A Complete Guide to Removing a Domain from Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Your Shopify Domain
3. How to Remove a Shopify-Managed Domain
4. Removing a Third-Party Domain from Shopify
5. Potential Issues and Solutions
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that over 1.7 million merchants are using Shopify to run their online stores? That’s a staggering number, reflects the growing interest in e-commerce, and highlights the importance of keeping your online presence fresh and aligned with your brand's vision. Among the myriad of tasks a Shopify merchant might encounter, managing domains might not always seem like a priority—yet it is crucial for achieving a professional online image. Whether you're rebranding, migrating to a new platform, or simply decluttering your digital workspace, knowing how to properly delete or remove a domain from Shopify is essential.

In this blog post, we’ll help you navigate the sometimes-confusing process of removing both Shopify-managed and third-party domains from your store. By understanding the steps and implications, you can ensure a seamless transition that keeps your brand’s integrity intact. So, ask yourself: how well is your online store representing your brand? If you're ready to streamline your Shopify experience and focus on engaging your customers, you’ve landed in the right place!

Tevello is here to support you in your journey—empowering Shopify merchants like you to manage not just your products but also your digital presence through our all-in-one solution. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily manage multiple aspects of your eCommerce business, including the integration of online courses and vibrant community engagement.

By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of the steps to remove a domain from your Shopify store, along with strategic insights into why domain management matters for your business’s success. Let’s explore how to navigate this critical aspect of Shopify management.

Understanding Your Shopify Domain

Before diving into the steps for deleting a domain, it’s vital to clarify what we mean by a Shopify-managed domain and a third-party domain.

Shopify-Managed Domains

Shopify-managed domains are domains purchased directly through Shopify. When you buy a domain from Shopify, it allows you certain conveniences, such as easy integration with your store and access to Shopify's support for any domain-related issues.

Third-Party Domains

Conversely, third-party domains are those purchased from external providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or others. These domains offer more flexibility in terms of customization, but they also require additional setup for integration with your Shopify store.

Understanding these distinctions is fundamental because the process for removing each type varies slightly. Moreover, it's crucial to remember that your original myshopify.com domain name cannot be deleted, as it is used for essential functions such as logging in and accessing support.

How to Remove a Shopify-Managed Domain

If you've decided that your Shopify-managed domain no longer serves your business's needs, the removal process is relatively straightforward. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Turn Off Auto-Renew

• Access Your Shopify Admin: Start by logging into your Shopify admin account.
• Navigate to Domains: Go to Online Store > Domains.
• Disable Auto-Renew: Locate the domain you wish to remove and ensure the auto-renew option is unchecked. This step will keep you from being billed in the future for a domain you no longer plan to use.

Step 2: Disconnect the Domain

• Alter DNS Settings: In the same section where you disabled auto-renew, you’ll have options for altering your DNS settings. Ideally, remove the CNAME record and change the A record to 0.0.0.0. This action disconnects the domain from directing traffic to your Shopify store.

Step 3: Contact Shopify Support

• Reach Out for Removal: Once you have disconnected the domain, if you wish to permanently remove it from your account, contact Shopify support for further assistance. It's important to note that if you disconnect the domain without contacting support, you'll still have the option to reconnect or transfer it in the future.

Why This Process is Important

Removing a domain can affect how your brand is viewed online. A clear, relevant domain name strengthens your brand identity, which is crucial in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to rebrand or shift focus, do so thoughtfully—consider how the new domain aligns with your market positioning and customer expectations. If a more cohesive brand image is your goal, why not explore how to integrate meaningful content through courses or digital products? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today!

Removing a Third-Party Domain from Shopify

If your Shopify store is connected to a domain purchased through a third-party provider, the removal process tends to be a bit more straightforward. Here’s how you can achieve that:

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin

• Access Domains: Just as you did with the Shopify-managed domain, log into your Shopify admin, and navigate to Online Store > Domains.

Step 2: Select the Domain to Remove

• Choose Your Domain: Locate the third-party domain you wish to remove from your store.
• Remove the Domain: Click the '...' button next to your chosen domain and select the 'Remove' option.

Step 3: Confirm Removal

• Prevent Accidental Deletion: Once you initiate removal, you’ll be welcomed by a confirmation prompt. This extra step helps ensure that you don’t accidentally delete an essential domain.

Step 4: Update DNS Settings

• Go to Your Domain Provider: After removing the domain from Shopify, you may need to update DNS settings in your external provider’s account if you plan on directing the domain to a new website or service.

Potential Issues and Solutions

Like any operational task, removing a domain isn’t always as seamless as we would like it to be. You may encounter a few common issues during this process, so we’ve outlined potential problems and their solutions.

Issue 1: Domain Status Still Showing as "Connected"

Even after you’ve followed the removal steps, it can sometimes happen that your domain still shows as connected in Shopify.

Solution: Type your domain name into your browser to verify whether or not it redirects to your Shopify store. If it doesn’t, the removal process was successful, even if the admin panel doesn’t reflect the change immediately.

Issue 2: Delay in DNS Changes

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate. If you find your domain still appears connected after this period, reaching out to customer support may be your best option.

Tevello Insight: Ensuring your site remains updated, both in terms of your domain and content, is part of engaging with your audience effectively. With Tevello, you can easily create and manage online courses and communities, allowing your customers to connect to your brand in meaningful ways. Explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned Shopify merchant or a newcomer, knowing how to delete a domain from your Shopify store is critical for managing your online identity. By taking the necessary steps to remove both Shopify-managed and third-party domains, you can ensure that your online presence remains professional and in sync with your brand's goals.

At Tevello, we understand how essential it is to maintain a streamlined digital operation. That’s why we’ve created an all-in-one solution that goes beyond eCommerce—we empower merchants to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products, all while fostering vibrant online communities.

If you’re ready to take control of your online business strategy and streamline your Shopify experience, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today!. With Tevello, find the power to elevate your online presence!

FAQ

Q: Can I remove my myshopify.com domain?

A: No, the myshopify.com domain is permanent and cannot be removed as it's essential for login purposes and support access. However, you can change which domain is set as your primary domain.

Q: How long does it take for a domain removal to take effect?

A: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. If your domain still appears connected after this period, consider reaching out to customer support.

Q: Can I transfer a Shopify-managed domain to another provider?

A: Yes, transferring a Shopify-managed domain to a different provider or a different Shopify store is possible. You’ll need to unlock the domain, obtain a transfer code, and provide it to the new host.

Q: What happens if I remove a domain by mistake?

A: If you accidentally remove a domain, contact Shopify support immediately. They may be able to assist in reversing the removal if there are available solutions.

Q: Can I reconnect a domain after removing it?

A: Yes, if you've only disconnected the domain without contacting support for full removal, you can easily reconnect it in your Shopify admin by providing the necessary DNS settings.

In the world of eCommerce, managing your domains might seem like a small part of the bigger picture, but it is one that can significantly impact your brand's perception and operational efficiency. By following the advice laid out in this post, and with the support of Tevello, you can ensure that your online store reflects the best of what your brand has to offer.