DNS (Domain Name System) is the system that translates human-readable domain names like “yourstore.com” into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to locate servers on the internet. When someone types your store’s URL into their browser, DNS is what finds the right server and loads your website.
DNS is often called the “phone book of the internet.” You look up a name, DNS gives back an address.
Why It Matters
DNS is invisible when it works correctly and immediately noticeable when it does not. Misconfigured DNS records mean your store goes offline. Slow DNS resolution adds delay to every page load, affecting page speed and user experience. Understanding the basics of DNS helps you troubleshoot domain connection issues, set up email services, and avoid downtime.
For Shopify store owners, DNS comes into play when connecting a custom domain name from a third-party registrar. You need to update your DNS records to point your domain to Shopify’s servers. Getting this wrong means your store is unreachable.
You do not need to be a DNS expert, but understanding the three or four record types that affect your store saves you from helpless waiting when something goes wrong.
How DNS Resolution Works
When a visitor types “yourstore.com” in their browser, this happens in milliseconds.
Step 1: Browser cache check. The browser checks if it already has the IP address for this domain cached from a recent visit.
Step 2: DNS resolver query. If not cached, the browser asks a DNS resolver (usually your internet provider’s server) to look up the domain.
Step 3: Root and TLD servers. The resolver queries root name servers, which direct it to the TLD servers (like the .com servers), which then point to the authoritative name servers for your specific domain.
Step 4: Authoritative response. Your domain’s name servers return the IP address associated with your domain.
Step 5: Connection. The browser connects to that IP address and loads your store.
This entire process typically takes 20-120 milliseconds. DNS responses are cached at multiple levels to speed up repeat visits.
Essential DNS Record Types
A Record. Points your domain name directly to an IP address. When connecting a custom domain to Shopify, you set an A record pointing to Shopify’s IP address (23.227.38.65). This is the most fundamental DNS record.
CNAME Record. Points one domain name to another domain name. For Shopify, you typically create a CNAME record pointing “www” to “shops.myshopify.com.” This lets Shopify handle the routing.
MX Record. Routes email for your domain. If you use Google Workspace or another email service with your domain, MX records tell the internet where to deliver emails sent to [email protected].
TXT Record. Stores text information for various purposes including domain verification (for Google Search Console), email authentication (SPF, DKIM), and service verification.
Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Shopify
If you bought your domain from a registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy, you need to update DNS records to point it to Shopify.
Step 1: Log into your domain registrar’s DNS management panel.
Step 2: Set the A record for your root domain (@) to point to 23.227.38.65.
Step 3: Set a CNAME record for “www” to point to shops.myshopify.com.
Step 4: In your Shopify Admin, go to Settings > Domains and add your custom domain.
Step 5: Wait for DNS propagation. Changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate across all DNS servers worldwide. SSL certificate provisioning happens automatically once propagation completes.
Common DNS Issues
Propagation delays. After changing DNS records, the old records may be cached for hours. TTL (Time to Live) settings control how long caches hold old records. If you are planning a domain migration, lower your TTL 24-48 hours before the switch.
Incorrect record types. Using a CNAME for the root domain instead of an A record causes issues with some registrars. Some registrars offer ALIAS or ANAME records as alternatives that work like CNAME at the root level.
Email disruption. When moving DNS to Shopify or changing name servers, make sure your MX records are preserved. Losing MX records means emails to your domain stop delivering.
When you connect a domain to Shopify, you are really just updating two DNS records: an A record and a CNAME. Everything else stays the same.
