Per chat support, why does Shopify require updating my domain's A and CNAME records before allowing a domain trainsfer? Even if not required per ICANN rules or for any technical reason?

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

A user is attempting to transfer their domain from Shopify to another registrar but faces a critical time constraint—the domain expires in approximately 17 days, and transfers require at least 15 days remaining.

Core Issue:

  • Shopify support (via chat with Prerna Kadyan) is blocking the transfer unless the user first updates A and CNAME records
  • The domain appears “unlocked” in Shopify’s admin interface but WHOIS lookups show it remains locked
  • The user cannot identify any ICANN regulation or technical requirement justifying mandatory DNS record updates before transfer

User’s Position:

  • The domain is in good standing with no recent registrar transfers, contact changes, or new registration (eliminating the 60-day lock period)
  • They don’t currently need the domain to resolve to any IP/hostname—just want to transfer ownership and update nameservers
  • Support stopped assisting unless DNS records are modified, without clarifying what values to use

Potential Compliance Concern:
The user has reported a possible ICANN violation, alleging Shopify (or reseller Tucows) is improperly preventing a legitimate domain transfer by imposing non-standard requirements.

The situation remains unresolved with risk of forced renewal due to the approaching expiration deadline.

Summarized with AI on October 26. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
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Time sensitive - domain expires in about 17 days - have been trying for days to transfer to another domain registrar but Shopify will not allow the domain to be unlocked for a seemingly arbitrary reason. (It actually shows unlocked on Shopify’s side but isn’t in reality i.e. check WHOIS record) Transfers need to happen with a minimum of 15 days left before expiry… I fear I may have to renew my domain due to Shopify’s alleged negligence.

Why does Shopify require updating my domain’s A and CNAME records before allowing a domain transfer? Even if not required per ICANN rules? Even if there is no technical reason?

Based on a recent support chat with Prerna Kadyan I am not allowed to transfer my in-good-standing domain to another domain registrar unless I first alter the A and CNAME records for some undisclosed reason. Unless I’ve missed something I can’t find any ICANN rule or any technical reason this is required. I don’t need A or CNAME records even – I just simply need to transfer the domain. I do not require it to point to an IP address / domain at this time it’s not in use but will be eventually. All I want is to update nameservers and transfer is ASAP.

I made a change more than 72 hours ago to update nameservers and I found out recently the domain still has a locked status even though it’s been unlocked weeks ago on Shopify’s side.

I’ve reported a potential ICANN compliance issue to Tucows, the registrar. Unless I’ve somehow made some mistake here I see no technical reason I HAVE TO change my A and CNAME records to allow a domain record update and transfer.

Is anyone able to help me understand the technical reason why a domain cannot be transferred to another registrar until I update the A and CNAME records to what Spotify wants for some reason? I haven’t been able to find any information yet suggesting this is absolutely required for some technical reason.

Also, what’s up with the Shopify admin pages saying the domain is unlocked when all WHOIS lookup records show it is not?

Apologies for the long message and me being so terse. I was very patient with the support person I spoke with via chat and they eventually put up a wall and stopped helping me unless I update A and CNAME records. The domain remains locked and Shopify is allegedly violating ICANN rules/requirements (or they are on behalf of Tucows as a reseller) due to me being unable to make any changes to the domain in a reasonable/timely manner and due to not actually unlocking the domain for transfer.

I appreciate any/all help/guidance - I don’t know what else to do and support didn’t make it clear what to update the A and CNAME records to so even if I did that (which I do not need to) I don’t know what to set them to. I never changed those records my self by the way as far as I can recall.

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Hello,
ICANN mandates a 60-day lock period after a new domain registration, a transfer between registrars, or a change in the registrant’s contact information (name, organization, or email). During this period, the domain cannot be transferred. However, registrars can offer an opt-out for the 60-day lock due to contact changes. catsounds

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The 60 day rule does not apply to me I’ve had this domain for years. Appreciate the info but not applicable. Also no contact information changes nor has the domain been transferred yet.