Setting Up a Custom Domain for Shopify Using cPanel DNS Zone Editor - Hoopla Hosting

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding a custom domain to your Hoopla Hosting cPanel account and configuring the necessary DNS records to connect it to your Shopify store. This process assumes you own a domain registered through a provider that allows full DNS management (e.g., not pointed to external nameservers) and that you're using Hoopla Hosting's cPanel for hosting/DNS management.

Prerequisites:

• You must have a Web Hosting plan (which includes DNS hosting for free) or a standalone DNS Hosting paid service with Hoopla Hosting. Ensure one of these is active before proceeding. You can verify or purchase these services via the Hoopla Hosting Client Area.
• If your domain is hosted elsewhere, ensure its nameservers point to Hoopla Hosting's servers (contact support via HooplaHosting.co.nz/client/ for assistance).

Important Notes:

• DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, though it often happens within 1-2 hours.
• Back up your current DNS records before making changes.
• After setup, verify the connection in your Shopify admin (Settings > Domains).
• If your domain is set as the primary domain in Shopify, ensure no conflicting A records exist.
• The IP address 23.227.38.65 is Shopify's default IPv4 endpoint; Shopify may suggest a region-specific variant after connection.
• For assistance, reach out to Hoopla Hosting support through our Client Area.

Step 1: Add the Domain to cPanel

Before editing DNS records, you must add the domain to your Hoopla Hosting cPanel account if it's not already hosted. This creates the DNS zone file.

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard via the Hoopla Hosting Client Area at HooplaHosting.co.nz/client/ (select your hosting or DNS service, then click "Log in to cPanel").
2. In the Domains section, click Addon Domains (or Parked Domains if you want the domain without a separate directory).
3. In the Create an Addon Domain section:
   • New Domain Name: Enter your full domain (e.g., example.com).
   • Subdomain: Leave as default (usually example).
   • Document Root: Choose a directory for the domain's files (e.g., /public_html/example.com). For Shopify, this won't host files, so any path works.
   • FTP Username (optional): Customize if needed.
4. Click Add Domain.
5. cPanel will confirm the domain has been added. A new DNS zone file is now created for the domain.

If the domain is already added or you're using it as a parked domain, skip to Step 2. Contact Hoopla Hosting support via HooplaHosting.co.nz/client/ if you encounter issues.

Step 2: Access the DNS Zone Editor

1. In your cPanel dashboard, scroll to the Domains section.
2. Click Zone Editor.
3. Select your domain (e.g., example.com) from the list of managed zones.
4. You'll see a table listing existing DNS records (e.g., default A records pointing to your Hoopla Hosting server's IP). Do not delete unrelated records like NS or MX unless instructed.

Step 3: Add or Update DNS Records for Shopify

In the Zone Editor, you'll either Add Record for new entries or Edit existing ones. Focus on the root domain (@ or blank) and www subdomain. Delete any conflicting A records for @ or www (e.g., ones pointing to your Hoopla Hosting server's IP).

Use the following table as a reference. Replace example.com with your domain. The "Current Values" column shows typical defaults (which may vary); update as specified.

Detailed Instructions for Adding/Updating:

1. For the A Record (Root Domain):

   • If an A record for @ exists, click Manage next to it, then Edit. Change the Address to 23.227.38.65. Click Save Record.
   • If no A record exists, click + A Record at the top.
     • Name: @ (or leave blank).
     • TTL: 14400.
     • Record: 23.227.38.65.
   • Click Add Record.

2. For the CNAME Record (WWW Subdomain):

   • If a CNAME for www exists, edit it similarly.
   • Otherwise, click + CNAME Record.
     • Name: www.
     • TTL: 14400.
     • CNAME: shops.myshopify.com. (include the trailing dot).
   • Click Add Record.

3. Optional: TXT Record for Domain Verification:

   • Shopify may require a TXT record to verify ownership during connection.
   • In Shopify admin (Settings > Domains > Connect existing domain), enter your domain and follow prompts. It will provide a unique TXT value (e.g., shopify-site-verification=abc123).
   • Add it via + TXT Record:
     • Name: @.
     • TTL: 14400.
     • TXT Data: The value from Shopify.
   • This record can be removed after verification.

4. Review the zone: Ensure no duplicate or conflicting records. Your table should now match the one above.

Step 4: Connect the Domain in Shopify

1. Log in to your Shopify admin.
2. Go to Settings > Domains.
3. Click Connect existing domain.
4. Enter your domain (e.g., example.com) and click Next.
5. Select Follow the steps to connect manually (since you're using Hoopla Hosting's DNS).
6. Click Connect domain.
7. Shopify will check for the DNS records. If pending, wait for propagation and click Verify connection later.

Troubleshooting

• Domain Not Verifying? Use tools like WhatsMyDNS.net to check propagation. Clear your browser cache.
• SSL/TLS Issues? Shopify auto-provisions SSL after verification; it may show "pending" for up to 48 hours.
• Errors in Zone Editor? Ensure the CNAME ends with a dot (.) and no extra spaces.
• cPanel-Specific Issues? If the domain doesn't appear in Zone Editor, verify nameservers point to Hoopla Hosting or that your DNS Hosting/Web Hosting plan is active. Contact support via HooplaHosting.co.nz/client/.
• For region-specific IPs or advanced setups (e.g., subdomains), refer to Shopify's help center.

If issues persist, reach out to Shopify Support or Hoopla Hosting support through our Client Area. This setup ensures your domain routes traffic to Shopify while keeping DNS management with Hoopla Hosting's cPanel.