable to connect to Shopify and seeing an error "Seller not main account"

    With current TTS set up, only the main owner account can set up with Shopify and not any other role on TTS. If any other role on TTS tries with Shopify set up, the seller sees the error below.
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    The seller can check TikTok Shop role by
    1. Logging into TikTok Shop
    2. Click on profile icon on the top right
    3. They should see role tagged as Owner something like below
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    Q: Can I connect Shopify UK store to TikTok US

    No, current Shopify integration is region specific and Shopify US store can only connect to TikTok US, Shopify UK store can only connect to TikTok UK. The seller can verify Shopify location based on Billing address from Shopify like from Shopify --> Settings --> General shown as below
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    Q: I am not seeing TikTok Shop option when I installed TikTok app on Shopify and only seeing TikTok for Marketing in Overview page

    This is expected if you are trying to connect cross region accounts without TikTok Shop account in the existing Shopify billing region. The seller can verify Shopify location based on Billing address from Shopify like from Shopify --> Settings --> General shown as below
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