# AI Pages can't edit demo or protected themes

> Shopify blocks changes to demo themes. Choose your live theme, or duplicate the theme and build on the copy.

Shopify blocks file changes on demo and protected themes, so AI Pages can't add a page there. Choose your live theme, or duplicate the theme and build on the copy. No credit is used.

## What you see

- "AI Block Setup can't edit Shopify demo or protected themes. Choose your live theme or duplicate the theme and try again."
- "We couldn't access the selected theme's files. Shopify blocks AI Block Setup on demo or protected themes, so choose your live theme or duplicate the theme and try again."

"AI Block Setup" here means AI Pages.

## Fix it

1. In Shopify admin, open **Online Store** → **Themes**.
2. Duplicate the theme if you want to keep working on it.
3. In AI Pages, open **Advanced settings**.
4. Under **Theme**, pick your live theme or the copy.
5. Click the Generate button.

## Why isn't my theme in the list?

The **Theme** list hides demo themes and development themes. If no theme is selected, **Advanced settings** opens by itself so you can pick one.

## Related

- [Build a page on a theme that isn't live](https://section-store.orka.help/a/build-on-a-theme-that-isnt-live)
- [Does AI Pages work with my theme?](https://section-store.orka.help/a/does-ai-pages-work-with-my-theme)

*Also searched as:* demo theme, protected theme, can't edit theme, shopify blocks theme, ai block setup can't edit, couldn't access theme files, theme not in list, theme missing from dropdown, trial theme, theme locked, theme read only, development theme not listed, duplicate theme to build