Admittedly, when owning an online store on Shopify, settling for the platform’s default domain name may not be ideal. Hence, if you intend to employ Shopify as your sales channel, it would be prudent to contemplate transferring your domain name to the platform. Similarly, if you already possess a domain name and wish to commence selling on Shopify, this is also an avenue worth exploring. In either case, it is imperative to acquaint oneself with the process of transferring a domain name to Shopify.
If you are running an online business, having a domain name that reflects your brand and helps customers find your website becomes imperative. However, if you decide to switch your eCommerce platform, transferring your domain to Shopify might be necessary. Although the task may appear intimidating, with a few simple steps, you can transfer your domain to Shopify with ease.
What are the prerequisites for directing a domain to Shopify?
Before transferring your existing domain to Shopify, there are some important factors to consider. According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regulations, domains purchased within the last 60 days cannot be transferred. Therefore, if your domain is newly acquired, you must wait for the full 60 days to pass before commencing the transfer process. All domain name registrars are subject to this rule.
Furthermore, before switching, you need to be prepared to pay for your current domain’s registration on Shopify for the next 12 months. To initiate the transfer, you require access to the domain provider account and the email address linked with it. It is advisable to review your domain provider’s transfer policy to ensure that your domain is transferable.
Tips for Smoothly Transferring Your Domain to Shopify
Transferring your domain to Shopify can be a crucial step in establishing your online presence, and hiring a Shopify website designer can make the process even smoother. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a successful transfer process. Here are some essential things to remember when transferring your domain to Shopify:
- Check your domain’s eligibility for transfer.
- Obtain an authorization code from your current registrar.
- Disable privacy protection before initiating the transfer.
- Check for transfer restrictions.
- Double-check the spelling of your domain name and authorization code.
- Verify DNS settings, email and forwarding settings, and SSL certificate after the transfer is complete to ensure that your domain is working correctly on Shopify. Additionally, it is always recommended to get professional Shopify maintenance services to keep your online store running smoothly and free from technical issues by helping you with routine checkups, upgrades, and bug fixes to ensure that your store is always in good health and delivering the best possible user experience to your customers.
How to transfer your domain to Shopify in a few easy steps:
Step 1: Preparing Your Domain for Transfer
Before you begin the transfer process, you need to prepare your domain for transfer. The below-listed steps must be adhered to:
Check Your Domain’s StatusCheck the status of your domain to ensure it is eligible for transfer. Some domains are locked by default to prevent unauthorized transfers, so you need to unlock your domain before transferring it.
Obtain an Authorization Code
An authorization code is a unique code that allows you to transfer your domain from one registrar to another. You will need to obtain an authorization code from your current registrar before you can transfer your domain to Shopify.
Disable Privacy Protection
Confidentiality protection is a feature that conceals your personal information from the publicly accessible WHOIS database. However, it can also prevent domain transfers from taking place. Disable privacy protection before starting
the transfer process.
Check for Transfer Restrictions
Some domain registrars impose transfer restrictions on domains that have been registered or transferred within the last 60 days. Ensure there are no such restrictions on your domain before initiating the transfer process.
Step 2: Initiate the Transfer Process in Shopify
After preparing your domain for transfer, it’s time to initiate the transfer process in Shopify. Here’s what you need to do:
Access the Domain Transfer Page
Log in to your Shopify account and access the “Domains” section. Click on “Transfer domain” to access the transfer page.
Enter Your Domain Name
Enter your domain name in the transfer field and click “Next.”
Enter Your Authorization Code
Enter the authorization code you obtained from your current registrar and click “Next.”
Review the Transfer Details
Review the transfer details to ensure everything is correct, including the spelling of your domain name, the authorization code, and the transfer fee. If everything looks good, click “Confirm transfer.”
Pay the Transfer Fee
You will be prompted to pay the transfer fee. Once you complete the payment, the transfer process will be initiated.
Wait for the Transfer to Complete
The domain transfer process may take up to seven days to finalize. During this time, you may receive emails from Shopify or your current registrar requesting further information. Make sure to respond promptly to any requests to
avoid delays in the transfer process.
Step 3: Verify the Transfer
After the transfer process is complete, you need to verify it to ensure that everything is working correctly. Here’s what you need to do:
Check Your DNS Settings
Check your DNS settings to ensure they are configured correctly. Shopify provides instructions for updating your DNS settings in their help center.
Verify Email and Forwarding Settings
Ensure your email and forwarding settings are working correctly. Test sending and receiving emails to your domain to ensure that they are working correctly.
Verify SSL Certificate
If you had an SSL certificate on your old site, make sure to install one on your Shopify site. This is necessary to ensure that your site is secure.
If you’re looking for professional assistance in transferring your domain to Shopify, CGColors could an ideal option to consider. They have a highly skilled and experienced team of professionals who can assist you in transferring your domain seamlessly. With their expertise in Shopify app development services, and shopify customization services, and other areas, they can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Don’t let the domain transfer process hold you back from achieving your business goals. Contact CGColors today for expert assistance and ensure that all aspects of the process are taken care of with precision and professionalism.
Summing Up
Whether you’re establishing a novel online store or moving to Shopify from another e-commerce platform, it could be beneficial to transfer your domain to Shopify. However, if you’ve recently acquired a domain or don’t mind handling it separately, connecting your existing domain to your online store could be a more convenient option instead of pursuing domain transfers. While you’ll still be able to redirect users to your Shopify store, modifying your domain’s DNS settings will no longer be accessible through your Shopify admin dashboard.
By transferring your domain to Shopify and integrating it with your account, you can hire shopify website development agency to maintain your store’s typical functioning.
