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Shopify domain: Complete guide for 2025

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Registering a Shopify domain is one of the first steps to setting up a profitable ecommerce store with Shopify. After all, it’s a reflection of your brand identity and is a handy tool for boosting search engine optimization (SEO).

While you can transfer a domain to Shopify (more on this later), buying one directly through the platform is much simpler. Shopify provides all the tools you need to find the perfect store name, including a free availability checker and idea generator.

This might sound a bit confusing if it’s your first rodeo. However, there’s no need to worry. The following guide explains everything you need to know about Shopify domain names, including how to add, change, and manage domains, solutions to common issues, and Shopify domain pricing.

Integrate Omnisend with your Shopify domain for an upgraded experience

What is a Shopify domain?

A Shopify domain is the web address for your Shopify store and the URL customers will use to access your website. When signing up for Shopify, you receive a default myshopify.com domain name, which you can later upgrade to a custom domain.

How to connect a domain to Shopify

In most cases, to connect a domain to Shopify that you purchased from a third-party provider, such as Google Domains or Wix, you’ll need to manually update the DNS records in your service provider’s account. This is because Shopify support can’t access third-party settings.

To do this, log into your service provider’s account, locate the DNS settings or domain management area, and change the following records:

  1. Point the A record to the Shopify IPv4 address 23.227.38.65
  2. If necessary, change Host to
  3. Delete any other A records on the domain
  4. Point the AAAA record to the Shopify IPv6 address 2620:0127:f00f:5::
  5. If necessary, change Host to @ again
  6. Delete any other AAAA records on the domain
  7. Point the CNAME record with the name www to shops.myshopify.com. (you must include the period at the end of the domain)
  8. Press Save

From here, you should be able to complete the process in Shopify’s settings using the steps below:

  1. From the Shopify admin dashboard, go to Settings > Domains
  2. Click Connect Existing Domain
  3. In the Domain box, enter your URL, and click Next
  4. Click Connect Domain

Keep in mind that changes can take up to 48 hours to implement, so don’t panic if your domain doesn’t update straight away. It’s also worth noting that you’ll still need to access your third-party account to manage domain settings and pay for renewals.

Luckily, if you bought your domain from GoDaddy or IONOS, you can connect it to Shopify automatically (which saves a lot of hassle). In this case:

  1. From the Shopify admin dashboard, follow Settings > Domains
  2. Click Connect Existing Domain
  3. Enter your domain and hit Next
  4. Click Connect Automatically
  5. Log in to your GoDaddy or IONOS account
  6. Press Connect, and then Close

How to choose the perfect domain name

Your Shopify domain might be the first introduction a customer has to your brand. As such, it’s crucial to get it right.

If you’re stuck for ideas, we’ve got you covered. The following tips explain how to create a domain that is easy to pronounce and reflects your unique identity and values:

1. Keep it short and simple

The secret to a catchy Shopify store name is simplicity. The shorter, the better, and the less likely someone is to forget your URL. Keep your domain under 15 characters for maximum impact.

2. Make it brandable and memorable

Whatever ecommerce platform you choose, your domain must be brandable and memorable to stand out in crowded markets.

You can do this by ensuring your domain blends in with the rest of your marketing materials — paired with incorporating humor, rhyme, symbolism, alliteration, and other creative writing techniques.

3. Think about relevance

Another way to guarantee memorability is by prioritizing relevance. Your domain must make sense in the context of your wider brand identity and accurately represent your products and services.

4. Anticipate growth

Relevance doesn’t necessarily mean specificity. In fact, you don’t want to be too specific. Otherwise, you might constrain growth further down the line. 

As a rule, keep your domain broad enough to accommodate future expansion or diversification.

5. Weave in your values

Customers flock to brands that share their values, so consider weaving them into your Shopify or Woocommerce domain. For example, you could include words like “eco,” “health,” or “fitness.”

6. Consider SEO impact

Some brands include keywords and phrases in their Shopify domain for SEO purposes.

While this increases memorability and searchability, it tends to be specific. Remember, this might come back to haunt you if you decide to diversify products and services.

7. Draw inspiration from generators

Whether you’re searching for a Shopify or Wix domain, random name generators are handy tools to kick-start inspiration. Describe your vibe, and the clever AI assistant will churn out dozens of suggestions to aid the creative process.

8. Choose the right domain extension

Some domain extensions perform better than others. More specifically, .com extensions generate higher levels of website traffic because they’re widely used and trusted by consumers.

