How to Find DNS on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is DNS and Why is it Important?
3. How to Access DNS Settings on Shopify
4. Common DNS Records and Their Functions
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Editing DNS Records
6. Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
7. FAQs
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine this: you’ve just set up your custom domain for your Shopify store, and you’re raring to go live. But suddenly, you realize you need to tweak your DNS settings. Confused? You’re not alone. Navigating DNS settings in Shopify can feel like charting unknown territory, but understanding and managing these settings is crucial for maintaining a robust online presence.

In this post, we'll break down the process of finding and editing DNS settings in Shopify. By the end, you'll feel confident managing your domain settings and ensuring your Shopify store is seamlessly integrated with the web. So, whether you’re a seasoned Shopify user or a beginner, read on to learn everything you need to know about DNS on Shopify.

What is DNS and Why is it Important?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It's essentially the phonebook of the internet, translating human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. Without DNS, navigating the web would be like trying to call someone with only their social security number — impractical and nearly impossible.

Managing your DNS settings enables you to:

• Point your domain to the correct web server
• Set up custom email addresses
• Verify domain ownership for third-party services (like Google Search Console)
• Redirect traffic to specific subdomains

Accurately configuring these settings is essential to ensure your website is accessible and functions correctly.

How to Access DNS Settings on Shopify

To edit the DNS settings for a Shopify-managed domain, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin: Access your admin dashboard by logging into your Shopify account.

2. Navigate to Online Store > Domains: In the left-hand toolbar, select ‘Online Store’ and then click on ‘Domains.’

3. Select Your Domain: From the list of linked domains, click on the domain you want to manage. If you haven’t added a custom domain yet, you’ll need to do this before proceeding.

4. Edit DNS Settings: Under your domain settings, you’ll find an option labeled ‘DNS Settings.’ Clicking this will bring up a list of your current DNS records.

Common DNS Records and Their Functions

Before you start editing, it's essential to understand the different types of DNS records you might encounter:

1. A Record (Address Record): Points a domain or subdomain to an IP address.

2. CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record): Aliases one domain to another; commonly used for subdomains like www or shop.

3. MX Record (Mail Exchange Record): Directs email to a mail server.

4. TXT Record (Text Record): Provides text information to outside services, often for verification purposes.

5. SRV Record (Service Record): Specifies a port and server for specific services.

6. AAAA Record: Similar to an A record, but it maps to an IPv6 address.

Step-by-Step Guide to Editing DNS Records

Add a DNS Record

• Scenario: You need to set up a subdomain for a blog or another service.
• Steps:
  1. Click ‘Add Custom Record’ and select the type of record you want to create.
  2. Fill in the required fields (e.g., subdomain, target, TTL—Time to Live).
  3. Save your changes.

Edit an Existing DNS Record

• Scenario: You need to update your A record to point to a new server IP.
• Steps:
  1. Find the record you want to edit from the list.
  2. Click the ‘Edit’ button next to it.
  3. Update the fields as necessary.
  4. Save your changes.

Remove a DNS Record

• Scenario: A previous record is no longer needed and you want to clean up your DNS settings.
• Steps:
  1. Find the record you wish to remove.
  2. Click the ‘Delete’ button next to it.
  3. Confirm the deletion.

Reset DNS Settings

• Scenario: Things have gone awry, and you’d prefer to start fresh with Shopify’s default settings.
• Steps:
  1. Go to the DNS settings area.
  2. Select ‘Reset DNS Settings.’
  3. Confirm the action, keeping in mind that it will delete custom records but retain vital A, AAAA, and CNAME records.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Propagation Delay: Remember that DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate across the internet.

2. Incorrect Records: Mistakenly altering vital records like the A record can disconnect your domain from your Shopify store. Always double-check your entries.

3. Subdomain Misconfigurations: Deleting a CNAME record for a subdomain can disrupt associated services. Make sure you're only removing records you’re confident are unnecessary.

FAQs

How do I find my Shopify IP address?

Navigate to 'Online Store > Domains’, click on your domain, and you’ll see your IP address under ‘A Record’.

Can I edit DNS settings for a myshopify.com domain?

No, DNS settings are only editable for custom domains. The myshopify.com domains are fully managed by Shopify.

What should I do if my changes don’t take effect immediately?

Be patient. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. If issues persist after this period, consider reviewing your settings or reaching out to Shopify support.

How do I verify my domain with a third-party service?

You’ll typically need to add a TXT record provided by the service into your Shopify DNS settings.

What happens if I reset my DNS settings?

Resetting will clear custom settings but retain essential records like A, AAAA, and CNAME. Always backup important custom records before resetting.

Conclusion

Managing DNS settings on Shopify may seem daunting, but with a clear understanding and methodical approach, it becomes manageable. By following these guidelines, you will ensure your domain is correctly configured, maintaining the seamless operation of your online store. Remember, precise DNS management is foundational for your site’s accessibility and email functionality, so handle these settings with care.

Feel empowered with the knowledge to handle your Shopify DNS settings, ensuring a smoother, more effective management of your online store. Happy selling!