Why is my domain showing as SSL pending?

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

Main issue: Several stores see “SSL pending” on custom domains/subdomains, blocking checkout for at least one merchant. Most cases trace to DNS propagation delays (typically a few hours, up to 48–72 hours) or misconfigured DNS.

Primary causes highlighted:

  • Multiple or incorrect A records, especially affecting the www subdomain.
  • Incorrect A record values on both root and subdomains.

Guidance provided:

  • Use Shopify’s domain connection guide; edit DNS either in Shopify (Online store > Domains > Manage > DNS settings) or at the registrar (e.g., GoDaddy).
  • Ensure exactly one A record for the root domain pointing to Shopify’s IP; remove extra/conflicting A records.
  • Set CNAME for www to shops.myshopify.com and keep the name as “www.”
  • After changes, allow up to 48–72 hours for propagation; a manual reset may occasionally be needed.

Case updates:

  • Uza: www issue traced to multiple A records; instructed to remove incorrect record.
  • j_butchergirls: A record issues found across root and subdomains; advised changes; later told to keep CNAME as www and wait for propagation.
  • Dummyfashion: Misconfigurations identified; fix then wait up to 48 hours.
  • labdogmom: Still pending after 5 days, including a Shopify-purchased domain; unresolved.
  • Jason1234: Reported same issue on a third‑party domain; awaiting troubleshooting.

Notes: Screenshots and external DNS check links are central to the troubleshooting. The thread remains open with some cases unresolved.

Summarized with AI on December 18. AI used: gpt-5.
49

Hi @MahekV ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Community!

After taking a closer look, it looks like your domain is correctly pointing to Shopify. Due to this, I’d encourage you to connect with our support team directly. This will us to get you authenticated, as we wouldn’t have access to any account details here through the Community. They will be able to take a closer look to ensure this gets resolved.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.