How to Fix Shopify SSL Pending Issue? | Step by Step Guide

Running an online store on Shopify is exciting, but technical hiccups like the SSL pending issue can disrupt your progress. This problem typically arises when linking a custom domain to your Shopify site, causing delays in securing your store with HTTPS.

In this guide, we’ll break down what the SSL pending issue entails, why it happens, its potential consequences, and most importantly, how to resolve it effectively. By following our detailed steps, you will ensure your e-commerce site is secure, trustworthy, and optimized for better SEO and customer confidence.

What is a Shopify SSL Pending Issue?

The Shopify SSL pending problem arises when linking an external domain to your Shopify store, requiring up to 48 hours for the TLS (SSL) certificate to be generated. In the meantime, your Shopify dashboard may indicate a “TLS or SSL pending” state, and your online store could show a browser alert saying, “Your connection is not secure.”

This waiting period is standard while Shopify sets up the SSL certificate to enable HTTPS protection for your domain. Should the pending status continue past 48 hours, it typically signals an issue with your domain’s DNS configuration.

What are the Main Reasons due to which this Issue Arises?

Several DNS-related issues can trigger or prolong the Shopify SSL pending status. These stem from improper domain configuration, which prevents Shopify from validating and issuing the SSL certificate. Key reasons include:

• • Incorrect A or AAAA records that don’t direct traffic to Shopify’s specified IP addresses.

• • Multiple conflicting A or AAAA records for the same domain.

• • A faulty CNAME record for the www subdomain that fails to point to shops.myshopify.com.

• • Enabled DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), which can obstruct SSL verification.

• • Wildcard DNS records (*) are aimed at Shopify, as these are unsupported.

• Active proxy services, such as Cloudflare Proxy, that hinder certificate provisioning. These errors disrupt the SSL issuance process, keeping your store in an insecure state longer than necessary.

What is the Impact of Shopify SSL Pending Issue?

An ongoing SSL pending issue leaves your Shopify store vulnerable and can harm your business in multiple ways. Without HTTPS, your site lacks encryption, leading to:

• • Browser warnings that alert visitors about an insecure connection, potentially scaring them away.

• • Reduced customer trust, as shoppers may hesitate to share personal or payment details on an unsecured site.

• • Security risks, including the potential exposure of sensitive data like credit card information.

• Negative SEO impacts, since search engines prioritize HTTPS-enabled sites in rankings. Once the SSL certificate is activated, your store will show a secure padlock icon to reassure customers and safeguard their information.

Once the SSL certificate is issued and active, your store URL will display a padlock icon, indicate a secure connection, and protect customer data.

How to Fix Shopify SSL Pending Issues?

Follow this detailed process to troubleshoot and resolve the SSL pending issue on Shopify. Ensure you have access to your domain registrar’s account before starting.

Step 1: Access Your Domain’s DNS Settings

Sign in to your domain provider (e.g., GoDaddy or Namecheap) and navigate to the DNS management section. This is typically found under “Domain Settings” or “Advanced DNS.” If you’re unsure, check your provider’s help documentation for specific paths.

Step 2: Verify and Update the A Record

Locate the A record for your root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com). Confirm it points to Shopify’s IP: 23.227.38.65 (or the regional equivalent). Delete any duplicate A records to avoid conflicts. Note that Shopify provides region-specific IPs, so double-check your store’s location in the Shopify admin if needed.

Step 3: Check and Adjust the AAAA Record

Find the AAAA record and ensure it directs to 2620:0127:f00f:5::. Eliminate any extra or incorrect AAAA entries. This record is for IPv6 compatibility, and errors here can prevent proper routing for some users.

Step 4: Confirm the CNAME Record for the www Subdomain

Identify the CNAME record for www and set it to shops.myshopify.com. (note the trailing dot). Remove conflicting records. This ensures that www.yourdomain.com redirects correctly to your Shopify store.

Step 5: Eliminate Wildcard Records

Search for wildcard DNS entries (like *.yourdomain.com) and delete them, as they interfere with SSL setup. Wildcards can cause issues by overriding specific subdomain configurations.

Step 6: Turn Off DNSSEC

If DNSSEC is active, disable it through your registrar’s panel, as it can prevent domain verification. DNSSEC adds cryptographic signatures to DNS records, which can block automated SSL checks.

Step 7: Deactivate Proxy Services

For services like Cloudflare, switch to DNS-only mode or pause the proxy to allow SSL issuance. Proxies often cache or redirect traffic, complicating Shopify’s certificate validation process.

Step 8: Apply Changes and Allow Propagation

Save your updates. DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to spread worldwide, so patience is key. You can use tools like DNS Checker to monitor propagation progress.

Step 9: Monitor SSL Status in Shopify

In your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Domains and check the SSL status; it should shift to “Connected” once resolved. Refresh the page periodically during the waiting period.

Step 10: Reach Out to Shopify Support if Needed

If the issue remains after 48 hours despite correct settings, contact Shopify’s support team for expert assistance. Provide screenshots of your DNS records to expedite troubleshooting.

Adhering to these steps will help align your DNS configuration with Shopify’s requirements, enabling smooth SSL certificate activation.

What are the Key Tips to Keep in Mind While Troubleshooting?

To avoid setbacks when addressing the Shopify SSL pending issue, remember these essential guidelines:

Precision in DNS Records: Double-check that A, AAAA, and CNAME records match Shopify’s specifications, as minor mistakes can derail the process. Use online DNS lookup tools to verify entries independently.

Limit to Single Records: Ensure only one A and one AAAA record per domain to prevent conflicts. Multiple records can confuse DNS resolvers.

Avoid Wildcards: Completely remove any wildcard DNS records targeting Shopify. These are not supported and can lead to unexpected routing.

Disable DNSSEC: Keep DNSSEC off, as it blocks necessary verifications. Re-enable it only after SSL is active if required for security.

Bypass Proxies: Temporarily disable proxies like Cloudflare to facilitate SSL provisioning. You can reconfigure them post-resolution.

Account for Propagation Delays: Allow up to 48 hours for DNS changes to take effect globally. Test from different locations to confirm.

Regular Status Checks: Frequently review the SSL status in your Shopify admin dashboard. Set reminders to check every few hours initially.

Seek Help When Stuck: If problems persist after corrections, escalate to Shopify Support promptly. Also, consider consulting a web developer familiar with DNS for complex setups.

Conclusion

The Shopify SSL pending issue, while frustrating, is typically fixable with careful attention to DNS settings. By understanding its causes and following the outlined steps, you can secure your store with HTTPS, enhance customer trust, and improve your site’s performance. Remember, a secure e-commerce site isn’t just about compliance; it’s crucial for building credibility and driving sales.

If you encounter persistent challenges, don’t hesitate to leverage Shopify’s resources or professional help to get back on track.