Fixing Shopify Custom Domain Errors and DNS Best Practices

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, maintaining a secure and efficient online store is crucial. Recently, many Shopify store owners have encountered a perplexing error message regarding their custom domains. This article will delve into the issue, explain its implications, and provide guidance on resolving it while adhering to DNS best practices.

Understanding the Custom Domain Error

What is the Error?

Many Shopify merchants have reported receiving an error message stating, “Custom Domain Error - There’s an issue with your store’s domain name. View your domain settings for more details.” Upon further investigation, the error specifies, “Your domain has a wildcard record pointing to Shopify.”

Why is This Happening Now?

This error has suddenly appeared for numerous store owners, even those who have been using Shopify for years without any domain changes. The sudden occurrence has left many merchants confused and concerned about potential impacts on their online stores.

The Root Cause

Shopify has identified that some domains are not following DNS best practices, which could potentially compromise the security of both merchant information and the Shopify platform. As a result, they are now alerting store owners to address these issues.

The Importance of DNS Best Practices

What are DNS Best Practices?

DNS (Domain Name System) best practices are guidelines that help ensure the security, stability, and efficiency of domain name resolution. Following these practices can protect your online store from potential vulnerabilities and improve overall performance.

Why Remove Wildcard Records?

Wildcard records, typically denoted by an asterisk (*) in DNS settings, can pose security risks. They allow any subdomain to resolve to a specified IP address or domain, which could potentially be exploited by malicious actors.

The Benefits of Specific DNS Entries

By using specific DNS entries instead of wildcards, you have more control over which subdomains are active and where they point. This granular control enhances security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access or misuse of your domain.

Resolving the Custom Domain Error

Shopify’s Recommended Solution

The most likely solution, as highlighted by Shopify support, involves the following steps:

1. Identify the specific fully qualified domain names you want to point to Shopify.
2. Review your DNS settings to ensure each domain has a specific and appropriate DNS entry.
3. Remove any wildcard DNS records.
4. Contact your third-party domain provider for assistance in adjusting DNS records if needed.

Specific DNS Changes

Some users have reported that Shopify support recommended changing the A record to a different IP address and removing the wildcard (*) record. However, it’s crucial to note that these changes should only be made after careful consideration and confirmation from Shopify.

Caution and Verification

Before making any changes to your DNS settings, it’s essential to:

1. Double-check the information with Shopify support.
2. Understand the potential impact on your store’s functionality.
3. Have a backup plan in case of any issues.

Implementing the Changes

Contacting Your Domain Provider

If you’re unsure about making DNS changes yourself, reach out to your domain provider. They can assist you in implementing the necessary changes safely and correctly.

Updating A and CNAME Records

Ensure that your A record and CNAME record match the settings outlined in Shopify’s guide for connecting third-party domains. This typically involves:

1. Setting the A record to point to Shopify’s IP address.
2. Configuring the www CNAME record to point to shops.myshopify.com.

Monitoring the Changes

After making the necessary adjustments, monitor your store closely for any issues. Keep in mind that DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will These Changes Affect My Store’s Accessibility?

Shopify has assured merchants that removing wildcard records and implementing specific DNS entries will not negatively impact store accessibility. Customers should still be able to find and access your store without any problems.

What If I’m Using a Subdomain?

For merchants using Shopify as a subdomain while having their main domain on another platform (e.g., WordPress), it’s important to review your specific setup. Consult with Shopify support to ensure your configuration aligns with their recommendations without disrupting your current setup.

How Long Will It Take for the Error to Clear?

After making the recommended changes, it may take up to 48 hours for the error to clear from your Shopify admin. If the error persists beyond this timeframe, contact Shopify support for further assistance.

By understanding the nature of this custom domain error and following Shopify’s recommended best practices, you can ensure that your online store remains secure and operates smoothly. Remember to approach any DNS changes with caution and seek professional assistance if you’re unsure about the process. Keeping your Shopify store’s domain configuration up-to-date with the latest security standards will contribute to a safer and more reliable e-commerce experience for both you and your customers.