9. Dodge hyphens, periods, and special characters

Hyphens, periods, special characters, double letters, and other fiddly mechanisms make it harder for customers to access your Shopify store.

Don’t forget simplicity is key — your URL should be easy to type and recall.

10. Avoid trademarks

Last but not least, avoid trademarks, which means avoid registering a similar name to another business.

Best-case scenario, you’ll be seen as a rip-off merchant.

Worst-case scenario, you’ll end up in court.

How to buy a domain name from Shopify

It couldn’t be easier to buy a domain name from Shopify. Simply implement the steps below, and you’ll be up and running in no time:

1. Open the Shopify app and click Domains

2. Click Buy a New Domain

buying a new domain
Image via Shopify

3. Enter the domain name you want to buy in the search bar and click Search to see suggestions from the Shopify domain name generator

entering domain name
Image via Shopify

4. If the domain is available, click Add to Cart

5. If the domain is not available, then you can try another one

6. When you’re ready, click Checkout

7. Enter your contact information and payment information

8. Click Confirm Order to buy the domain

Once you’ve bought a domain name and Shopify plan, you’ll need to make monthly payments to keep your store running. 

How much does a Shopify domain cost? It’s fairly affordable, with prices between $10 to $20/year for .com domains. As for the app, which you’ll need to purchase a domain, the basic plan is $39/month when paid monthly or $29/month when paid annually.

How to buy a domain name from Shopify
Image via Shopify

Possibility of a free Shopify domain

You can create an online store with Shopify using the three-day free trial — no credit card information is required. If you need more time, Shopify will extend the trial to 30 days for just $1.

While there is no free domain for Shopify, you can use the free trial to explore the platform and experiment with building your store. Initially, you’ll only get a free “myshopify.com” subdomain. However, you must acquire a custom domain to maintain and strengthen your online presence.

Note that generating a domain name is free but only useful if you purchase it right away.

How to change a Shopify domain name?

There are plenty of reasons why a business might want to change its Spotify domain, including rebranding, copyright infringement (hopefully not, but it does happen), and consolidation. Follow the steps below to get started:

1. To begin, log in to your store’s admin panel and navigate to Domains

domain section on shopify
Image via YouTube

2. Once you have a domain name reflected in the domain list, click Set as primary

setting domain as primary
Image via YouTube

3. Verify that the change was successful by checking for the confirmation banner

confirmed primary domain
Image via YouTube

4. Return to the Domains page to see your new primary domain displayed with a globe icon

new primary domain displayed
Image via YouTube

Transferring a domain name to Shopify

If you already own a domain name and want to use it with your Shopify store, you can transfer it to Shopify. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check the domain provider’s transfer policy

First, check the domain provider’s transfer policy to ensure the provider supports domain transfers. Some providers don’t offer this service, so you’ll need to switch hosts to transfer your Shopify domain name.

So, how do you go about the transferring process? The first step is to contact Shopify and state the domain name you wish to transfer. You’ll then receive specific instructions on how to proceed. 

Hosting companies usually don’t allow transferred domains until after the first invoice is paid, so make sure you’re aware of any fees or contracts that will need to be signed before you successfully transfer a domain to Shopify. 

Here are some additional considerations you should have in mind:

  • You must own the domain you want to transfer
  • You must wait at least 60 days after registering the domain to transfer
  • There is a registration fee of an additional 12 months
  • Some domains, such as .ca and .co.uk, are not eligible for transfer
  • The transfer process can take up to 20 days

If you don’t like your current host or simply want to explore other options, transferring your domain name is a quick and easy way to make the switch.

Always remember to back up your website and email data before initiating a Shopify domain name transfer, just in case something goes wrong. You’ll also need to set up your Shopify email account once the domain is transferred.

2. Prepare domain to transfer

Here’s how you can get your Shopify domain ready for transfer:

  • Provide Shopify with the domain name you want to transfer along with the authorization code or EPP code for your domain name 
  • Wait for Shopify to initiate the transfer process
  • Access your domain’s management panel and remove all records associated with the old host
  • Add the records for Shopify, following its specific instructions
  • Keep your Shopify domain name registrar account information up to date
  • Check your Shopify settings to ensure they fit your needs

3. Transfer the domain to Shopify

Once you successfully transfer the domain to Shopify, it’ll take over responsibility for the domain name. This means that you’ll no longer be able to access the website or email accounts associated with the domain name. 

