Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
How to Attach a Domain in Shopify (Friendly Guide)
Make your store look professional by using a custom domain. This step-by-step guide shows you how to connect, transfer, or buy a domain for Shopify—with clear examples and DNS settings.
Quick Navigation
Contents
What You Need Before You Start
Shopify Account
You need a Shopify store to attach a domain.
Don’t have one yet? Create your Shopify store first—setup only takes a few minutes.
Domain Access
Have login access to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
We’ll change DNS records in your registrar dashboard when connecting an existing domain.
Basic Terminology
Understanding these helps a lot.
- A record: Points your domain to Shopify’s IP address.
- CNAME: Points a subdomain (like
www) to another hostname. - Propagation: The time (usually up to 48 hours) for DNS changes to fully update worldwide.
Choose How You’ll Attach Your Domain
Option 1 — Connect an Existing Domain
Keep your domain with your current registrar and just point DNS to Shopify.
Best if you’re happy with your registrar and want the quickest setup. You’ll edit A and CNAME records.
Option 2 — Transfer to Shopify
Move your domain registration into Shopify completely.
Great if you prefer managing everything in one place. Renewal billing and DNS live in Shopify.
Option 3 — Buy Through Shopify
Purchase a brand-new domain directly inside Shopify.
Fastest way to go live if you don’t already own a domain.
Tip: Unsure which to pick? If you already have a domain, choose Connect for speed. If you want simplicity later, pick Transfer.
Connect an Existing Domain (DNS Method)
Open Shopify Domains
In Shopify Admin go to Settings → Domains and click Connect existing domain. You can reach Admin via your Shopify dashboard.
Enter Your Domain
Type your domain, for example example.com, and click Next.
Update DNS at Your Registrar
Login to your registrar and set the A record and CNAME as shown in the examples below. Save changes.
Verify Connection in Shopify
Back in Settings → Domains, click Verify connection. If you’ve updated DNS correctly, Shopify will show “Connected.”
Heads-up: DNS can take time to propagate. It’s normal if you don’t see it working immediately.
Transfer a Domain to Shopify
Unlock and Get Auth Code
At your current registrar, unlock the domain and request the authorization (EPP) code.
Start Transfer in Shopify
Go to Settings → Domains → Transfer domain, enter your domain, and paste the EPP code when asked.
Approve Emails & Pay Transfer Fee
Confirm ownership via email and complete the transfer payment (varies by TLD). Shopify will handle DNS automatically after completion.
Buy a New Domain in Shopify
Search for a Domain
In Settings → Domains, click Buy new domain and search. Pick a short, memorable option.
Secure & Configure
Complete checkout. Shopify adds DNS automatically and issues an SSL certificate—no manual setup needed.
Pro Tip: Grab both
yourbrand.com and yourbrand.co.uk if you serve UK/EU customers.DNS Settings Examples (A, CNAME, TXT)
Example A Record (Root Domain)
Points example.com to Shopify.
Host / Name: @
Type: A
Value: 23.227.38.65
TTL: 3600 (or leave default)Example CNAME (www)
Points www.example.com to Shopify.
Host / Name: www
Type: CNAME
Value: shops.myshopify.com
TTL: 3600Optional TXT (Verification / Email)
Used for domain verification or email services.
Host / Name: @
Type: TXT
Value: v=spf1 include:shops.shopify.com ~all
TTL: 3600Note: Some registrars require leaving “Host” blank for root (@). If shops.myshopify.com isn’t accepted as CNAME, try removing a trailing dot.
Verification, SSL & Propagation
Verify in Shopify
After saving DNS, click Verify connection in Settings → Domains. If there’s an issue, Shopify will show what to fix.
Automatic SSL
Shopify issues an SSL certificate automatically. It may show “Provisioning” for a little while—this is normal.
Propagation Time
Most DNS changes complete in under an hour, but global propagation can take up to 48 hours.
Troubleshooting Tips
Conflicting Records
Remove old A/CNAME records that point to previous hosts—duplicates can break routing.
WWW vs Root
Make sure www (CNAME) and @ (A) are both set. Choose your Primary domain in Shopify to force consistent URLs.
Email Still with Registrar?
If you use Google/Microsoft email, keep MX records with that provider. Only change A/CNAME for the website.
Need a fresh start? You can always buy a new domain inside Shopify and go live fast: Buy in Shopify.
FAQs
Can I use multiple domains?
Yes. You can connect multiple domains and set one as the primary. Others can redirect to it.
Will my SEO be affected?
No, as long as you select a single primary domain in Shopify. Shopify adds the right redirects automatically.
How long does SSL take?
Usually minutes, but it may take a few hours during busy periods. It will switch from “Provisioning” to “Active.”
Ready to Attach Your Domain?
Whether you’re connecting an existing domain or buying a new one, you’re just a few clicks away from a polished, trustworthy storefront.
