How to connect your domain to Shopify
Add an A record for the root domain pointing to 23.227.38.65 and a CNAME for www pointing to shops.myshopify.com. (with the full stop) where your domain's DNS is managed. Then open Settings > Domains in Shopify, click Connect existing domain, enter your name without www and click Connect domain. Check the values on Shopify's help page before you save, as they can change.
What you need before you start
You need three things: a Shopify store, a domain that is already registered, and access to the place where that domain's DNS records are edited. DNS is the address book that tells browsers where your site lives. Shopify Support cannot open the settings of a domain held elsewhere, so DNS problems are sorted out with whoever runs your DNS.
If you do not own a domain yet, check a name first on /domains/ or browse ideas on /ideas/. A .com suits shops that sell abroad, while a .pk suits a local audience. Our /pk-vs-com-pk-vs-com/ guide explains the difference. Whatever you choose, make sure it is registered in your own name so you stay in control of your shop address.
The DNS records Shopify asks for
Shopify's help centre lists these values for a manual connection. Copy them exactly, and check the page again if your provider shows something different.
Shopify also says that an A record ending in a different last number, such as 23.227.38.32, can appear for your region. That is still valid and is not an error.
- A record, host @ (the root domain): 23.227.38.65
- AAAA record, host @: 2620:0127:f00f:5:: (if your provider rejects this short form, use 2620:0127:f00f:0005:0000:0000:0000:0000)
- CNAME record, host www: shops.myshopify.com. (keep the full stop at the end)
- Delete any other A and AAAA records on the domain. Only one A record and one www CNAME are allowed
Connecting a .com or .pk step by step
Log in to your DNS provider, open the DNS or domain management page, and add the records above. Then go to your Shopify admin and open Settings > Domains. Click Connect existing domain, type your domain without www, click Next, then click Connect domain.
The steps are the same for a .com, a .pk or a .com.pk, because Shopify only cares that the records point to it. Your nameservers must respond and publish these records. Use your provider's default nameservers, or an external DNS host such as Cloudflare. If Cloudflare hosts your DNS, you do not need to move it back. Keep paying and renewing the domain with the company that holds it.
SSL and how long to wait
Shopify says that adding a domain creates a TLS certificate for it automatically and for free. That certificate gives your shop the padlock and the https address. You do not buy or install one yourself.
DNS changes take time to spread. Shopify says this usually happens within two hours but can take up to two days, and that a domain might take up to 48 hours to be fully live. Connect the domain well before a launch or an ad campaign. If the padlock is missing at first, check again later rather than deleting and re-adding records.
Common errors and how to fix them
Most failures come from small record mistakes. Work through this list before contacting anyone.
For more setup help, see /guides/.
- Domain already connected to another Shopify store: Shopify asks you to verify ownership with a TXT record or automatic verification.
- Records look right but nothing connects: your nameservers may not be responding or may not publish the records.
- Two A records or two www CNAMEs: remove the extras, since only one of each is allowed.
- AAAA value rejected: use the expanded IPv6 address shown above.
- Missing full stop on the CNAME target: add it exactly as Shopify writes it.
Common questions
Can I connect a .pk domain to Shopify?
Yes. Shopify only needs the DNS records to point to it, so the steps are the same as for a .com. If you still need the name, check it on /domains/ and see /pk-domain/ for the rules.
Should I use the A record or the CNAME?
Use both. The A record handles the root domain such as yourshop.com, and the CNAME handles www. Shopify's help centre lists both values.
How long does the connection take?
Shopify says DNS changes usually spread within two hours but can take up to two days. It also says a domain might take up to 48 hours to be fully live.
Do I need to buy an SSL certificate?
No. Shopify says it creates a TLS certificate for free when you add a domain by any method.
Do I still pay for and renew the domain elsewhere?
Yes. Shopify says you still log in to your third-party provider to manage domain settings, pay for the domain and renew it. Shopify only receives the traffic once your DNS points to it.