When your Shopify store displays an “SSL Pending” error, swift action is much needed as a valid SSL certificate tells your customers that your website is legit and that their data is safe and secured with you.
In this post, let’s dive deep into what Shopify SSL pending mean and how you can fix it.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is like a digital ID card that a website uses to prove its identity on the internet.
It creates a secure connection between a user’s web browser and the website’s server; thereby keeping the user and their data safe from hackers. SSL certificates are crucial for online stores as they create a sense of trust from the user perspective and play a vital role from the SEO perspective as well.
What Does Shopify SSL Pending Mean?
“SSL pending” on Shopify means your website’s SSL (Security Sockets Layer) certificate is available but is yet to be successfully set up.
Configuring an SSL certificate on Shopify involves getting the certificate, verifying your domain ownership, installing the certificate, and waiting for the changes to take effect across the internet. Once done, your website will show as “SSL enabled” or “SSL secured”, indicating it’s secure for visitors.
How Long Does SSL Pending Take in Shopify?
The process of SSL certification is usually resolved within a few hours but can take as long as 48 hours in some cases. If the “SSL pending” status lasts longer than this, it might be due to issues with the DNS settings and you may need to contact Shopify’s support or try some of the “how to fix SSL pending on shopify” workarounds listed below!
How to Fix Shopify SSL Pending?
1. Wait for the Error to Resolve: SSL certificate changes can take a while to resolve. Shopify will have to check and verify the changes, which can take up to 48 hours. So, if you’ve recently made changes, it might be best to wait for a bit.
2. Fix Name Records: If you’re using a Shopify domain, the configuration processes are automatically taken care of. However, if you’re using a third-party domain, you might need to check your DNS settings to fix SSL pending Shopify error.
- Login to your Shopify admin panel and click “Online Store”.
- Under Online Store, click on Domain in the left pane.
- Choose Connect existing domain in the right pane.
- Enter your domain name and click Next. Follow the Shopify instructions to manually connect your domain to Shopify.
- Login to your Domain Provider dashboard, and click DNS Settings or Domain Management based on your provider.
- In the DNS records section, do the following changes in the A RECORD section –
– Point the A record to the Shopify IP address 23.227.38.65.
– If necessary, change the Hostname to “@” symbol.
– Delete any other A records on the domain if there are any present. - Click Save.
4. Change DNS CNAME: In the DNS records section, under CNAME record, change the following – Point the CNAME record with the Name www to “shops.myshopify.com.”.The period at the end of the domain is mandatory. Click Save.Changes made to DNS settings can take up to 48 hours to propagate and it is best to wait for the whole 48 hours before checking if it is done.
5. Contact Shopify Support: If you’ve tried the above steps and the Shopify third party domain SSL pending error still persists after 48 hours, contact the Shopify support to troubleshoot the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does SSL Pending Take on Shopify?
SSL pending on Shopify can take up to 48 hours for the SSL certificate to process. During this time, you might see an “SSL unavailable” error on your Shopify admin panel. If the issue persists for more than 48 hours, you might want to fix the Name records or DNS CNAME from the domain registrar website. If the error still continues, please contact Shopify Support.
Why is SSL Unavailable on Shopify?
SSL can be unavailable on Shopify due to one of the following issues –
- SSL Pending/Processing: Shopify generally takes up to 48 hours to process and issue the SSL certificate. During this pending period, your website might show an “SSL unavailable” error.
- Configuration Issues: Incorrect SSL settings or misconfigured DNS records can lead to SSL unavailability.
- Expired or Invalid Certificate: If your SSL certificate has expired or is invalid, Shopify won’t be able to establish a secure connection.
Also learn: How to Fix SSL Unavailable Error in Shopify.
Does Shopify Support Third Party SSL?
No, Shopify does not support third party SSL. It provides its own SSL certificates if you’re using Shopify, you have to rely on their built-in SSL for your website’s security.
Shopify SSL Pending: Key Points to Remember
Fixing an SSL pending error is Shopify is paramount to gain user trust and improve the store’s visibility on SERP. Here are some key points to remember if you encounter a ‘Shopify SSL Pending’ status:
- Online stores with SSL certificates build user confidence and impact SEO.
- Shopify domain SSL pending means your SSL certificate is available but not yet fully set up.
- SSL certification usually resolves within a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours in some cases.
- DNS settings issues can affect successful SSL installation.
A technically resilient Shopify store with seamless user interface can bring in positive user experience and drive sales. With Meetanshi’s comprehensive Shopify support and maintenance services, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the technicalities right from store audits and website monitoring to performance optimization and version upgrades.
Contact us today and let us elevate your Shopify experience to new heights.
