Plug into any Shopify store, and you might encounter a common issue – an “SSL pending” status. It stands for Secure Socket Layers and is fundamental to ensuring your online transactions are secure and encrypted. There are plenty of benefits to having an SSL certificate for your Shopify store, and you cannot miss it!
But don’t let this technical term and pending error trouble you! Our comprehensive guide covers everything from SSL, why it’s critical for your Shopify store, how to tackle the SSL pending problem, how to enable SSL on Shopify, and best practices to keep it in check.
What Does SSL Pending Mean on Shopify? Why is it Important for Shopify Stores?
SSL, which stands for Secure Socket Layer, is a security protocol that encrypts data between a user’s browser and the server of an online store. For Shopify stores, in particular, SSL plays an instrumental role in safeguarding sensitive customer information like credit card details during transactions and bolsters credibility among shoppers with visible signs of security. The SSL pending message on Shopify can pose a serious threat to data.
This encryption process inspires trust from customers who see their transaction safety as paramount while shopping on your platform. Therefore, having an SSL certificate isn’t optional for anyone conducting eCommerce; it is mandatory if you want long-term success.
Definition of SSL
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It is a way to keep information safe on the internet. When an SSL is used, your computer and the Website you visit talk in a code only they can understand.
It keeps other people from being able to read what you send or get from the Website. If you have a store on Shopify, it gives you this kind of security for free. It ensures that all data between your site and shoppers stays private so no one else can read it.
Benefits of SSL for Shopify stores
SSL has significant upsides for Shopify stores. First, it makes your online store safe. SSL protects data like names, addresses, and credit card numbers. It helps to avoid hacker theft and data breaches. Next, Shopify gives out free SSL certificates. So you don’t have to pay extra for this security feature.
- It creates trust with your customers: People see the secure lock sign in their browser when they visit your shop. It lets them know that their data is safe there.
- It boosts your store’s rank in Google search results: Google likes sites that use SSL. So your store gets better visibility.
- It helps with secure payments: Owning an SSL certification allows for secure card transactions on your site. Therefore, make sure SSL is enabled.
- You get the “https” before your Website address: You can tell a site uses SSL when its address starts with “https.” Without SSL, it would start with “http.”
Understanding Shopify SSL Pending
Shopify SSL pending status appears when your domain’s SSL certificate has not been fully processed or verified. It may happen due to several reasons, including incorrect A and CNAME records settings, an issue with the domain’s DNS history, or perhaps inaccuracies in Shopify’s automated validation process.
By understanding the possible causes behind SSL pending error messages, you will be better equipped to rectify any issues promptly and ensure the security and credibility of your online store are well-maintained.
Meaning of SSL Pending
SSL pending on Shopify points to a critical issue. An SSL certificate still needs to guard your Website. It means your online store is open to all, even hackers. It’s like leaving your door unlocked at night.
Your store becomes easy to attack because it lacks protection from the SSL certificate, which still needs to be set up.
Reasons for SSL Pending
You might see a pending SSL message on your Shopify store. There are various reasons why this could happen:
- New Domain: You added your custom domain to the Shopify admin panel. It may take up to 48 hours for the SSL certificate to process.
- Incorrect Domain Settings: The settings for your custom domain might be incorrect. Carefully check A records and CNAME records.
- IPv6 Records: Your domain has IPv6 records that need to be removed.
- An issue with CAA Records: Your CAA records might not allow Shopify to issue an SSL certificate.
- Mixed Secure and Non-Secure Content: Your store mixes secure (HTTPS) and non-secure (HTTP) content.
How to Fix Pending SSL on Shopify
If SSL is unavailable on your Shopify store or Shopify has yet to verify it, you can have a significant security problem. When facing SSL Pending on your Shopify store, demonstrate the A and CNAME records to ensure they accurately point towards Shopify. If the issue persists, contact Shopify support for a more advanced diagnosis, as their technical team can provide guided assistance specific to your problem.
You don’t have to deal with this alone – there’s help available directly from the source!
Check A records and CNAME records.
Make sure A records and CNAME records are correct. It can help fix the SSL pending on Shopify. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Look at your A records. You should only have one A record for your domain.
- Make sure this A record points to “23.227.38.65”.
- The CNAME record named “www” should point to “shops.myshopify.com.”
- Save the CNAME record after you have made changes.
- These changes may take some time, often a few days, to take effect.
- If you see an SSL unavailable error, recheck your A record. It should not point to Shopify’s IP address.
Seek assistance from Shopify support.
Speak to the Shopify support team if your SSL is still pending after 48 hours. They are there to help you. You can reach them on their Website or by phone and email. It’s easy to get in touch with them! Refrain from letting SSL problems scare you away from running a successful online store.
Common FAQs about SSL Pending on Shopify
Shoppers often question the meaning of SSL pending on Shopify. The time it takes for SSL to stop being “pending” is one frequently asked query. Knowing how to update an SSL certificate in Shopify or fixing an unavailable SSL issue are also common subjects users seek answers about.
These queries arise because consumers want a secure shopping experience, which a properly functioning SSL certificate can provide.
