What Does SSL Pending Mean on Shopify & How To Fix It? [9 Tips]

What does SSL pending mean on Shopify, and why does it matter for your store’s security? If you’ve ever been puzzled by this message, you’re not alone.

In this article, I’ll uncover the mysteries behind SSL pending, explain its significance, and guide you through 9 effective ways to fix it.

Want to ensure your Shopify store is secure and trusted by customers? Read on to discover how to resolve this issue like a pro!

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What’s an SSL Certificate, and Why Should You Care?

An SSL certificate is like a security guard for your website. It’s what makes that little padlock show up in the address bar when you visit a site.

You know when you see “https” instead of “http”? That’s SSL doing its thing.

It basically creates a safe, encrypted tunnel between your browser and the website, so no one can snoop on the info you’re sharing—like passwords, credit card numbers, or even your email.

Here’s How It Works:

1. You type in your credit card info.
2. SSL steps in and says, “Hold on, let’s keep this private.”
3. Your info gets encrypted and safely sent to the website’s server.
4. Even if someone tries to intercept it, all they’ll see is gibberish.

So next time you’re shopping or logging into a site, check for that padlock icon. If it’s there, you’re good to go. If not, maybe think twice about entering any personal info. It’s all about keeping your data safe and secure.

What Does SLL Pending Mean On Shopify?

When you see “SSL Pending” on your Shopify store, it means that Shopify is in the process of setting up your SSL certificate, but it’s not fully active yet.

This certificate is crucial because it encrypts data between your store and your customers, ensuring secure transactions.

How to Fix SSL Pending Certificate on Shopify? 9 Effective Ways

1. Verify Domain Ownership

To resolve the SSL Pending issue, you first need to ensure that your domain ownership is verified. Shopify requires all store owners to use a custom domain to confirm that they own it.

This is usually done through your domain registrar by adding or editing DNS records as instructed by Shopify.

For example, if you purchased a new domain or moved an existing domain to Shopify, you must complete this verification process.

So, here’s what I do.

I personally use GoDaddy domains. So, this is my process.

To verify your domain, simply head over to admin.google.com and log in with the email and password you used to sign up for Google Workspace. Once inside, you’ll likely see a prompt to start the setup process.

Click on it, and when asked to verify your domain, opt for the manual setup option for more control.

Now, Google will provide a TXT record. Copy this value and log into your GoDaddy account.

Go to My Products, find the domain you’re setting up, and click DNS. In the DNS settings, add a new TXT record, paste the value from Google, and save it.

In the DNS management section, add a new record, select TXT as the type, paste the copied value, and save it.

After that, head back to the Google admin console and click Verify. Once the verification is complete, you’re ready to move on to setting up your email services.

So, remember – without domain validation, Shopify cannot issue an SSL certificate, and your SSL pending status will remain. Once the ownership is confirmed, the encryption protocol kicks in to secure your Shopify website.

2. Ensure DNS Settings Are Configured Correctly

DNS settings play a critical role in connecting your domain configuration to Shopify’s servers. To fix the SSL pending message, verify that your domain’s control panel is configured correctly. In other words, you need to make sure that your domain domain points out to the correct Shopify server.

Therefore, first, check your A record.

A record needs to point to Shopify’s IP address (23.227.38.65). So, enter this address as the address for your A records, This ensures that your primary domain directs traffic to the correct Shopify server.

In addition, check the CNAME record for your domain. It should point to shops.myshopify.com instead of an IP address.

Hence, properly setting up these DNS records is crucial for resolving the SSL pending error and avoiding the SSL unavailable error. If you’re unsure how to update these records, contact your domain provider for assistance.

3. Wait for DNS Propagation

After updating your DNS settings, you’ll need to wait for the changes to take effect. This process, known as DNS propagation, can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours.

During this time, the SSL pending on Shopify message might still appear as Shopify works to issue your free SSL certificates.

