Switch or retire a custom domain

Before you begin

• The new domain, bought from a registrar, and access to its DNS settings.
• Keep the old domain's DNS records in place until the switch is done.

Switch to a new domain

1. In your admin, open Domains (admin page).
2. Tap Switch domain.
3. Type the new domain and tap Add domain, or pick one you already added.
4. Add the TXT record shown at your registrar, then tap Verify now.
5. Add the record shown to point the domain at your store. We secure it automatically, and the page updates while you wait.
6. Tap Make primary.
7. Tap Retire the old domain (recommended).

Retire, or remove?

• Retire keeps the old domain sending every visitor and link to your store for 12 months. We email you 30 days and 7 days before it ends. You can keep up to 5 retired domains, and they do not count toward your connected domains.
• Remove stops the domain immediately. Links to it show "store not found".

To retire a domain later, tap Retire next to it. A retired domain is listed under Retired domains, where Bring back makes it a working domain again.

Removing your primary domain

When you remove your primary domain, your built-in address becomes primary. If you have another connected or retired domain, you can make that one primary instead from the same dialog.

Tell search engines

1. Add the new domain as a property in Google Search Console.
2. In the old domain's property, run Change of Address to the new domain.
3. Submit the new domain's sitemap: your domain followed by /sitemap.xml.

Also update Meta domain verification, Google Merchant Center and the website address with your payment gateway.

What's next

• Connect your own domain
• Change your store address