Domain Locking: The First Line of Defense for Shopify Stores

What is Domain Locking?

Domain locking is a security feature that prevents your domain from being transferred to another registrar without your explicit authorization. When your domain is locked, transfer requests are automatically rejected—like putting a hold on your account that only you can remove.

Why Every Shopify Merchant Needs Domain Locking

Without domain locking, attackers who gain access to your registrar account—or who successfully impersonate you—can transfer your domain away in minutes. Once transferred, recovering your domain becomes a lengthy legal battle while your Shopify store remains offline.

Domain locking is free, takes seconds to enable, and provides critical protection. There’s no reason not to use it.

Types of Domain Locks

Registrar Lock (Client Transfer Lock)

The standard lock that prevents transfers to another registrar. This is the minimum protection every Shopify merchant should enable.

Registry Lock

A premium security feature that requires manual verification—often a phone call—before any changes can be made. Recommended for high-value domains.

How to Enable Domain Locking

At GoDaddy

1. Log into your account
2. Go to My Products > Domains
3. Select your domain
4. Find “Domain Lock” and toggle it ON

At Namecheap

1. Log into your account
2. Go to Domain List
3. Click Manage next to your domain
4. Enable “Domain Lock”

At Cloudflare

1. Log into your account
2. Select your domain
3. Go to Configuration
4. Enable “Registrar Lock”

Through Shopify

1. Go to Settings > Domains in your Shopify admin
2. Click on your domain
3. Enable “Transfer lock”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to unlock for legitimate transfers: You’ll need to disable the lock when you intentionally transfer your domain
• Not re-locking after changes: Some registrars automatically unlock domains during DNS changes—verify the lock is active afterward
• Ignoring lock status emails: Your registrar may notify you when lock status changes—these are important security alerts

How Recon Helps

Recon monitors your domain security by:

• Checking that domain locking is enabled and active
• Alerting you if your lock status changes unexpectedly
• Verifying your security settings after DNS changes
• Providing step-by-step guidance for enabling locks at major registrars

FAQ

Q: Will domain locking affect my Shopify store’s operation?

A: No. Domain locking only prevents transfers to other registrars. Your website, email, and all other services continue working normally.

Q: How long should I keep my domain locked?

A: Always. Only unlock your domain when you’re actively transferring it, then re-lock immediately at the new registrar.

Q: Is registry lock worth the extra cost?

A: For Shopify stores with significant revenue, yes. The additional verification step provides strong protection against sophisticated attacks. Consider it if your domain is essential to your business.