Patience is key here. Once the propagation completes, your Shopify store should display a secure website status.

Also, be sure to check the SSL status regularly in your Shopify admin panel under Online Store > Domains.

4. Remove IPv6 (AAAA) Records

If your domain has an IPv6 record, also known as an AAAA record, Shopify’s system might struggle to apply SSL encryption.

Shopify doesn’t use IPv6 for web hosting, so having these records can cause issues.

Solution: Stick with IPv4 (A Records) to avoid these complications.

Example:
A user added an AAAA record thinking it would boost performance. Instead, it broke their SSL. Removing the AAAA record resolved the issue.

5. Handle CAA Records

CAA (Certification Authority Authorization) records tell the internet which certificate authorities are allowed to issue SSL certificates for your domain.

While these can improve security, they might also slow down or block Shopify’s SSL setup if misconfigured.

To ensure compatibility with Shopify, make sure your CAA records list these authorities:

• letsencrypt.org
• digicert.com
• globalsign.com

6. Check for Mixed Content or Insecure Resources

An SSL pending status can also occur if your site has mixed content issues. This happens when your store loads both secure (HTTPS) and non-secure (HTTP) elements, such as images, scripts, or external resources.

These inconsistencies can prevent Shopify from fully securing your web address. To fix this, review your website’s code and ensure all resources are updated to use HTTPS.

By eliminating mixed content, you help the encryption process run smoothly, ensuring a fully secure connection for your customers.

7. Clear Browser Cache

Sometimes, even after resolving the SSL pending issues, your browser may still show outdated information. This can be due to cached data.

Moreover, to ensure you’re seeing the latest updates, clear your browser cache and reload your store.

A refreshed browser’s address bar should display the padlock symbol, indicating a secure Shopify site.

8. Contact Shopify’s Support Team

If you’ve followed all the steps above and the SSL pending error persists after 48 hours, it’s time to seek help. Contact Shopify’s customer support for further assistance.

Also, their support team can investigate your store’s domain configuration and help expedite the issuance of your SSL certificate.

Alternatively, if you’re using a third-party domain, you might need to consult your domain provider’s support team.

They can ensure your DNS records are set up correctly, resolving any issues that may be causing the pending mean message on your Shopify admin.

9. Monitor SSL Status and Prevent Future Issues

Once your SSL certificate is active, keep an eye on the SSL status in your Shopify admin dashboard. This helps ensure that your online store remains secure over time.

Hence, regular monitoring can prevent potential SSL issues, allowing you to maintain a secure socket layer connection and offer a safe shopping experience for your customers.

How to Activate SSL on Shopify? My Step-by-Step Guide

Shopify makes the process straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it as if we were doing it together. Let’s get started!

Step 1 – Connecting Your Domain to Shopify

Before Shopify can issue an SSL certificate, your domain must be properly connected. So, if you purchased your domain directly from Shopify, this happens automatically.

But, if you’re using a third-party provider, you’ll need to connect it manually. Here’s how:

Start by logging into your Shopify admin. On the left-hand menu, scroll down and click Settings, then navigate to Domains. Once there, click the Connect existing domain button at the top right.

Enter your domain name (yourstore.com) and hit Next. If your domain provider supports automatic setup, Shopify will take you to your domain provider’s website. Log in and follow the prompts to confirm the connection.

If automatic setup isn’t supported, Shopify will guide you through updating your DNS settings manually.

Also, you’ll need to update the A record to point to Shopify’s IP address and set the CNAME record to shops.myshopify.com.

Once done, return to Shopify and click Verify Connection to confirm your domain ownership.

Step 2 – Waiting for SSL Activation

After connecting your domain, Shopify begins issuing your SSL certificate. This process can take up to 48 hours, during which you might see an SSL pending status in your Shopify admin.

If you check your store during this time, you could encounter a security warning or an SSL pending message, especially when trying to access it via https://.

Don’t worry—this is completely normal. The pending status simply means Shopify is working on securing your Shopify store.

