Easy Steps to Add A Record and CNAME Record in GoDaddy for Shopify

Easy Steps to Add A Record and CNAME Record in GoDaddy for Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding A records and CNAME records
3. Steps to add an A record to a domain registered at GoDaddy
4. Steps to add a CNAME record to a domain registered at GoDaddy
5. Using Shopify as an example
   • Steps to add an A record using Shopify
   • Steps to add a CNAME record using Shopify
6. Understanding DNS and name servers
7. Editing DNS entries at GoDaddy
   • Accessing the DNS management page
   • Modifying A record
   • Modifying CNAME record
8. DNS changes taking effect
9. Checking the status of DNS changes
10. Using network-tools.com to check DNS entries

Article: How to Add A Record and CNAME Record to a Domain Registered at GoDaddy

Adding an A record and a CNAME record to a domain registered at GoDaddy is a simple process that allows you to direct internet traffic to the appropriate servers, such as those handling your website. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to add these records using GoDaddy, with Shopify as an example.

Understanding A records and CNAME records

Before we dive into the process, let's quickly understand what A records and CNAME records are. An A record (Address record) is used to map a domain name to the IP address of the server hosting the website. On the other hand, a CNAME record (Canonical Name record) is used to assign an alias or nickname to the domain. It points the domain or subdomain to the canonical or main domain.

Steps to add an A record to a domain registered at GoDaddy

To add an A record to your domain registered at GoDaddy, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Navigate to the domain section and click on "Manage."
3. Locate the domain you want to update and click on "Manage DNS."
4. On the DNS management page, you will see the existing DNS entries. These entries are set up by GoDaddy when you purchase a domain.
5. To point your domain to your Shopify store, you need to modify the A record. Click on "Edit Record."
6. In the edit record section, change the IP address to the one provided by Shopify for your store.
7. Click "Finish" to save the changes.

Steps to add a CNAME record to a domain registered at GoDaddy

To add a CNAME record to your domain registered at GoDaddy, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the DNS management page for your domain (as explained in the previous section).
2. Look for the existing CNAME record. By default, it points to "@" which means any traffic to the domain will redirect to the root domain.
3. Click on "Edit Records" for the CNAME record.
4. Change the destination of the CNAME record to the URL provided by your Shopify store.
5. Save the changes.

Using Shopify as an example

In this article, we are using Shopify as an example to demonstrate the process of adding A records and CNAME records. The steps for adding these records remain the same regardless of the platform you are using. The only difference will be the IP address or URL provided by your hosting provider.

Understanding DNS and name servers

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that keeps track of which domain belongs to which IP address and server. When you make changes to the DNS entries, it updates the instructions for internet traffic routing. Name servers play a crucial role in managing DNS entries.

Editing DNS entries at GoDaddy

To edit the DNS entries for your domain registered at GoDaddy, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Access the DNS management page for your domain by clicking on "Manage DNS" under the domain section.
3. On the DNS management page, you will see the existing DNS entries created by GoDaddy. These are the default entries provided when you purchase a domain.
4. To modify an A record or a CNAME record, click on "Edit Record" or "Edit Records" respectively.
5. Make the necessary changes, such as updating the IP address or URL, and save the changes.

DNS changes taking effect

After making the required DNS changes, it takes some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This is known as the Time To Live (TTL). Most servers wait for 600 seconds (10 minutes) or more before checking for any new changes. It is normal for the changes to take some time to take effect.

Checking the status of DNS changes

To check the status of your DNS changes, you can go to the domain details page on GoDaddy. It will display the status as "OK" if the changes have been successfully applied. Alternatively, you can use websites like network-tools.com to check your current DNS records.

Using network-tools.com to check DNS entries

Network-tools.com is a helpful website to check your DNS entries for a specific domain. Simply enter your domain name and click "Go." It will display all the DNS entries associated with your domain, including A records and CNAME records. This can be useful to ensure that your DNS configurations are set up correctly.

In conclusion, adding an A record and CNAME record to a domain registered at GoDaddy is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily direct internet traffic to the desired servers, such as your Shopify store. Remember to allow some time for the DNS changes to take effect before expecting the changes to be fully functional.

Highlights

• Learn how to add an A record and CNAME record to a domain registered at GoDaddy
• Understand the difference between A records and CNAME records
• Follow step-by-step instructions for adding records using GoDaddy and Shopify as an example
• Gain insights into DNS, name servers, and DNS propagation
• Utilize network-tools.com to check DNS entries for your domain

FAQ

Q: Can I add A records and CNAME records to any domain registered at GoDaddy? A: Yes, you can add A records and CNAME records to any domain registered at GoDaddy as long as you have the necessary access and permissions.

Q: How long does it take for DNS changes to take effect? A: It typically takes around 10 minutes to a few hours for DNS changes to propagate and take effect. However, in some cases, it can take up to 48 hours for changes to be fully functional.

Q: Do I need technical knowledge to add A records and CNAME records? A: Basic understanding of DNS and domain management is helpful but not mandatory. The steps provided in this article are beginner-friendly and can be followed even by those with limited technical knowledge.

Q: Can I use platforms other than Shopify with the same process? A: Yes, the process of adding A records and CNAME records remains the same regardless of the platform you are using. The only difference will be the specific IP address or URL provided by your hosting provider.

Q: Are there any restrictions or limitations when adding DNS records at GoDaddy? A: While GoDaddy provides flexibility in managing DNS records, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with their policies and any limitations they may have regarding DNS modifications.