Connect Namecheap and Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Connecting a Namecheap Domain to Shopify
- Accessing Your Shopify Dashboard
- Navigating to the Domains Section
- Connecting an Existing Domain
- Obtaining the Domain from Namecheap
- Adding Records in Namecheap
- Verifying the Connection
- Setting the Domain as Primary
- Conclusion
Connecting a Namecheap Domain to Your Shopify Store
Introduction
If you have a domain registered with Namecheap and want to connect it to your Shopify store, this guide will walk you through the process. Connecting your domain is a straightforward procedure that ensures your Shopify store is accessible using your chosen domain name. Following the steps below will help you successfully connect your Namecheap domain to your Shopify store.
1. Accessing Your Shopify Dashboard
To begin the process, access your Shopify dashboard. From there, navigate to the bottom left-hand corner, where you'll find the "Settings" option. Click on "Settings" to open the settings window.
2. Navigating to the Domains Section
Within the settings window, scroll down until you find the "Domains" section. Click on "Domains" to proceed with connecting your domain.
3. Connecting an Existing Domain
Since you already have a domain registered with Namecheap, select the option that says "Connect Existing Domain." Enter your domain name in the provided field. To obtain the domain information from Namecheap, follow the steps outlined below.
4. Obtaining the Domain from Namecheap
Log into your Namecheap account and navigate to your dashboard. Under the "Domain List" section, you will find all the domains you have registered. Copy the domain name you want to connect to your Shopify store.
5. Adding Records in Namecheap
In Namecheap, go to the "Dashboard" and click on "Domain List." Locate the domain you want to connect and click on "Manage." Make sure you are in the "Namecheap Basic DNS" section, then proceed to "Advanced DNS." Here, you need to add two records: a CNAME record and an A record.
- For the CNAME record, set the "Host" as "www" and enter the value as "shops.myshopify.com." Leave the TTL as automatic and save the changes.
- For the A record, set the "Host" as "@" and enter the IP address provided by Shopify. Save the changes.
6. Verifying the Connection
After adding the records in Namecheap, go back to the Shopify settings page and click on "Follow Settings Instructions." This will take you to a page where you can find additional instructions and verify the connection. Note that it may take up to 24 hours for Shopify to recognize the changes.
Click on "Verify Connection" to check if the connection is established. If you encounter an error message, wait for a few hours and try again until the connection is successfully verified.
7. Setting the Domain as Primary
Once the connection is verified, you can set your domain as the primary one for your Shopify store. This ensures that your visitors will be directed to your store using your chosen domain name.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect your Namecheap domain to your Shopify store. Always remember to verify the connection and set the domain as the primary once the process is complete. Enjoy the convenience and professionalism of having your own custom domain for your Shopify store.
Highlights
- Connect your Namecheap domain to Shopify in a few simple steps
- Ensure your Shopify store is accessible using your own domain name
- Add the required DNS records in Namecheap for a successful connection
- Verify the connection and set your domain as the primary one for your Shopify store
FAQ
Q: Can I connect multiple domains to my Shopify store?
A: Yes, Shopify allows you to connect multiple domains to your store. Follow the same process outlined in this guide for each domain you want to connect.
Q: How long does it take for the connection to be recognized by Shopify?
A: It may take up to 24 hours for Shopify to recognize the changes made to your DNS records. If the verification process fails initially, wait for some time and try again.
Q: Can I connect a domain from a different registrar than Namecheap?
A: Yes, the process is similar for other domain registrars as well. You need to add the required DNS records provided by Shopify in the DNS settings of your domain registrar.
Q: Do I need to purchase a domain from Shopify to connect it to my store?
A: No, you can use a domain registered with any domain registrar. Connecting an existing domain to your Shopify store eliminates the need to purchase a new domain.
Q: What if I encounter any issues during the domain connection process?
A: If you face any difficulties or encounter errors while connecting your domain, reach out to Shopify support for assistance. They will guide you through the process and help resolve any issues you may have.