SSL Certificates: Securing Your Shopify Store's Connections

What is SSL/TLS?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) encrypt the connection between your customer’s browser and your Shopify store. This encryption ensures that sensitive data—credit card numbers, passwords, personal information—can’t be intercepted by attackers.

The padlock icon in your browser’s address bar indicates an active SSL/TLS connection.

Why Every Shopify Store Needs SSL

Customer Trust

Browsers prominently warn users when sites lack SSL. A “Not Secure” warning next to your URL destroys customer confidence and kills conversions.

Payment Processing

Payment processors require SSL. Without it, you can’t accept credit card payments—period.

SEO Rankings

Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal. Sites without SSL rank lower in search results.

Data Protection

SSL prevents attackers from intercepting customer data on public WiFi or compromised networks.

Shopify’s Automatic SSL

Good news: Shopify provides free SSL certificates for all stores automatically. When you connect a domain to Shopify, the SSL certificate activates within 48 hours.

You don’t need to purchase a separate SSL certificate for your Shopify store.

Custom Domain SSL Setup

If you’re connecting a custom domain to Shopify:

1. Add your domain in Shopify Admin > Settings > Domains
2. Configure DNS with the correct A record and CNAME
3. Wait for verification (usually 24-48 hours)
4. Check SSL status in your domain settings

Shopify will show “SSL pending” until the certificate is issued, then “SSL enabled” once active.

The Padlock Icon and Customer Trust

The padlock icon signals to customers that:

• Their connection is encrypted
• The site has been verified
• It’s safe to enter payment information

A broken padlock or “Not Secure” warning tells customers to leave immediately. For e-commerce, there’s no acceptable excuse for missing SSL.

Common SSL Problems

Certificate Not Yet Activated

SSL can take up to 48 hours to activate after connecting a domain. Be patient, but contact Shopify support if it takes longer.

DNS Misconfiguration

Incorrect A records or CNAME settings prevent SSL from activating. Verify your DNS matches Shopify’s requirements exactly.

Mixed Content Warnings

Your SSL is active but some resources (images, scripts) load over HTTP. This triggers a partial warning. See our mixed content article for fixes.

Certificate Expiration

Shopify automatically renews certificates, but third-party SSL certificates need manual renewal. Expired certificates break your site.

How Recon Helps

Recon monitors your SSL configuration by:

• Verifying your SSL certificate is active and valid
• Alerting you before certificates expire (for custom certificates)
• Detecting mixed content issues that weaken your security
• Checking that all your domains and subdomains have proper SSL

FAQ

Q: Do I need to buy an SSL certificate for Shopify?

A: No. Shopify provides free SSL certificates for all stores. You only need a separate certificate if you’re using a custom checkout domain or specific enterprise requirements.

Q: Why is my SSL taking so long to activate?

A: DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. If your SSL is still pending after 48 hours, verify your DNS settings are correct and contact Shopify support.

Q: Does SSL slow down my store?

A: Modern SSL has negligible performance impact. The security and SEO benefits far outweigh any minimal latency. Never disable SSL to “speed up” your site.