Reconnect to a New Store:

If you’re planning to launch a new Shopify store or move to a different ecommerce platform, you can reconnect your domain to the new store. For third-party domains, this will involve updating your DNS settings through your domain provider.

Sell or Transfer the Domain:

If you no longer need the domain, you might want to transfer it to another party or sell it. Platforms like Sedo or GoDaddy Auctions can facilitate this process.

Even if you don’t have immediate plans for your domain, you may decide to keep it. Domains can become more valuable over time, especially if they have a desirable name or have accrued SEO benefits.

How to Remove Domain Name from Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction
Removing Third-Party Domains from Shopify
Disconnecting Shopify-Managed Domains
What to Do After Removal
Conclusion
FAQ Section

Introduction

Imagine you've decided to take a new direction with your online business or you're just about ready to upgrade your digital footprint. Your domain name, the digital address where customers find you, is one of your most valuable assets. For various reasons, you may decide to remove this domain name from your Shopify store. Perhaps it's time for a rebranding, or maybe you're moving your store to a new platform. Whatever the reason, it's essential to know how to manage this process smoothly without affecting your online presence.

This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the process of removing a domain name from your Shopify store, whether it's a third-party domain or one managed by Shopify. By the end of this post, you will understand how to navigate through Shopify's settings, the differences between removing third-party and Shopify-managed domains, and the necessary steps to ensure your domain's future use is not impacted.

Removing Third-Party Domains from Shopify

A third-party domain is one that you've purchased from a domain provider outside of Shopify, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap, and have connected to your Shopify store. If you're looking to disconnect such a domain, follow these steps:

Log into your Shopify admin dashboard.
Navigate to ‘Online Store’ and then click on ‘Domains’.
Under the ‘Third-party domains’ section, find the domain you wish to remove.
Click on the ‘Manage’ button next to your domain.
Select ‘Remove’ and confirm your action.

Important Note: Removing a third-party domain from your Shopify store doesn't cancel or delete the domain itself. It merely disconnects it from Shopify, leaving the domain in your possession for future use or transfer.

Disconnecting Shopify-Managed Domains

Shopify-managed domains are those purchased directly through Shopify. To remove such a domain from your store, the process requires a bit more involvement, as Shopify doesn't provide a direct option to delete these domains via the admin dashboard. Here’s what you need to do:

First, make sure the Shopify-managed domain is not set as your primary domain. If it is, go to your ‘Domains’ settings and choose another domain as primary or use your myshopify.com URL temporarily.
Contact Shopify Support. The removal of a Shopify-managed domain must be processed by their support team. Provide them with the domain details and any necessary verification to prove ownership.
The support team will guide you through the steps of removing your domain. They can also assist with transferring your domain to another provider if that's your goal.

What to Do After Removal

Once your domain is removed from Shopify, you’ll want to consider a few potential next steps:

Reconnect to a New Store: If you’re planning to launch a new Shopify store or move to a different ecommerce platform, you can reconnect your domain to the new store. For third-party domains, this will involve updating your DNS settings through your domain provider.
Sell or Transfer the Domain: If you no longer need the domain, you might want to transfer it to another party or sell it. Platforms like Sedo or GoDaddy Auctions can facilitate this process.
Hold Onto It: Even if you don’t have immediate plans for your domain, you may decide to keep it. Domains can become more valuable over time, especially if they have a desirable name or have accrued SEO benefits.

Conclusion

Whether it’s part of a strategic pivot or simply a step toward a new beginning, removing a domain name from your Shopify store is a straightforward process with the right guidance. Always ensure you have a plan for your domain following its removal from Shopify, whether that involves transferring, selling, or holding onto it for future endeavors.

Digital real estate, like your domain name, is a critical component of your online identity and business strategy. Managing it with care will ensure that your digital transition, whatever it entails, is as smooth as possible.

FAQ Section

Q: Will removing a domain from Shopify affect my SEO? A: Directly removing a domain from Shopify won’t affect your SEO, but what you do with your domain afterward might. If the domain's content significantly changes or if it’s left inactive, this could impact SEO.

Q: Can I connect my domain to another Shopify store immediately after removal? A: Yes, once a domain is removed from one Shopify store, it can be connected to another store immediately, as long as the domain’s DNS settings are correctly pointed to the new store.

Q: How long does it take for domain removal to take effect? A: For third-party domains, removal is almost instantaneous. For Shopify-managed domains, the process might take a bit longer, depending on how quickly Shopify Support can process your request.

Q: Can I cancel my Shopify-managed domain after removing it from my store? A: You can’t cancel a Shopify-managed domain through the admin dashboard. If you wish to cancel your domain subscription, contact Shopify Support for assistance.