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How to Enable Automatic Domain Renewal
Last modified: November 21, 2023
When you’ve purchased a domain through Shopify, you have the option to mark that domain as automatically renewed. This protects your ownership of the domain name and prevents it from being bought by another person. There are companies that troll for expired domains, buy them, and they charge an excessive price for the domain to the original owners.
And you don’t want to be changing domains if you don’t have to. It can ruin your SEO.
So, here are the instructions on how you can enable automatic domain renewals for any domain that is bought through Shopify.
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Step 1 – Login
The first thing you need to do is to login to your account.
Step 2 – Online Store
Then you need to select the ‘Online Store’ that is situated under the ‘Sales Channels’ option. This will automatically take you to the themes section of the backend. You will need to select the option that’s located above the ‘Preferences’ option that reads ‘Domains’.
Step 3 – Select a Domain
In the domain page there will be a list of all the domains that you’ve purchased with Shopify. For instance, if you have example.com, example.net, example.co.uk, example.fr, etc. they will all be here.
You need to select the domain from this list that you would like to have auto renewed. This will take you into the domain management and preferences screen.
Step 4 – Enable Automatic Domain Renewal
In this screen there is an Auto-renew section. Within there is an option that allows you to auto-renew this domain every year. All you need to do is to click on the box beside the option. This change will be automatically saved for you. There is no need to click on a save option.
Understanding Automatic Domain Renewal
Renewal Process and Timelines
The renewal process varies across different domain providers. For instance, some domains are renewed 31 days before the expiration date if funds are available.
It’s crucial to understand these timelines to avoid unexpected domain expiration.
Remember, once an automatic renewal is initiated, it cannot be canceled, emphasizing the need for timely decision-making regarding your domain’s renewal status.
Managing Multiple Domains
For those managing multiple domains, bulk actions are available. You can enable automatic renewal for several domains simultaneously by selecting them in your domain list and adjusting their renewal status.
This feature is particularly useful for businesses managing a portfolio of domains, streamlining the renewal process.
Key Considerations in Domain Renewal
Role of Domain Contacts
Only specific contacts, such as the domain’s owner, administrative contact, or billing contact, are authorized to change the automatic renewal settings.
This safeguard ensures that only authorized personnel can make significant changes to the domain’s renewal status, protecting your online assets.
Impact of Non-Renewal
Failing to renew your domain can lead to its expiration and eventual deletion. Domains enter a Grace Period post-expiration, during which renewal is still possible.
However, if not renewed, the domain enters a Redemption status, becoming available for others to purchase. Understanding these consequences is vital to maintain control over your domain.
Third-Party Domains
If your domain is registered with a third-party provider, the renewal process is managed externally. Each provider has its own set of rules and timelines for domain renewal.
It’s important to contact your domain host directly for specific renewal procedures, ensuring your domain remains active and under your control.
Conclusion: How to Enable Automatic Domain Renewal
When it comes to your domains, you don’t want to lose control of them. There are businesses that will buy your expired domains and then try to charge you a fortune for them to be yours again. Even if you’re not sure about using the domain again in the future, then you should renew in case you need it later on. The cost of a domain for a year is not too expensive.
With Shopify, there is the option to automatically renew the subscription of your domains. This can be done in about 3–4 minutes from your dashboard. Remember that this is completely different to your subscription plan for Shopify. Whether you’re on one of the basic Shopify subscription plans or Shopify Plus, you will need to renew your domain name.
And the advantage of having Shopify manage your domain names is great. The billing is done automatically for you, and it prevents confusions between the domain management company and Shopify. And therefore, allows you to be more confident that you will have a Shopify store that is operating all the time.
If you require more help with Shopify, then why not visit our Shopify FAQ section here.
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Can I enable automatic domain renewal for domains not purchased through Shopify?
Yes, you can enable automatic renewal for external domains by transferring them to Shopify. Once transferred, the auto-renewal option becomes available in your Shopify settings.
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How secure is the automatic renewal process with Shopify?
Shopify’s automatic renewal process is highly secure, ensuring your domain remains active without manual intervention, safeguarding your online presence.
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What happens if my payment method fails during automatic renewal?
If the payment fails, Shopify will notify you and attempt to process the payment again. Ensure your payment details are up-to-date to avoid domain expiration.
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