Why am I unable to transfer a .ca domain to my online store?

[jwhbeavers]

Why can't I transfer a .ca domain to my Shopify store? I get an error message saying that I can't do it. Why?

[Erin]

Hi, @jwhbeavers. I'm happy to share more information about this.

Some domains aren't eligible for transfer into Shopify. This includes '.ca' domains, as well as '.co.uk' domains, among others, and it is explained in this guide on transferring third party domains to Shopify. You can still use your '.ca' domain with Shopify, but in order to do so you would need to continue managing your domain with a third party provider, and connect your domain to Shopify instead of transferring it. This guide on connecting third party domains to Shopify can help you out with this. Alternatively, if you want to manage your domain within Shopify you can purchase a new domain that we support. You can learn more about buying domains through Shopify here.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

[jwhbeavers]

I have had this domain with another provider for some time now and I'm
trying to centralize them under Shopify. I have been given a transfer code
by that company but I get an error message that Shopify won't accept it and
I have no idea why. I don't want to keep paying for it at another company
so I'm baffled. I can't keep maintaining accounts at separate companies,
it's too confusing.

[Erin]

Hi, @jwhbeavers. 

If you are speaking about a domain that ends in '.ca', the reason it cannot be transferred is because it ends in '.ca'. As I explained in my last response, '.ca' domains cannot be transferred into Shopify. If you'd like to manage your domain within Shopify, you would need to purchase a new domain within Shopify that is supported. Alternatively, you can continue using your current '.ca' domain, but it will be managed by your current domain provider. In this case, you would need to connect your domain to Shopify instead of transferring it to Shopify. 

Happy to help if you have any questions!