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Security has always been one of the most important aspects of launching an ecommerce store. It is the first step to building your brand as a trusted store while enabling secure transactions and complying with web standards. 

SSL or Secure Sockets Layer allows you to encrypt the data between the site and the customers, safeguarding important data such as credit card information and login credentials. 

When SSL isn’t fully activated, your store may display a “pending” status, leaving visitors unprotected and potentially deterring sales. 84% of users say they would abandon a purchase if they realized the connection wasn’t secure (Blue Corona).

This blog is taking a deeper look into what Shopify SSL Pending means, its causes, and how to address the issue. 

What is an SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that secures and encrypts the connection between a web server and a browser. It protects sensitive data like credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal information.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• Encryption: SSL encrypts the data transferred between a user’s browser and the server to make it unreadable to anyone who might get it.
• Authentication: It helps verify that the website you’re connecting to is authentic and not a fraudulent or “man-in-the-middle” website.
• Data Integrity: SSL ensures that the data sent and received is not altered during the transfer.
• Trust Indicators: The browser address bar displays a padlock icon and “HTTPS,” signaling a secure connection.
• SEO Boost: Google prioritizes SSL-secured websites in search rankings, giving them an SEO advantage.
• Compliance: Helps meet PCI DSS requirements for secure online payments and data protection.

What are the different types of SSL Certificates

Various types of SSL certificates include:

1. Domain Validated (DV):

• Provides basic encryption.
• Quick and easy to obtain, only domain ownership is verified.
• Ideal for personal websites, blogs, or small projects.

2. Organization Validated (OV):

• Offers stronger security by validating both domain ownership and business identity.
• Suitable for business or company websites.

3. Extended Validation (EV):

• Provides the highest level of trust and validation.
• Requires a thorough vetting process and displays the organization name in the browser address bar.
• Recommended for banks, financial institutions, and large eCommerce sites.

4. Wildcard SSL:

• Secures a main domain and all its subdomains (e.g., example.com, shop.example.com).
• Saves cost and simplifies management for sites with many subdomains.

Advantages of SSL Certification on your Shopify Store

Owning an SSL certificate for your Shopify domain comes with several key advantages, both for security and business success. Here are the most important benefits:

1. More secure infrastructure

• Data Encryption: SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted between your website and users, including sensitive information like credit card details, login credentials, and personal data. This ensures that the data is unreadable to anyone who might get their hands on it. 
• Protection from Cyberattacks: SSL helps protect against attacks like man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring your store and customers’ data remain secure.

2. Improved SEO Rankings: Google prioritizes secure (HTTPS) websites in search rankings. Having an SSL certificate can improve your visibility and ranking in search engines, which leads to more organic traffic. A secure connection improves overall user trust, which can lead to more clicks and longer visits, ultimately benefiting SEO.
3. Trust and Credibility: When your site is secured with SSL, browsers display a padlock symbol in the address bar. This visual cue reassures visitors that your website is safe to use, boosting their confidence in completing transactions. The presence of HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) in your website URL indicates to users that they’re visiting a legitimate and secure site.
4. Secure Transactions: SSL certificates are essential for processing payments securely on your Shopify store. Without SSL, payment gateways may not work, and customers will hesitate to make purchases. SSL ensures that credit card and billing information shared during checkout remains private and secure.
5. Prevents Browser Warnings: Websites without SSL certificates are marked as “Not Secure” by browsers like Chrome and Firefox. This can scare away visitors and cause them to leave your site. SSL prevents these warnings from appearing, ensuring a smooth user experience.
6. Boosts Customer Confidence: When customers see that your website is secure, they’re more likely to trust your brand, especially when making sensitive transactions. Secure websites typically lead to higher conversion rates, as users feel more confident providing their payment details.
7. Better Website Integrity: SSL ensures that visitors are accessing the real website they intended to visit, rather than a fake site set up to steal information (phishing). SSL helps ensure that the content on your website hasn’t been tampered with during transmission.
8. Complies with Modern Web Standards:  Having an SSL certificate on your Shopify store aligns with current security standards and regulations, making your store compliant with the latest web security practices. Some modern browsers, like Google Chrome, will block access to websites without SSL, making it vital for the functionality of your store.