How long does SSL Pending take?
SSL Pending can take up to 48 hours. Sometimes, it may take up to 72 hours. This time is needed for the SSL to update across servers due to domain propagation. After you connect a third-party domain to Shopify, it takes around the same time for the TLS certificate to be given and put in place.
Factors like DNS spread and domain check can change how long the SSL certificate turns on. If your SSL pending status lasts more than 72 hours, ask Shopify support for help! They are there so your online store has a proper shield and safe data sending.
How to update SSL certificate in Shopify
- Go to the Shopify admin panel.
- Click on “Online Store” in the left-side menu.
- Choose “Domains”.
- Pick the domain you wish to update with SSL, then click “Manage.”
- Select “SSL certificates”.
- See if the certificate is in the “Your current SSL certificate” section.
- If an old certificate shows up, click on it.
- There will be a red button that says “Renew.” Click on it.
- It might take up to 48 hours for changes to happen.
- Make sure that DNS servers are updated too.
Care about your store’s safety from attacks! It’s needed for an online store on Shopify. Do this by ensuring your Shopify SSL is not pending or unavailable and always up-to-date!
How to fix SSL Unavailable
Steps are needed to fix SSL Unavailable. Here are the key things to do:
- Log in to your Shopify site.
- Go to the Online Store section.
- Check your domain stats.
- If you find errors, check the domain records.
- Fix any issues found there.
- Try setting the security level at “No Security” if problems persist.
- Still stuck? Get help from Shopify support!
- Always double-check all changes before you finish.
Tips and Best Practices for SSL Certificate on Your Shopify Store
Maintaining your SSL certificate on Shopify is critical to maintaining customer trust; begin by monitoring your SSL status regularly. Keep your domain records updated, ensuring all details are accurate and up-to-date. Shopify automatically provides the Website with an SSL certificate/feature with their subscription.
IPv6 records can cause issues, so consider removing them from your settings if unnecessary. Lastly, editing CAA (Certificate Authority Authorization) records may need some technical know-how, but it’s worth learning because it can help resolve any pending status for SSL certificates.
So invest time in understanding these processes to get an SSL certificate and as part of managing a successful Shopify store.
Regularly monitor SSL status.
Checking your SSL status is critical. Keep an eye on it so you know the safe link or Shopify URL between your site and shoppers stays strong. Seeing an “SSL pending” note means it’s not ready yet.
Fix SSL issues fast to protect your Shopify store and keep customers happy. You want a secure connection always in place. You must do this to help your sales!
Keep your domain records updated.
Take care of your domain records on Shopify. Always make sure they are up to date. It means checking and fixing errors with A record and CNAME settings in time. An updated record will help you avoid SSL pending issues on Shopify.
Also, always look at DNS settings in the admin section when you change or update a thing. It is vital for the smooth use of SSL certificates on the site.
Remove IPv6 records if necessary.
Sometimes, the SSL pending issue in Shopify arises due to IPv6 records. IPv6 is a record known as AAAA. Shopify needs to work better with these records, and they can cause problems with your SSL certificate.
To stop this problem from happening, you should take away or delete any IPv6 records on your domain. Doing so will help your Shopify store fix the SSL pending state quickly.
Edit CAA records if needed.
If you use CAA records, keep them right. If they are set up correctly, they can cause trouble with Shopify’s HTTPS lock. These should point to specific authority groups only. You must add these to your store.
Yet, often updating or taking out these records is better to stop confusion and issues later on with your Shopify store secure lock function.
Conclusion
A website that has an SSL is safe and secure for the users. Shopify provides free SSL, and you can easily add an SSL certificate to your Website. In short, getting an SSL website certificate is a must for all online stores. You can keep the data safe from any security threats by using an SSL certificate for your Shopify store. Whenever you see an SSL pending error or it says “SSL pending” on Shopify, there are steps to take care of it. You must take immediate action to implement an SSL certificate for encryption on your Shopify store.
FAQs
What does SSL pending mean on Shopify?
SSL pending on Shopify means that your SSL certificate for your store has yet to be active. You usually see a pending message after adding a custom domain.
How can I fix the problem if my SSL is pending on Shopify?
If you get an SSL Pending error message, wait at least two days for the certificate to be issued. If it’s still unavailable, check if your server or custom domain has been added correctly.
Can I still use my Shopify website while the SSL is pending?
Yes, you can! The “SSL Pending” means there may be no secure encryption (HTTPS instead of HTTP) in place, but you and your customers can still visit your site.
Is having an SSL important for my Shopify Store?
Running with an SSL certificate increases trust in Shopify users by preventing data from being trapped by third parties as it moves across each URL within your domain name through HTTPS protocol.
What do I do after seeing an “SSL cannot provide” error?
This type of error might hint that either Shopify isn’t successful in verifying details about your custom domain or is encountering difficulties while trying to automatically set up free certificates for enabling SSL.
Does every new add-on Domain generate the same issue?
Mostly yes! It often happens when somebody newly adds his desired name; however, this status mostly disappears once all configurations are properly finalized and secured.