If you need to keep these services active, you’ll need to continue paying for them through Shopify.

transferring Shopify domain
Image via Shopify

Common issues and solutions

There are several common issues you might run into when managing your Shopify domain. We’ve included some of the most frequent below, paired with easy-to-implement solutions:

Troubleshooting DNS configuration 

Double-check your DNS settings to ensure they’re pointing to Shopify’s servers. Verify that you’ve waited long enough for DNS changes to propagate (it takes up to 48 hours), and ask your domain registrar if you’re using a third-party domain to confirm the settings.

Resolving domain transfer issues 

  • Problem: Domain not working after transfer from Wix to Shopify
    • Solution: Update DNS records in Shopify admin, specifically A and CNAME records
  • Problem: “Set up in progress” and “Needs attention” status in Shopify
    • Solution: Address the specific DNS issues listed in the Shopify admin
  • Problem: Error fetching domain CAA record
    • Solution: Check and update the CAA record in DNS settings
  • Problem: Error fetching domain CNAME record
    • Solution: Set CNAME record to shops.myshopify.com in DNS settings
  • Problem: Error fetching domain nameserver record
    • Solution: Verify nameserver settings are correct in DNS settings
  • Problem: Lost access to DNS settings at previous provider (e.g., Wix)
    • Solution: Manage DNS settings through Shopify admin after the transfer
  • Problem: Domain showing “This site can’t be reached” after transfer
    • Solution: Ensure A record points to Shopify’s IP (23.227.38.65) and CNAME to shops.myshopify.com
  • Problem: Uncertainty about DNS propagation after transfer
    • Solution: Wait up to 48 hours for DNS changes to take effect
  • Problem: Difficulty identifying correct DNS settings after transfer
    • Solution: Use Shopify’s recommendations in the admin panel for proper DNS configuration
  • Problem: SSL/TLS issues after domain transfer
    • Solution: Ensure CAA records allow Shopify’s certificate authorities (Let’s Encrypt and GlobalSign)

Tips for managing your Shopify domain

It’s easy to manage Shopify domain settings for your online store on the Domains page in your Shopify admin.

Renewing your domain

To renew your Shopify domain, activate automatic renewal in your admin settings. The renewal charge occurs 14 days before expiration. Automatic renewal is mandatory for .de and .at domains and optional for other domain extensions, including .com. 

Monitoring domain expiry 

You can monitor expiry dates in your Shopify admin under Settings > Domains. Keep your email address current to receive notifications about upcoming expirations, and set personal reminders several months before the expiry date as an extra precaution. 

If your domain expires, you have a 40-day grace period to renew through Shopify Support. After that, a 30-day redemption period follows with additional costs.

Integrating Omnisend with your Shopify domain

Integrating Shopify or Shopify Plus with Omnisend allows you to run engaging, lead-converting campaigns directly from your Shopify store. With everything in one place, you’ll be able to establish an omnichannel marketing strategy minus the stress and confusion.

Ultimately, Omnisend helps you increase your sales, not your workload. Once you’ve linked your accounts, you’ll receive access to tons of exciting features, including:

  • Email templates
  • Pre-built automation workflows
  • Segment suggestions
  • Form templates
  • Advanced personalization tools
Get started with Omnisend today & drive sales on autopilot to your Shopify store

Shopify domain FAQ

How to delete a domain on Shopify?

While you can’t remove your myshopify.com domain name because you need it to access the app, you can remove a custom domain from your Shopify store.

From the Shopify app, follow > Settings > Domains. Tap the domain you want to remove, press Delete, and confirm with .

What does SSL pending mean on a Shopify domain?

When a Shopify domain has the status “SSL pending,” it means Shopify is trying to issue an SSL certificate for your ecommerce store. SSL certificates verify a website’s identity and ensure customers can browse and purchase products and/or services securely.

How to find my Shopify domain?

There are several places you can see your Shopify domain, the easiest being from the Shopify dashboard. Log in to your account, click on the left-hand menu, and follow Online Store > Domains.

How much is a domain on Shopify?

The standard myshopify.com domain is free, but custom domains usually cost between $10 and $20/year.

Bernard Meyer
Article by

Bernard is the Sr. Director of Communications & Creative at Omnisend, with a passion for good research, helping ecommerce businesses with their marketing automation needs, and beating absolutely everyone in Mario Kart 64.