Shopify DNS settings control how internet traffic routes to your online store when you use a custom domain instead of a default Shopify subdomain like yourstore.myshopify.com. These settings direct visitors to your site's web server through specific DNS records.
When you register a domain name like example.com, you must configure DNS records in your domain registrar's dashboard to point to Shopify's servers. Without correct DNS settings, your custom domain won't load your store properly. This process involves setting A records and CNAME records based on Shopify's requirements.
For example, if you buy a domain from Google Domains or Namecheap, you'll access your DNS management console there. You then enter the IP address 192.0.78.16 (used by Shopify for A records) and create a CNAME entry pointing www.example.com to yourstore.myshopify.com. These entries tell the internet where to find your store.
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. When someone types your custom domain into a browser, DNS queries resolve the domain to the correct server hosting your site.
Shopify uses two primary DNS record types: A records and CNAME records. An A record maps a domain name directly to an IPv4 address. For your root domain (e.g., example.com), you must set an A record to point to Shopify's IP address: 192.0.78.16. This helps traffic to example.com goes to your Shopify store.
A CNAME record creates an alias. For the www subdomain (www.example.com), you set a CNAME record that points to yourstore.myshopify.com. This tells the system to treat www.example.com as equivalent to your store's default URL. Both records are required for full functionality.
Not all DNS records serve the same purpose. Understanding which ones to use prevents misconfiguration and downtime.
| Record Type | Use Case | Value to Enter | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A record | Root domain (example.com) | 192.0.78.16 | example.com → 192.0.78.16 |
| CNAME record | www subdomain (www.example.com) | yourstore.myshopify.com | www.example.com → yourstore.myshopify.com |
| MX record | Email routing (optional) | Mail provider details | Used only if sending/receiving email via domain |
Some users mistakenly try to use an A record for www.example.com. This causes issues because the www subdomain must be an alias, not a direct IP mapping. Using a CNAME here maintains proper DNS hierarchy and avoids conflicts.
Incorrect DNS settings cause "This site can't be reached" errors or redirect loops. The most frequent error is omitting the CNAME record for the www subdomain. Without it, visitors accessing www.example.com see a blank page or error.
Another mistake is entering the wrong IP address. Some registrars list outdated or incorrect IPs. Always use 192.0.78.16 for A records. Shopify's official documentation confirms this value as current as of 2024.
Some users confuse DNS settings with SSL certificates. While HTTPS requires a valid certificate, that's managed separately through Shopify's automatic SSL feature. You don't need to manually configure TLS settings-Shopify handles them automatically once DNS is correct.
After updating DNS records, wait up to 48 hours for propagation globally. However, many users see changes within 10-30 minutes due to caching. To speed up testing, use public DNS resolvers like 8.8.8.8 (Google's DNS).
Run a command-line check using dig or nslookup. For example:
dig A sarahsartistry.comIf the response returns 192.0.78.16, the A record is correct. Similarly, run:
dig CNAME www.sarahsartistry.comAnd verify the output shows yourstore.myshopify.com.
I once helped a client whose domain showed a "Page Not Found" error despite correct settings. The issue was a typo in the CNAME: they entered yourstore.myshopify.com instead of yourstore.myshopify.com (missing the 'o' in 'myshopify'). A single character caused the failure. Double-check every entry.
For deeper validation, use tools like DNS Checker.org. Enter your domain and view results across multiple global DNS servers. This reveals whether your records have propagated consistently.
Once DNS records are live, go to Shopify Admin > Settings > Domains. Click "Add domain" and enter your custom domain. Shopify verifies the DNS configuration automatically. If successful, it displays a green checkmark.
After verification, set the domain as primary. This makes it the default URL for your store. Visitors typing your domain now land on your storefront, not the default myshopify.com version.
Remember: DNS changes take time. If your site doesn't load immediately, wait 24 hours. If problems persist, contact your domain registrar's support team with your DNS configuration details. They can confirm whether the records were saved correctly.
Correct Shopify DNS settings ensure your brand identity stays consistent across all channels. email, your customers see your real domain-not a Shopify subdomain.