What Does Shopify SSL Pending Mean

“SSL pending” on Shopify means that your website’s SSL certificate has been issued but has not yet been fully set up or activated.

Setting up an SSL certificate on Shopify involves multiple steps, such as obtaining the certificate, verifying domain ownership, installing the certificate, and allowing time for the changes to reflect across the internet. Once completed, your site will display as “SSL enabled” or “SSL secured,” indicating that it’s safe for visitors to browse.

When you launch a Shopify store, Shopify provides an SSL certificate automatically. However, it may take some time for it to be fully configured. If you see a “pending” status, it means your store is not yet secure and may be vulnerable to threats.

Why Your Shopify SSL Certificate May Still Be Pending

The most common reason is time. SSL activation can take several hours or even longer, depending on domain settings and DNS propagation. However, in some cases, the process may be blocked by misconfigurations or external factors.

It can be stressful for store owners, especially when their site appears unsecured. While the SSL process can’t be rushed, understanding and addressing the underlying causes can help speed up resolution.

Here are some common reasons for SSL pending status:

1. Domain Verification Issues: Shopify cannot issue an SSL certificate if your domain isn’t properly pointed to its servers.
   This typically involves incorrect A record or CNAME settings in your DNS configuration.
2. DNS Propagation Delays: After updating domain settings, DNS changes need time to propagate. While this usually takes a few hours, it can take up to 48 hours, or more in rare cases.
3. Third-Party Domain Configuration Conflicts: Some domain providers may have restrictions that interfere with Shopify’s SSL issuance. If your domain was previously hosted elsewhere, leftover configurations may cause issues.
4. Conflicting SSL Certificates: If your domain already has an SSL certificate from another provider, Shopify may encounter difficulties replacing it.
5. Cloudflare or Proxy Server Interference: Misconfigured proxy settings, such as Cloudflare’s “Full” or “Flexible” SSL options, can block Shopify’s SSL installation.

How To Enable SSL On Shopify

Shopify provides free SSL certificates for all domains connected to your store. SSL is enabled automatically, but you must ensure your domain is properly set up to avoid issues. Here is how you can achieve this:

1. Buy or Connect a Custom Domain

• Go to Settings > Domains in your Shopify admin.
• Either buy a domain through Shopify or connect a third-party domain by updating DNS settings.

2. Ensure Correct DNS Settings

• Set your A record to Shopify’s IP address: 23.227.38.65.
• Set your CNAME record for www to: shops.myshopify.com.
• These settings must be correct for SSL to work.

3. Wait for DNS Propagation

• Changes can take a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate.
• During this time, your SSL status may show as “Pending.”

4. Check Your SSL Status

• In the Domains section, you’ll see whether SSL is active, pending, or failed.
• Once active, your site will automatically redirect from HTTP to HTTPS.

5. Use Secure Content Only

• Avoid embedding scripts or links from non-secure (HTTP) sources.
• Remove or update any apps or content that may block HTTPS.

6. Shopify will automatically issue and renew your SSL certificate.

• No manual installation is needed.

Once enabled, your store’s URL will start with https://, and visitors will see a padlock icon, indicating a secure, encrypted connection.

How Long Does SSL Pending Take in Shopify

The SSL pending status on Shopify typically resolves within a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to 48 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the factors affecting this time:

1. DNS Propagation: When you update domain settings (such as connecting a custom domain), it can take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate globally.
2. Domain Configuration: Incorrect DNS settings (like misconfigured A records or CNAME records) can delay SSL activation.
3. Shopify Processing Time: While Shopify issues SSL certificates automatically, the process may take a little longer depending on the domain provider and the time needed to verify domain ownership.

What You Can Do:

• Wait: If it’s still pending after a few hours, give it more time (up to 48 hours).
• Check DNS settings: Ensure your domain is correctly configured with Shopify’s required records.
• Remove conflicts: Make sure there are no issues with external services (like Cloudflare or third-party SSLs) interfering with Shopify’s SSL.

