Developer Policy: Private App Install Limits
Private apps are intended for small pilots—not broad distribution. This policy caps the number of distinct Agencies a Private app can be installed in before it must be published as Public (listed).
What It Is ?
A breadth cap that keeps Private apps limited to small pilots.
If your Private app is installed in more than 5 Agencies, new installs are blocked until the app is Public (listed).
Existing installs continue working; the block remains until the app is published.
Effective
Applies to: Private apps created on or after 18 November, 2025.
Out of scope: Private apps created before 18 November, 2025 (no banners, warnings, or blocks in v1)
Key Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Agency | The top-level account in HighLevel. |
| Sub‑account (formerly “Location”) | Child account under an Agency; all Sub‑accounts under one Agency count as one. |
| Bulk install | Allows an Agency to install to multiple Sub‑accounts in one action; still counts as one Agency. |
| Active install (real time) | Installed and authorized in an Agency or at least one Sub‑account. If uninstalled from all Sub‑accounts, that Agency drops out immediately. |
| App ID | Unique identifier; limits apply per App ID across all versions. |
Does not increase count
- Multiple Sub‑accounts within one Agency
- Reinstalls to already-counted Agencies
Tip: Use
install-lifecyclewebhooks to track installs, uninstalls, and Sub‑account changes.
Thresholds and Behavior
| State | Condition | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OK | 3 or fewer Agencies | No warnings; new installs proceed. |
| Approaching | 4 Agencies | Amber notice: “Publish soon, Agencies” Installs continue. |
| Breach | >5 Agencies | New installs blocked; existing continue. Red notice: “New installs are blocked until you publish.” |
Sticky block:
Once blocked, it stays until the app is published as Public.
Attempted install while blocked:
Inline error message with link to Start Public (listed) review.
Product Surfaces
-
Create App → App type = Private
Inline note: “Private is for small pilots. If your app is installed in more than 5 agencies, new installs are blocked until you publish.”
-
My Apps
- Amber (4/5) or Red (blocked) banners.
- Action: Start Public review.
-
Notifications & Email
Triggered on threshold changes (no daily spam).
Converting Between Public and Private
| Conversion | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Public → Private | Allowed anytime; Private policy applies immediately. • ≤3 Agencies → no banner • 4 → “Publish soon” • >5 → new installs blocked |
| Private → Public (listed) | Use “Start Public review”; once listed, the cap and block are removed. |
Examples
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Pilot: 3 Agencies | OK |
| Growing: 4 Agencies | Amber “Publish soon” |
| Scaled: >5 Agencies | Blocked until Public |
| Public→Private with 10 Agencies | Conversion allowed; installs blocked |
How to Publish
- Open your app in My Apps.
- Click Start Public (listed) review.
- Under Listing configuration, set App type to Public.
- Fill listing details, scopes, and support info.
- Submit for review; track updates via email or product notifications.
Publishing Requirements (for Public Listing Review)
Listing & Brand
- App name + tagline
- Logo/icon + 3–6 screenshots
- Short (≤160 chars) + detailed description
- Categories/tags
Policy & Trust
- Privacy Policy URL
- Terms of Service URL
- Data usage summary
- Security contact email
Support & Success
- Support email + support URL
- Response times / support hours
- Optional: demo video or quick-start guide
Technical
- Correct OAuth scopes + justification
- Redirect URLs configured
- Working install/uninstall webhooks
- Clear error states and messages
- Release notes and test credentials (if required)
Private apps often skip marketing assets; these are required for Public review.
Optional: Enable Bulk Installation (Public Apps)
For apps meant for Sub‑account deployment at scale, enable Bulk Installation so Agencies can install across Sub‑accounts in one action.
Refer to:
Marketplace App Distribution Type and App Distribution Model docs.
Versioning & Change Log
- v1 (T0): Breadth-only cap (5 Agencies, real-time). Applies to new Private apps.
- Future versions will be announced at least 14 days before taking effect.
Summary
| Key Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Private app breadth cap | 5 Agencies |
| Block trigger | >5 Agencies |
| Block persists | Until published Public |
| Applies to | New Private apps from T0 |
| Legacy apps | Unaffected |
FAQs
Does this apply to legacy Private apps?
No. Private apps created before T0 are excluded from v1.
Do Sub‑accounts count as separate installs?
No. They count once per Agency, even with bulk install.
Can I keep existing installs if I breach?
Yes. Only new installs are blocked.
Public (unlisted) or Beta invites?
Not available in v1.
How do I unblock a blocked Private app?
Publish it as Public (listed).
What about similar apps or evasion?
Not permitted. HighLevel may aggregate counts for materially similar apps. Enforcement aligns with Marketplace policies.
Need help? Email us on "[email protected]"