In Shopify, go to Settings → Domains → Connect existing domain and enter your domain. Then, in your RhinoReg account, set your domain's A record to 23.227.38.65 (plus the AAAA record if Shopify asks for one) and your www CNAME to shops.myshopify.com. Go back to Shopify and verify. Changes usually work within an hour, but can take up to 48 hours.
Before you start
- A domain name. If you don't have one yet, search for your domain. For a UK shop, we recommend the .co.uk and the .com.
- A Shopify store. If you haven't set one up, you can start a Shopify free trial.*
- About 15 minutes, plus some waiting time while the changes take effect.
Step 1: Add the domain in Shopify
- Open your Shopify admin and go to Settings, then Domains.
- Click Connect existing domain.
- Enter your domain without "www", for example yourdomain.co.uk, and click Next.
- Shopify may offer to connect automatically. If it does, follow the prompts and sign in to your RhinoReg account when asked. You can then skip to Step 3. Otherwise, click Connect domain and continue with Step 2.
Step 2: Update your DNS
DNS records tell the internet where to find your website. You need to point two of them at Shopify.
- Sign in to your RhinoReg account and open your domain's DNS settings.
- Find the A record with the name @ and change its value to 23.227.38.65. If there's more than one A record for @, delete the others.
- If Shopify also shows an AAAA record, add or update the AAAA record for @ with the value Shopify gives you (currently 2620:0127:f00f:5::), and delete any other AAAA records for @.
- Find the CNAME record with the name www and change its value to shops.myshopify.com.
- Leave the TTL (time to live) at its default setting and save your changes.
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 23.227.38.65 |
| AAAA | @ | 2620:0127:f00f:5:: |
| CNAME | www | shops.myshopify.com |
These are Shopify's standard settings at the time of writing. Always use the values Shopify shows you in your admin if they're different.
Step 3: Verify and set as primary
- Back in Shopify, go to Settings → Domains and click Verify connection.
- Once it's connected, click Change primary domain and choose your own domain, so customers see yourdomain.co.uk rather than your myshopify.com address.
- Shopify sets up a free SSL certificate automatically, so your shop shows the padlock. This can take a little while after connecting.
Have the .com too? Add it in Shopify as well and set it to redirect to your main domain. That way, customers who type either one end up in your shop.
Keep your email working
Connecting your domain to Shopify only changes where your website lives. Your email uses different DNS records, called MX records, so it carries on working, as long as you don't delete them.
- Don't delete your MX records when you edit the A and CNAME records.
- Shopify doesn't provide email mailboxes for your domain. For an address like hello@yourdomain.co.uk, add Professional Email from RhinoReg.
- Want to know more? Read our guide to setting up a professional email address.
If it doesn't work
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to spread across the internet, although most work within an hour.
Make sure there's only one A record for @, pointing to 23.227.38.65. Delete any old ones.
Double-check the IP address and that the CNAME value is exactly shops.myshopify.com.
For help changing your domain's DNS settings, call our 24/7 product support line on 020 3014 1446. For questions about your store, contact Shopify support.
Common questions
Do I need to transfer my domain to Shopify?
No. You can keep your domain with RhinoReg and simply point it at Shopify. This keeps your domain and email separate from your shop, so you're free to change platforms later.
Will connecting my domain to Shopify affect my email?
No, as long as you only change the A and CNAME records described above and leave your MX records alone.
How long does it take?
Making the changes takes about 15 minutes. Most connections work within an hour, but DNS changes can take up to 48 hours.
Who do I contact for help with my Shopify store?
For help with your Shopify store, account or billing, please contact Shopify support directly. Our 24/7 support line can help with your RhinoReg products, such as your domain, DNS settings and Professional Email.
Can I connect more than one domain?
Yes. You can connect several domains, such as your .co.uk and .com, and choose one as your primary domain. The others redirect to it.
*We may earn a commission if you sign up to Shopify through our link, at no extra cost to you. RhinoReg is independent and not part of Shopify.
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