AI Website Builder
Can I connect an existing domain?
Summary
Yes. Merchants can connect an existing domain to their ShopIQ website after publishing. The domain must be owned or controlled by the merchant, and DNS records must be updated using the A Record and CNAME Record settings provided in ShopIQ.
Who this is for: This article is for merchants who already own a domain and want to connect it to their ShopIQ ecommerce website.
Can I connect an existing domain to ShopIQ?
Yes. If a merchant already owns a domain, they can connect it to their ShopIQ website. The merchant must have access to the domain provider account so they can update DNS records. ShopIQ supports connecting existing domains through standard DNS mapping from the Settings section.
What do I need before connecting an existing domain?
- Access to the ShopIQ account
- A published ShopIQ website
- Access to the domain provider account
- Permission to edit DNS records
- Domain name details
- A Record and CNAME instructions from ShopIQ Settings
If the merchant does not have access to the domain provider account, they may need help from the person or agency that purchased the domain.
Can I connect a domain before publishing?
Domain connection is done after publishing. Before publishing, the website runs on a development URL such as https://project-id.dev.shopiq.app. After publishing, the website receives a production URL such as https://project-id.shopiq.app. The merchant can then connect the custom domain.
What DNS records does ShopIQ support?
ShopIQ supports DNS mapping using A Records and CNAME Records. The exact records should be copied from the ShopIQ Settings section and added to the merchant's domain provider DNS panel.
Can I connect a root domain, www domain, or subdomain?
- Root domain (yourbrand.com) — typically connected using an A Record
- www domain (www.yourbrand.com) — typically connected using a CNAME Record
- Subdomain (shop.yourbrand.com) — connected using DNS records where supported
Subdomains are useful when a merchant already has a main website and wants to run the ShopIQ store separately.
Will my existing domain ownership change?
No. Connecting a domain to ShopIQ does not transfer ownership. The merchant continues to own and manage the domain through their domain provider. ShopIQ does not own or sell the domain.
Will connecting an existing domain affect email?
It can, if DNS records are edited incorrectly. Merchants should avoid changing unrelated email records such as MX records unless they understand the impact. ShopIQ domain connection generally requires A Record and CNAME configuration for website routing only.
How long does an existing domain take to connect?
Connection time depends on DNS propagation. Some DNS changes may reflect quickly, while others may take longer depending on the domain provider and DNS configuration. ShopIQ does not control external DNS propagation time.
What if my domain does not connect?
Merchants should check:
- Whether the website is published
- Whether the correct A Record is added
- Whether the correct CNAME Record is added
- Whether old conflicting records exist
- Whether DNS changes have propagated
- Whether the domain is active and not expired
If needed, merchants can contact ShopIQ Support or request help from an Implementation Partner.
Does connecting an existing domain consume AI credits?
No. Connecting an existing domain through Settings does not consume AI credits. AI credits are only consumed when using AI Chat for AI-powered tasks such as website generation, content generation, catalog generation, image generation, or AI analytics.
Important things to know
The merchant is responsible for domain renewal, DNS access, and domain provider account security. If the domain expires or DNS records are changed incorrectly, customers may not be able to access the website through the custom domain.