As long as your DNS records are correctly set, the process should be complete without any issues.

Moreover, if your SSL pending on Shopify persists beyond 48 hours, it may be time to fix the SSL pending issue by reviewing your setup or contacting Shopify support.

Step 3 – Confirming Your SSL Certificate is Active

Once the SSL process is complete, your Shopify domain will show a secure connection. To check:

Open your store’s URL in a browser using https://. If everything’s working correctly, you’ll see the padlock icon next to the address bar, indicating that your site is secure.

Shopify also redirects any http:// traffic to the secure https:// version automatically. This ensures all visitors benefit from a safe shopping experience.

Step 4 – Troubleshooting Common SSL Issues

If your Shopify SSL pending status remains or your SSL certificate doesn’t activate after 48 hours, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

First, double-check your DNS settings. Log in to your domain registrar and ensure your A record and CNAME record are correctly configured. Hence, misconfigured DNS records are the most common cause of an SSL pending error.

In my case, I will simply delete the URL redirect record, and keep only the A Record and the CNAME record.

If your settings look good, it’s time to contact Shopify support. They can help troubleshoot and fix any remaining issues, including errors related to domain ownership or a misconfigured web server.

Lastly, check your CAA records. Some domains limit which certificate authorities can issue SSL certificates. If Shopify’s provider isn’t listed, your SSL certificate won’t be issued.

In rare cases, you might see an SSL unavailable error, which Shopify support can help resolve.

Why Is an SSL Certificate So Important?

Now, as I explained what does SLL pending mean on Shopify, and how to fix it, I will tell you why is so important.

Let’s break it down. You’re shopping online at a store called ShopSecurely.com. You find the perfect item, add it to your cart, and enter your payment info.

Here’s where SSL certificates come into play. Without one, your sensitive data could be intercepted.

But, with an SSL certificate, your information gets encrypted into a secret code that only the store’s server can understand.

Now, let’s say your Shopify store shows “SSL Pending.” You might be wondering, what does SSL pending mean on Shopify?

This simply means Shopify is still in the process of securing your site with an SSL certificate.

1. Protects Sensitive Data

Without an SSL certificate, your data travels across the internet in plain text. Hackers can easily snatch it up. But when your site has SSL certificates, that data gets encrypted.

It’s like turning your personal info into a secret message.

For stores showing SSL pending on Shopify, it means the certificate setup isn’t complete yet. So, if you’re stuck, here’s how to fix SSL pending: start by checking your DNS settings.

That’s why you must make sure your custom domain points to Shopify’s IP address, 23.227.38.65, and that your CNAME points to shops.myshopify.com.

2. Builds Customer Trust

Seeing a padlock in the browser bar? That’s your Shopify SSL certificate at work. Customers are more likely to trust and shop on a site with that padlock.

If your Shopify store shows “Not Secure,” it could hurt your credibility. But once your SSL pending status changes to “Active,” you’re good to go.

3. Boosts SEO Rankings

Google prioritizes secure websites. Having an active Shopify SSL improves your SEO. So, if your site is stuck on Shopify SSL pending, it’s worth resolving quickly.

Therefore, double-check your Shopify domain and DNS to ensure everything’s configured correctly.

4. Prevents “Not Secure” Warnings

No one likes seeing a “Not Secure” warning on a website. If your store is displaying SSL pending on Shopify, it might still be in the verification stage.

This can happen with a newly connected custom domain. Once resolved, these warnings disappear, giving your site a professional look.

5. Ensures Compliance with Payment Standards

Payment gateways require secure connections. Your Shopify store needs an SSL certificate to accept payments safely.

If your Shopify SSL pending status isn’t resolving, you might need to contact Shopify support for help.

Does Shopify Provide Automatic SSL Feature?

Shopify provides automatic SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates for all stores on its platform, ensuring secure, encrypted connections between your store and its visitors.

