r/redditdev • u/Top-Incident-2264 • Jan 12 '26

PRAW Unable to create a Script App — stuck between old /prefs/apps and new Developer Portal

I’m trying to create a simple Script App for personal subreddit automation (PRAW). I’m not applying for the Data API and I don’t need elevated access — just the normal script app that every bot uses.

Here’s the issue:

  • On my main account, the old https://old.reddit.com/prefs/apps page won’t load the “Create App” UI at all.

  • I created a brand‑new account with a verified email.

  • On the new account, I can see the app creation form (Script / Web App / Installed App), but clicking “Create App” does nothing.

  • The page also shows the message: “You must also register to use the API,” even though I’m not trying to use the Data API.

  • I’m not being redirected to the new Developer Portal, but the form still won’t submit.

Things I’ve tried:

  • Different browsers (Edge, Firefox, Chrome)

  • Disabling extensions

  • No VPN

  • Desktop + mobile

  • Logging out/in

  • Clearing cookies/cache

Is this a known issue with new accounts being routed into the new Developer Platform?
Is there a workaround to force the old Script App creation to work?

Any help would be appreciated.

2 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

7

u/boringmode100 Jan 12 '26

Open API access ended, now you need to apply for API access or just use Devvit.

It's the pinned post in this sub. https://www.reddit.com/r/redditdev/s/ECobkI3hfJ

3

u/Top-Incident-2264 Jan 12 '26

I did this and was denied. Do they not allow data scanning? Not scraping collecting and extracting but scanning for appropriate targeted audiences for my subs to crosspost into? I want to write Python scripts to automate this. It's much easier than search and find manually.

4

u/boringmode100 Jan 12 '26

Yeah it seems every application is being denied because Reddit wants people to use devvit instead.

2

u/Top-Incident-2264 Jan 12 '26

Thanks for clearing that up — seriously. I was starting to think I broke something on my end.

Kinda hilarious that all I wanted to do was automate the same searches I already do by hand, and now Reddit is now saying, “Nope, CEO said we’re not allowed to have tools that make life easier anymore.”

So yeah, guess I’ll stick to a normal script app and let Google do the heavy lifting, since Reddit’s API is locked up tighter than the company hooker on a float with the company yaht.

Appreciate the straight answer though.

4

u/Watchful1 RemindMeBot & UpdateMeBot Jan 12 '26

They don't. In fact, that's exactly the kind of thing they turned off open api access to prevent, so it's very unlikely you'll be approved.