> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.inveterate.com/help-center/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.inveterate.com/help-center/guides/program-setup/benefits/credit-based-benefits/store-credits-for-purchase-referral/enabling-referral-discount-validation-extension.md).

# Enabling Referral Discount Validation Extension

The Referral Discount Validation extension helps prevent customers from applying their own referral discount at checkout. This ensures referral discounts are only used as intended and helps protect the integrity of your referral program.

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## Enable the Extension in Shopify

#### Step 1: Open the Checkout and Accounts Editor

In your Shopify admin, navigate to the **Checkout and accounts editor**.

You can find Shopify’s guide for accessing apps in the checkout editor here:\
<https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/checkout-settings/customize-checkout-configurations/checkout-editor#access-apps>

#### Step 2: Open the Apps Sidebar

Once you are in the checkout editor, open the **Apps** sidebar.

<img src="/files/jc645FQmV67DZYNlXy7W" alt="" height="458" width="186">

#### Step 3: Add Referral Discount Validation

Find and add **Referral Discount Validation** to Checkout.

<img src="/files/6luzyQgyegTW8TGQAAwx" alt="" height="301" width="561">

#### Step 4: Allow the App to Block Checkout

After adding the extension, make sure **Allow app to block checkout** is enabled.

This setting is required. If it is disabled, checkout will not be blocked when a customer attempts to apply their own referral discount.

<img src="/files/LranyQwCxFNqhQMkeBts" alt="" height="339" width="439">

#### Step 5: Save Your Changes

Click **Save** to apply the extension to your checkout.

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### Headless Storefronts

If you are using a headless storefront, you will also need to call Inveterate’s IP capture public API endpoint whenever the referral link is displayed.

This ensures the customer’s IP address is properly stored in Inveterate’s database and can be used for referral validation.

Internal API documentation:\
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CpnQ0_HnqyOsU0ymwgKd2Njz3SZI3QY6SMY74OEUc34/edit?tab=t.0>

***

### Important Notes

* The extension must be added to checkout for referral validation to work.
* **Allow app to block checkout** must be enabled.
* For headless storefronts, the IP capture API call is required when displaying referral links.
* If this extension is not enabled, customers may be able to apply referral discounts in unintended ways.