A domain is the name of the website that people type on their browser to visit your online store. Using a custom domain not only strengthens your brand identity but also builds trust on customers. By integrating Namecheap cost-effective domain registration with Shopify, an e-commerce platform, you set the foundation to create a successful online store. It allows you to create a professional online presence beyond the Shopify default subdomain.
Adding a domain is a technical process that can impact branding, so it is important to understand the essential steps without overcomplicating them. In this guide, you’ll learn how to connect your Namecheap domain to Shopify without any confusion.
Why Connect Namecheap Domain to Shopify?
Namecheap is a popular domain registrar known for its affordable pricing and reliable service, making it a popular choice among entrepreneurs and small business owners. On the other hand, Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that allows users to build, launch, and manage online stores. Connecting a custom domain to Shopify has several benefits:
Connecting a registered domain to Shopify ensures that your store operates under a professional and branded web address, which is essential for long-term growth and credibility.
- User Trust: Customers are more likely to trust and remember a store with a clear, branded domain name. They feel that your store is reliable and well-established, which can lead to higher return visits and increased sales
- Brand Professionalism: Using a custom domain like yourstorename.com instead of a Shopify default subdomain like yourstorename.myshopify.com makes your store appear more trustworthy to customers in all online platforms.
- Improve Ranking: A unique, branded domain improves your search engine ranking, making it easier for customers to find your store. Search gives preference to custom domains, which can enhance your online visibility.
- Marketing Flexibility: Custom domains allow you to create branded email addresses and run marketing campaigns that easily promote your store across different platforms, both online and offline.
Connect Namecheap Domain to Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide
If you have bought your domain from Namecheap and want to use it for your Shopify store, you need to connect the domain properly to make your store accessible through it. You can do this in two ways:
- Automatically
- Manually
1. Automatically Connect Namecheap Domain to Shopify
The automatic method is the quickest way to connect your domain without modifying DNS settings manually.
Access Admin Panel
Log in to the Shopify store with your linked email and password.
Domain Section
In the admin dashboard, click on Settings at the bottom left, then select Domains to manage settings.
Connect Existing Domain
Click on Connect existing domain to connect with the domain you purchased from Namecheap.
Choose Automatic Connection
Enter your Namecheap domain name and press Enter.
Shopify will automatically detect that the domain is from Namecheap. Click on Connect automatically. You will be redirected to log in to your Namecheap account.
Authorize Connection
Enter your login details and authorize Shopify to access your domain DNS settings. So, Shopify will handle the configuration automatically.
Wait for Verification
Return to Shopify and wait for domain verification. This may take up to 48 hours to complete the verification. Once verified, you will receive a notification once the connection is successful.
2. Manually Connect Namecheap Domain to Shopify
If the automatic connection is not working, then you will need to manually update your DNS settings in Namecheap. This provides full control over domain setup but takes more time to complete.
Log in to Namecheap
Go to the Namecheap official website and log into your account with your registered email and password.
Access Domain List
From the dashboard, go to "Domain List" on the left-hand menu. Click the "Manage" button next to the domain you want to connect.
Choose DNS Template
In the Advanced DNS tab at the top of page, click on Choose DNS template and select Shopify from the drop-down menu.
Click on the tick to save.
Connect Domain to Shopify
Log in to your Shopify Admin Panel, go to Settings > Domains.
Click “Connect existing domain”. Enter your Namecheap domain, you want to connect.
Click Next, and Shopify will ask you to verify your DNS settings.
Update DNS Records
Log back into your Namecheap account and manually update the DNS records directed in the prompt.
Go to the Advanced DNS tab on the selected domain. Change the following records:
A Record:
Type: A
Host: @
Value: 23.227.38.65
TTL: Automatic
CNAME Record:
Type: CNAME
Host: www
Value: shops.myshopify.com
TTL: Automatic
Sometimes, you have to delete existing records to avoid connectivity issues.
Verify the Connection
Return to Shopify and click "Verify Connection”. DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate,
By following these methods, you successfully connect your Namecheap domain to your Shopify store, allowing you to establish a professional online presence for your store.
What Happens After You Connect Namecheap Domain to Shopify?
After connecting your domain to Shopify, several key processes occur to finalize the setup and make your store live.
Domain Verification
Shopify verifies that your domain is correctly connected and DNS settings are accurate. You can check the status of your domain in the Shopify admin under Settings > Domains.
SSL Certificate Setup
Shopify will automatically issue and install an SSL certificate for your connected domain. This ensures your store is accessible by secure connection HTTPS, providing secure browsing for your customers.
Store Accessible
After the domain is verified and secure, set this domain as the primary domain in Shopify. This ensures visitors reach your store through the custom URL instead of the default storename.myshopify.com.
Marketing Content
Update your marketing content, social media profiles, and advertisements to reflect your new domain. This helps maintain brand consistency and directs customers to the correct site.
Troubleshooting Common Issues when Connect Domain to Shopify?
Sometimes, when connecting a domain to Shopify, several issues arise that delay the setup process. Troubleshooting these issues ensures a smooth connection and proper functionality of your domain with Shopify.
- SSL Not Active: After connecting your domain, you see an SSL pending status in your Shopify admin. Wait for the SSL certificate to be issued, which can take up to 48 hours. Recheck your DNS settings to prevent delays in the process.
- Incorrect DNS Settings: If your domain is not connecting, it may be due to incorrect DNS records. Double-check your DNS settings in Namecheap account. Ensure that the A record and CNAME record point to Shopify.
- Multiple A Records: Having multiple A records for your domain causes disruption. Make sure that there is only one A record pointing to Shopify IP address. Remove any other A records that point to Shopify.
- Contact Support: If you are still experiencing issues, contact Shopify support for assistance. Share the specific issue details with them to get the issue resolved quickly.
