Have you just received the frustrating "SSL pending" message when setting up your hot new Shopify store? As an ecommerce merchant, few things are more worrying than security errors jeopardizing customer data and trust.
Not to fear! This comprehensive guide will give you a fool-proof action plan to activate your Shopify security certificates quickly. You‘ll not only resolve the SSL pending issue, but also learn best practices to bulletproof your online business.
We‘ll explore what SSL pending indicates, why SSL matters, potential causes of pending errors, and a step-by-step troubleshooting checklist to get your store secured immediately. Let‘s get started!
Why SSL Certificates Are Crucial
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology creates encrypted links between customers‘ browsers and your website‘s server so no sensitive data gets stolen during transactions or messaging.
SSL certificates provide two core security benefits:
1. Data Privacy & Protection
The SSL protocol scrambles confidential information like names, addresses, credit card details into unreadable code during transmissions between shoppers and your site. This makes data useless even if hackers intercept it.
Government research reveals 57% of data breaches occur due to unencrypted traffic that‘s easy to infiltrate.
2. Trust & Confidence
Sites with activated SSL flaunt a padlock icon in the URL bar. This visual verification gives customers assurance they‘re on a secure connection protected by encryption.
Per IBM research, over 50% of shoppers will abandon purchases if they don‘t see SSL security seals. Transparency around security and privacy is key for conversion success.
SSL Usage Statistics
- 78% of online shopping carts now use SSL encryption
- 90% of websites now use HTTPS with SSL vs just 50% in 2018
- Google prioritizes sites with SSL in search results
Clearly, SSL is mandatory not just for security compliance but also traffic, leads and revenue.
What Does "SSL Pending" Mean?
Shopify handles all the SSL certificates for stores on its platform. The platform auto-issues free SSL certs when you launch online or buy a custom domain.
So if you receive an "SSL pending" notice in Shopify, here‘s what it signifies:
- Your SSL certificate has been successfully issued by Shopify
- However, your domain‘s DNS settings have not fully updated yet to activate encryption globally
- The worldwide DNS system needs upto 48 hours to propagate the newly issued SSL certificate across global servers and data centers
"SSL pending" thus indicates your security certificate is in queue awaiting DNS record activation.
What‘s Causing Your SSL Pending Error?
While most SSL pending issues automatically disappear within 48 hours, sometimes they stubbornly persist unless you intervene.
Common triggers for prolonged SSL pending problems include:
- Incorrect domain name settings – errors in your domain‘s A record or CNAME records
- Shopify system bugs – temporary platform glitches that disrupt DNS communication
- Domain verification problems – often when connecting external domains not purchased on Shopify
- Misconfigured DNS protocols like invalid IPv6 records
We‘ll explore how to audit and fix each cause next…
Fixing an SSL Pending Error
Follow this step-by-step troubleshooting checklist to get your security certificate live quickly:
Step 1: Wait 48 Hours
Give your domain a full 48 hours for its DNS settings and SSL record to update across the world after making changes in Shopify. Propagation delays are common.
If the SSL pending warning still displays after 48 hours, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Confirm A Record Configuration
- Log into your domain registrar control panel like GoDaddy or Namecheap
- Locate the A record for your custom domain
- Verify it points to Shopify‘s assigned IP – 23.227.38.65
- Ensure ONLY one A record exists mapping your domain to Shopify
- Update the A record if it‘s redirecting to any other IP
Step 3: Check CNAME Records
- CNAME records should point to the *.myshopify.com address of your Shopify store
- Fix any CNAME records directing to incorrect IP addresses
Step 4: Replace IPv6 with IPv4
Shopify currently only supports old IPv4 addressing.
- Audit your DNS settings for any IPv6 (AAAA) records
- Remove them and replace with IPv4 records
Still stuck? Reach out to Shopify support or your domain registrar for specific technical troubleshooting.
Expert SSL Security Tips
- Activate SSL across ALL pages of your Shopify store – not just checkout
- Renew SSL certs before they expire to prevent warnings
- Use extended validation certs for ultimate browser trust
- Redirect HTTP to HTTPS in settings to force encryption
Investing a little extra effort into robust SSL strategies gives your customers confidence in your credibility – translating directly into higher conversions!
Shopify SSL Certificate FAQs
Let‘s cover some common questions merchants have around SSL setup on Shopify:
Do I need to manually purchase an SSL certificate for Shopify security?
No, Shopify provides free SSL certificates to all users. Just enable it in admin settings.
Can I upload my own third-party SSL certificate instead of Shopify‘s?
No. Shopify does not allow external SSL certificates. You must utilize their built-in SSL.
Can I use an external custom domain on my Shopify store?
Yes! You can connect any domain purchased from Namecheap, GoDaddy etc. Just point it to Shopify‘s IP address.
Is it mandatory to transfer my existing domain to Shopify?
No. Connecting domains without transferring ownership often works better, giving you more control.
Can I launch a Shopify store without setting up SSL encryption?
Technically yes, but it‘s strongly advised against. No SSL means most modern browsers will display security warnings harming credibility.
Do I need SSL on ALL site pages or just checkout?
Enable sitewide SSL not just at checkout for optimal security. Encrypt all user traffic and data collection.
How much does an SSL certificate cost on Shopify?
$0. Shopify provides free SSL certificates to all users by default. There are no fees involved.
Conclusion
Waiting anxiously to see "SSL secure" instead of "SSL pending"? Equipped with this handbook, you now have in-depth knowledge to:
- Troubleshoot Shopify SSL issues
- Optimize domain settings to activate encryption
- Follow failproof steps to resolve certificate delays
- Boost customer trust and compliance with robust security
Prioritizing robust SSL processes demonstrates your commitment to protecting user data – establishing reputation and confidence in your brand. Security first, profits second!
