Do I need a custom domain for Shopify?

No — you get a free myshopify.com URL, but a custom domain is strongly recommended for trust and SEO.

Can I buy a domain through Shopify?

Yes — buy and renew domains directly through Shopify, or connect one from an external registrar.

How do I connect a domain from another registrar?

Update the A record and CNAME at your registrar, then add and verify the domain in Settings > Domain.

Does Shopify provide SSL for custom domains?

Yes — SSL is provisioned automatically once the domain is verified.

Can I have multiple domains pointing to one store?

Yes — add multiple domains and set one as primary; the rest redirect to it.

Glossary Term

D

Domain Settings

Where you connect, verify, and manage the custom web address customers use to reach your store.

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Key Takeaways
Domain Settings manage the web address customers use to reach your store.
You get a default myshopify.com URL; most brands connect a custom domain.
Buy a domain through Shopify or connect one from a registrar (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google).
Connecting requires DNS changes (A record, CNAME) and verification in Shopify.
A custom domain is a trust and SEO asset and a prerequisite for custom email.

Overview

Domain Settings in Shopify control the web address customers use to reach your store. By default you get a myshopify.com URL, but most brands connect a custom domain (e.g. yourbrand.com) bought through Shopify or a registrar like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains.

Configured under Settings > Domain, you connect a new domain, set a primary domain, manage subdomains and redirects, and configure email forwarding. Connecting a custom domain usually requires updating DNS records (A record, CNAME) at your registrar and verifying ownership in Shopify.

Your domain is a trust and SEO asset. A custom domain builds credibility, is required for professional email and many third-party integrations, and lets you rank in search under your own brand — foundational to any Shopify SEO program. It's also a prerequisite for the custom email domain needed to send lead and transactional emails to non-registered addresses.

1

Why Domain Settings Matter for Shopify Merchants

1
Brand Credibility
A custom domain builds trust in a way a myshopify.com URL never can.
2
SEO Foundation
Rank in search under your own brand and own your search presence.
3
Custom Email
A verified domain is required to send branded email to non-registered addresses.
4
Subdomains and Markets
Use subdomains for international stores, blogs, and landing pages.
5
Redirects and Consolidation
Set a primary domain and redirect alternates to consolidate link equity.

2

Setting Up Your Domain the Right Way

1
Pick a primary domain
Choose the canonical domain and redirect all variants to it so link equity consolidates.
2
Verify DNS
Update the A record and CNAME at your registrar, then verify in Shopify.
3
Set up email forwarding
Forward addresses like hello@yourbrand.com to your inbox so customers reach a real person.
4
Plan subdomains
Use shop.yourbrand.com, blog.yourbrand.com, or regional subdomains for multi-currency expansion.
5
Enable SSL
Shopify provisions SSL automatically on verified domains — never serve over http.