Preventing SSL Issues in the Future

To prevent SSL issues from occurring in the future on your Shopify store, you can follow these best practices:

1. Ensure Correct Domain Configuration: Double-check your DNS settings.
   • A Record should point to Shopify’s IP address: 23.227.38.65.
   • CNAME record (www) should point to: shops.myshopify.com.
     If using a third-party domain, ensure you properly configure the DNS records.
2. Avoid Multiple SSL Providers: Only use Shopify’s built-in SSL. Do not install SSL from third-party providers as Shopify cannot use or replace them.
3. Use Secure Content
   • Ensure all resources (like images, scripts, and links) are loaded over HTTPS.
   • Insecure content (HTTP) on an HTTPS page can cause SSL errors.
   • Regularly check for mixed content issues using tools like Google Chrome’s developer tools.
4. Monitor Expiration and Renewals
   • Shopify SSL certificates are automatically renewed, but it’s good practice to monitor and check that the SSL status is “enabled” in your Shopify admin.
   • For custom domains, make sure your domain registration and renewal are up to date to avoid expiration.
5. Avoid Using Proxy Services or CDNs with Conflicting SSL
   • Services like Cloudflare can interfere with Shopify’s SSL if configured incorrectly.
   • If using Cloudflare, set your SSL to “Full” mode, not “Flexible,” to avoid conflicts.
6. Clear Browser Cache
   • After setting up or updating SSL, clear your browser cache to ensure the latest SSL certificate is applied correctly.
7. Regularly Test Your Store’s SSL Configuration
   • Use online SSL checker tools (e.g., SSL Labs’ SSL Test) to monitor your store’s SSL security and check for potential vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.
8. Work with Shopify Experts for Complex Issues

If you experience frequent SSL issues or need assistance with complex setups (like integrating third-party services), hire a Shopify expert to help troubleshoot and configure your store securely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopify SSL Pending

1. Does Shopify Provide Free SSL Certificates?

Yes, Shopify provides free SSL certificates for all stores, including those using custom domains. Here is How Shopify’s Free SSL Works:

• Automatic SSL Issuance: When you set up a domain with Shopify (whether you purchase it through Shopify or connect a third-party domain), Shopify automatically provides an SSL certificate for that domain.
• Encryption for All Pages: The SSL certificate encrypts data between your store and customers, ensuring that all information, such as credit card details and personal data, is transmitted securely.
• Automatic Renewal: Shopify automatically renews SSL certificates for you, ensuring your site remains secure without manual intervention.

2. Can you launch a Shopify site without an SSL Certificate
   Yes, you can launch a Shopify site without an SSL certificate, but it’s not recommended and comes with serious limitations.
3. What Happens Without SSL on Shopify?

• Shopify Automatically Provides SSL
  • Shopify issues free SSL certificates for all domains by default.
  • So while you can publish a store, SSL will usually activate automatically unless there’s a configuration issue.
• Without SSL, Your Site Will Use HTTP (Not HTTPS)
  • Browsers will mark your site as “Not Secure”, warning visitors against entering sensitive data.
  • This creates a poor user experience and scares off potential customers.
• Security Risks
  • Data transmitted between your site and users (like passwords or payment info) won’t be encrypted.
  • This makes your site vulnerable to attacks.
• SEO Penalties
  • Google prioritizes secure (HTTPS) sites in search rankings.
  • An HTTP site may be penalized in search visibility.
• Payment Gateways May Not Work
  • Most payment processors require SSL for secure transactions.
  • Without it, you may be unable to process payments.

While you can technically launch your Shopify store before SSL is fully set up, it’s strongly advised to wait until SSL is enabled to ensure security, trust, SEO performance, and full functionality.

4. Can you use third-party SSL on Shopify?

No, you cannot use third-party SSL certificates on Shopify.

Conclusion

The “SSL Pending” status is usually a temporary waiting period while Shopify secures your domain. Patience, verifying correct DNS configuration, and contacting support after 48 hours if needed are the key steps to resolving it and ensuring your store operates securely over HTTPS. 

While this guide offers a basic understanding of the topic, having an expert by your side is always recommended. If you are looking for Shopify development services, reach out to us.