Custom Account Domains on Shopify: Solving the "Invalid DNS" Mystery

Demystifying Shopify Custom Account Domain DNS Issues

Ever tried setting up a custom domain for your Shopify customer accounts, only to be greeted with an "Invalid DNS" error? It's a frustrating experience, and you're definitely not alone. I recently saw a thread in the Shopify community where a user, shaunds, was facing this exact problem, and it sparked a really helpful discussion that I wanted to share some insights from.

The Case of the Invalid DNS

Shaunds bought a .store domain through Shopify and was trying to set up a custom customer account URL using account.storename.store. Everything seemed fine initially, but then the dreaded "invalid" message appeared. The tricky part? Since the domain was purchased through Shopify, they didn't have direct access to the domain registrar (like Name.com or similar) to tweak the DNS settings manually. This is a common scenario, and it highlights a key area where Shopify store owners can get tripped up.

Here's the original post from shaunds, including the screenshot of the error:

The domain ‘.store’ was bought through shopify, I setup the customer account URL in shopify settings to use ‘account.storename.store’ and added the domain. This was a couple of days ago and it looked good. Now it shows as invalid. So, I deleted it again and tried to set it up again. As this is done through shopify, I have no access to the domain provider themselves (Name dot inc or whatever). So, how am I to make the domain setting changes that are suggested by shopify help centre?

Troubleshooting Steps: When Shopify Manages Your Domain

The good news is that even if you bought your domain through Shopify, you can still manage the necessary DNS settings. Here's how:

1. Accessing DNS Settings: Log in to your Shopify admin panel. Go to Settings > Domains.
2. Managing Shopify-Managed Domains: If your domain is managed by Shopify, you should see options to manage the DNS settings directly within your Shopify admin. Look for a button or link that says something like "DNS settings" or "Edit DNS zone file."
3. Adding the Custom Account Subdomain: You will likely need to add a CNAME record that points your desired subdomain (e.g., account.storename.store) to Shopify's servers. The exact value Shopify requires might vary, but often it's something like shops.myshopify.com. Check Shopify's help documentation for the precise CNAME target.

Important Considerations

• Propagation Time: DNS changes can take time to propagate across the internet. This means it might take a few hours (or in rare cases, up to 48 hours) for the "Invalid DNS" error to disappear after you've made the necessary changes. Be patient!
• Shopify Support: If you're still stuck, don't hesitate to reach out to Shopify Support. Since you purchased the domain through them, they have access to the backend and can help you verify and adjust your DNS settings.
• Check for typos: This sounds simple, but double-check that you've entered the domain name and subdomain correctly in all the settings. A small typo can cause big problems.

Community Wisdom: Learning from Each Other

One of the great things about the Shopify community is the willingness of people to help each other out. While the original thread only had a couple of posts, it highlights a common pain point and the importance of understanding how Shopify handles domain management, especially when custom subdomains are involved. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your experiences – you'll likely find that others have faced similar challenges and can offer valuable insights.

Ultimately, getting your custom account domain set up correctly can improve your brand consistency and customer experience. Taking the time to understand the DNS settings and how they interact with Shopify is a worthwhile investment. And remember, if all else fails, Shopify Support is there to lend a hand!