How to Connect a Custom Domain to Your Shopify Store (Step-by-Step)

When you first create a Shopify store, your website is assigned a default, rather ugly URL that looks like your-store-name.myshopify.com.

While this is fine for building your store behind the scenes, you absolutely cannot launch to the public with a .myshopify.com URL. It looks unprofessional, hurts your SEO, and reduces customer trust. You need to connect a custom domain (like yourbrand.com).

If you have already used Namecheckly to find and purchase your perfect domain name from a third-party registrar (like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare), connecting it to Shopify is a breeze.

Here is the step-by-step guide to connecting your custom domain to Shopify.

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The Short Answer: Automatic Connection

If you purchased your domain through a major registrar like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or 1&1 IONOS, Shopify has an automatic connection feature that does the heavy lifting for you.

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin dashboard.
2. In the bottom left corner, click Settings, then click Domains.
3. Click Connect existing domain.
4. Type in the domain you purchased (e.g., mybrand.com) and click Next.
5. Click Connect automatically.
6. A pop-up window will appear asking you to log into your domain registrar account (e.g., GoDaddy).
7. Log in and click Authorize or Connect.

That's it! Shopify will automatically configure your DNS records. Keep in mind it may take a few hours for the SSL certificate to generate and the connection to finalize.

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The Manual Method (For All Other Registrars)

If you bought your domain from Namecheap, Porkbun, Cloudflare, or any other registrar, you will need to update your DNS (Domain Name System) settings manually. It sounds intimidating, but it only takes about three minutes.

Step 1: Add the Domain in Shopify

1. Go to your Shopify Admin > Settings > Domains.
2. Click Connect existing domain.
3. Enter your domain name and click Next.
4. Click Connect manually. Shopify will now provide you with the exact IP address and CNAME target you need. Keep this tab open.

Step 2: Update Your DNS Records at Your Registrar

Open a new tab, log in to the website where you bought your domain (e.g., Namecheap), and navigate to the DNS management area. (This is usually called "Advanced DNS", "Manage DNS", or "DNS Zone File").

You need to edit or create two specific records:

1. The A Record (For your root domain)

The A Record points your "naked" domain (e.g., yourbrand.com without the 'www') to Shopify's servers.

• Type: A Record
• Host/Name: @ (or leave it blank, depending on your provider)
• Points to/Value: 23.227.38.65 (This is Shopify's IP address)

Important: Delete any other existing A Records for the @ host, as having multiple can cause your site to load inconsistently.

2. The CNAME Record (For the 'www' subdomain)

The CNAME record ensures that if someone types www.yourbrand.com, they are still directed to your store.

• Type: CNAME Record
• Host/Name: www
• Points to/Value: shops.myshopify.com

Step 3: Verify the Connection in Shopify

1. Go back to the tab with your Shopify admin open.
2. Click the Verify connection button.

Shopify will now scan your DNS records to ensure they are pointing to the right place.

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What Happens Next? (The Propagation Period)

Once you click verify, you might see a warning that your domain is "Not Connected" or that the "SSL Pending." Do not panic.

Updating DNS records is like updating a global phonebook; it takes time for the changes to propagate to internet servers around the world.

• Usually, it takes 1 to 4 hours.
• In rare cases, it can take up to 48 hours.

During this time, Shopify is automatically generating a free SSL certificate for your store (the padlock icon next to your URL). Once propagation is complete, your store will be live and secure on your custom domain!

A Quick Tip Before Launch

Before you launch your ad campaigns, make sure you have claimed the corresponding social media handles for your new domain. If you haven't done this yet, run your store name through Namecheckly to instantly check availability across Instagram, TikTok, and X.