Custom Domain Setup for Shopify: Complete Guide

Why Use a Custom Domain?

Every Shopify store starts with a free yourstore.myshopify.com address. While functional, a custom domain like yourstore.com provides significant advantages:

• Brand credibility: Customers trust professional domains
• Memorability: Custom domains are easier to share and remember
• SEO benefits: Your own domain builds lasting search authority
• Email professional: Use hello@yourstore.com instead of generic email

A custom domain is essential for any serious Shopify merchant.

Buying a Domain: Shopify vs. Third-Party

Through Shopify

Pros:

• Automatic DNS configuration
• Built-in WHOIS privacy
• Seamless SSL activation
• Single dashboard for store and domain

Cons:

• Limited TLD selection
• Slightly higher prices for some domains
• Transferring away requires more steps

Through a Registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)

Pros:

• Wider TLD selection
• Often lower prices
• More DNS control
• Easier to transfer between registrars

Cons:

• Manual DNS configuration required
• Need to manage separate accounts
• Must configure security features yourself

For simplicity, buying through Shopify is recommended for new merchants. For more control, use a reputable third-party registrar.

Connecting an Existing Domain

If you already own a domain, connecting it to Shopify takes a few steps:

Step 1: Add the Domain in Shopify

1. Go to Shopify Admin > Settings > Domains
2. Click “Connect existing domain”
3. Enter your domain name
4. Click “Next”

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

At your registrar, add these DNS records:

A Record (root domain):

• Host: @ (or blank)
• Points to: 23.227.38.65

CNAME Record (www):

• Host: www
• Points to: shops.myshopify.com

Step 3: Verify Connection

1. Return to Shopify Admin > Domains
2. Click “Verify connection”
3. Wait for verification (can take up to 48 hours)

Step 4: Set Primary Domain

Once verified, set your custom domain as primary so customers see yourstore.com instead of yourstore.myshopify.com.

DNS Configuration Requirements

Shopify requires specific DNS settings:

• A record pointing to 23.227.38.65 for root domain
• CNAME pointing to shops.myshopify.com for www subdomain
• Remove any conflicting A records or CNAMEs

If using Cloudflare, disable the proxy (orange cloud) for these records.

SSL Certificate Activation

After DNS is configured correctly:

1. Shopify automatically provisions an SSL certificate
2. This can take 24-48 hours
3. Check status in Settings > Domains
4. Once active, your site loads securely via HTTPS

You don’t need to purchase a separate SSL certificate.

Testing Your Configuration

Before announcing your new domain:

1. Visit both URLs: Test yourstore.com and www.yourstore.com
2. Check for redirects: Both should redirect to your primary domain
3. Verify SSL: Look for the padlock icon in your browser
4. Test checkout: Complete a test purchase to ensure everything works
5. Check email: Verify any domain-based email still works

How Recon Helps

Recon ensures your custom domain is set up securely by:

• Verifying DNS records are correctly configured
• Checking SSL certificate status
• Monitoring for configuration changes
• Alerting you to security issues with your domain setup

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to connect a domain?

A: DNS propagation typically takes a few hours but can take up to 48 hours. SSL activation adds another 24-48 hours. Plan for up to 4 days for complete setup.

Q: Can I use a domain I bought elsewhere with Shopify?

A: Yes. You can either connect the domain (keeping it at your registrar) or transfer it to Shopify. Connecting is faster; transferring gives you simpler management.

Q: What happens to my old myshopify.com URL?

A: It continues working and automatically redirects to your custom domain. This ensures old links and bookmarks still work.