How to Change DNS on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide for Success

Table of Contents

1. Understanding DNS and Its Importance for Your Shopify Store
2. Preparing to Change Your DNS Settings on Shopify
3. Step-by-Step Guide: Changing DNS Settings on Shopify
4. Troubleshooting and Support
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ Section

Introduction Are you contemplating the switch to Shopify for your e-commerce venture, or already a Shopify user looking to fine-tune your website's performance? An essential aspect of establishing a robust online presence involves editing your Domain Name System (DNS) settings. Changing your DNS on Shopify might sound technical, but it's an integral step toward optimizing your site's performance, boosting security, and enhancing user experience.

This guide will take you through why tweaking your DNS settings is crucial, what changes you might need to implement, and, most importantly, the step-by-step process on how to make these adjustments within the Shopify platform. Whether you're setting up a new domain, managing subdomains, or configuring email services, understanding how to navigate and modify your DNS settings can have a profound impact on your store's functionality and accessibility.

Understanding DNS and Its Importance for Your Shopify Store

Before diving into the "how," let's briefly touch upon the "what" and "why." DNS, which stands for Domain Name System, is essentially the internet's phonebook. It translates human-friendly domain names like "yourstore.com" into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. Efficient DNS settings ensure that your visitors can find your site quickly and without hassle.

For e-commerce sites, speed and reliability are non-negotiable. DNS issues can result in slow loading times or, even worse, site unavailability. This is not just a minor inconvenience but can significantly affect customer trust, site traffic, and overall sales.

Preparing to Change Your DNS Settings on Shopify

Before making any changes, there are a few preparatory steps:

1. Ensure You Have a Custom Domain: Shopify provides a default domain (yourstore.myshopify.com), which doesn't allow direct DNS management. To access DNS settings, you'll need a custom domain purchased through Shopify or transferred from another registrar.

2. Understand the Records: Familiarize yourself with A record, AAAA record, and CNAME record. Incorrect changes to these settings can disrupt the connection between your domain and Shopify, making your store inaccessible.

3. Find Your Current Shopify IP Address: This is essential for pointing your A record to Shopify, ensuring that when someone types in your domain name, they land on your Shopify store.

Step-by-Step Guide: Changing DNS Settings on Shopify

Accessing DNS Settings

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin panel.
2. Navigate to 'Online Store' and then 'Domains.'
3. Select the domain you want to adjust. If it's a Shopify-managed domain, you'll see an option to manage DNS settings.

Adding or Editing DNS Records

1. A Record: This should point to Shopify's IP address (23.227.38.65). It's crucial for directing your domain to your Shopify store.

2. CNAME Record: For the www version of your domain, set the CNAME record to 'shops.myshopify.com'. This ensures the www version of your domain correctly points to your Shopify store.

3. MX Records: If you're setting up email forwarding or handling, you might need to add or edit MX Records. This is often provided by your email hosting service.

4. TXT Records, AAAA Records, and SRV Records: These may be required for various configurations like email verification, additional subdomains, or specific service integrations.

Saving Changes

• After adding or editing your records, save the changes.
• Remember, DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate across the internet fully.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues or the DNS settings are not visible, here are a few things to consider:

• Ensure that your domain is not merely pointed to Shopify but fully transferred and managed by Shopify if you're accessing settings from within your Shopify admin.
• For domains not managed by Shopify (e.g., purchased through GoDaddy or another registrar), you'll need to log into your registrar's platform to edit DNS settings.

Conclusion

Navigating the DNS settings for your Shopify store might seem daunting, but it is a critical skill that can significantly influence your site's performance and security. By following these steps, you're not only optimizing your store's discoverability but are also laying down a foundation for a smooth, seamless online shopping experience for your customers.

FAQ Section

Q1: How long does it take for DNS changes to take effect? A1: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide, although, in many cases, the changes are noticeable much sooner.

Q2: Can I manage DNS settings for a domain not purchased through Shopify? A2: Yes, you can manage DNS settings for any domain connected to your Shopify store, but you'll need to do so through the domain registrar's platform.

Q3: What if I make a mistake while editing my DNS settings? A3: If you're unsure about any changes, it's always best to consult with Shopify support or a network administrator. Incorrect DNS settings can make your site inaccessible.

Q4: Do DNS changes affect my site's SEO? A4: Proper DNS configuration ensures that your site is readable and accessible, which is beneficial for SEO. However, frequent changes and downtime can negatively impact your site's ranking.

Q5: Is it possible to revert DNS settings? A5: Yes, you can revert changes by resetting your DNS records to their previous values. If you're lost, reaching out to Shopify support or consulting with a professional can help guide you through the process.