This encryption safeguards sensitive information, such as customer data and payment details, enhancing trust and security.

Once you add a custom domain to your Shopify store, the SSL certificate setup happens automatically, usually within 48 hours. You won’t need to lift a finger.

For instance, if you’ve just purchased a domain like myawesomegear.com, Shopify will handle the SSL activation in the background.

Soon, your website will display “https” in the URL, which reassures your customers that their information is safe.

What Does SSL Pending Mean On Shopify FAQs

1. Why is my SSL still pending?

If your SSL is stuck in “pending,” it’s likely because your domain hasn’t fully propagated yet. This can happen if you’ve just updated your DNS settings or connected a new domain to your store.

DNS changes usually take up to 48 hours to go live. If it’s been longer, double-check that your domain’s

A record points to the correct IP address and there’s no conflicting AAAA record. You can also contact your domain provider to speed things up.

2. What does SSL stand for?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, which is a security protocol that encrypts data between a user’s browser and your website.

Basically, it’s what keeps your customers’ data safe and helps them trust your store. You’ll recognize SSL when you see a little padlock next to a URL in the browser.

3. Why is my SSL certificate taking so long?

SSL certificates can take time due to domain propagation or misconfigured DNS records.

If you’ve recently connected a new domain or changed DNS settings, you’ll need to wait for these changes to propagate, which usually takes 24-48 hours.

4. What does SSL unavailable mean on Shopify?

When Shopify shows “SSL Unavailable,” it means your store isn’t secure yet. This could happen if your domain is still propagating or if your DNS settings are incorrect.

Double-check that your A record points to Shopify’s IP address and that you don’t have any conflicting records. Once everything’s set, Shopify will automatically issue an SSL.

5. What is the maximum time for SSL?

SSL certificates usually activate within 24-48 hours, but in rare cases, it could take up to a week if there are DNS issues.

If it’s taking longer, you’ll want to review your DNS settings and ensure everything’s configured properly. No luck? Reach out to your domain provider or Shopify support for help.

6. Why are my Shopify payments still pending?

If your Shopify payments are pending, it could be due to your payment processor needing more time to verify the transaction or an issue with your account setup.

So, double-check that your payment gateway is correctly configured and that there are no holds on your account.

7. How long does an SSL last?

An SSL certificate typically lasts 1 year, but Shopify automatically renews it for you. So, as long as your domain stays connected to Shopify, you don’t need to worry about manually renewing your SSL.

8. Why is my domain not connecting to Shopify?

This usually happens when your DNS settings aren’t correct.

Hence, make sure your A record points to Shopify’s IP address, and if you’re using a third-party domain, your CNAME record should point to shops.myshopify.com.

If everything looks good and it’s still not working, try waiting a bit longer for DNS propagation.

9. How to fix the SSL pending in Shopify?

To fix SSL pending, start by double-checking your DNS settings. Your A record should point to Shopify’s IP, and your CNAME should direct to shops.myshopify.com.

If you’ve made recent changes, wait up to 48 hours for propagation. Still stuck? Contact Shopify support for assistance.

10. How long does it take to get SSL?

It usually takes 24-48 hours for SSL to be issued once your domain is properly connected. If it’s been longer, it’s worth reviewing your DNS settings to ensure everything is in order.

Sometimes, contacting Shopify support can help speed things up.

Conclusion

To wrap it up what does SSL pending mean on Shopify – seeing SSL pending on Shopify can feel frustrating, but it’s really just part of setting up a secure store. SSL certificates are non-negotiable—they protect your customers’ sensitive info and show them your store is legit.

If you run into this issue, don’t stress. Start by double-checking your DNS settings, verify your domain, and give it a little time to sort itself out.

Here’s my take: security isn’t something to cut corners on. Make sure you’re working with a solid domain provider and keep your Shopify setup smooth.

So, taking these steps early will save you headaches and help your store stand out as safe and professional. Trust me, it’s worth it!