SSL pending Shopify – What Does it Mean & How to Fix it?

So, you're all geared up to launch your online store on Shopify, ready to serve customers far and wide. But hold on a second – what's that "SSL pending" message you're seeing?

Don't worry; you're not alone in this puzzle. In this guide, we'll walk you through what "SSL pending" means in plain language and why it's something you should pay attention to.

Plus, we'll give you the lowdown on how to resolve it, so you can get back to business with a secure and trustworthy website.

Let's dive in and unravel the mystery of SSL pending on Shopify.

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What does SSL pending mean on Shopify?

When you see "SSL pending" on Shopify, it means that your website's SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is in the process of being provisioned and installed, but it has not yet been fully activated and validated. SSL is essential for encrypting the data transferred between your website and your visitors, ensuring a secure connection and protecting sensitive information such as credit card details, login credentials, and personal information.

Here's what "SSL pending" typically means on Shopify:

1. Certificate Issuance: Shopify is in the process of obtaining an SSL certificate for your domain. This certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and is used to encrypt data between your website and your visitors' browsers.
2. Verification: Shopify may need to verify your domain ownership to ensure that you have the right to use the SSL certificate for your website. This verification process can involve adding specific DNS records or modifying DNS settings with your domain registrar.
3. Installation: Once the SSL certificate is issued and domain ownership is verified, Shopify will install the certificate on its servers, enabling the secure HTTPS connection for your website.
4. Propagation: After installation, it may take some time for DNS changes to propagate across the internet. This process can range from a few minutes to up to 48 hours. During this time, you might see "SSL pending" as Shopify waits for the DNS changes to take effect.
5. Activation: Once DNS changes have propagated and the SSL certificate is successfully installed, your Shopify store will transition from "SSL pending" to "SSL enabled" or "SSL secured." At this point, your website will be accessible via HTTPS, and visitors will see the secure padlock icon in their browser's address bar.

It's important to note that the exact process and timing can vary depending on various factors, including your domain registrar, DNS settings, and the specific SSL certificate issuance process. If you see "SSL pending" for an extended period or encounter issues, it's advisable to follow the steps mentioned in the previous response and consider reaching out to Shopify's support for assistance in resolving the SSL pending status.

Explain SSL Pending Like I'm a Five Year Old

Ok so to non-technical folks, SLL pending can be quite confusing. So here' a simpler explination for what's going on:

Imagine your Shopify website is like a magical book, and when people read it, they can also write messages in it. Some of these messages might be secret and important, like special drawings or treasure maps.

Now, you want to make sure that when people read and write in your magical book, it's safe and nobody else can see those secret messages. That's where SSL comes in. It's like a special spell that makes everything in your magical book invisible to anyone who shouldn't see it.

When you see "SSL pending" on your website, it means that the special spell is being set up, but it's not quite ready yet. It's like a wizard is working on it. They need to make sure your book is really yours and then put the spell on it. This can take a little bit of time, like waiting for a cake to bake in the oven.

Once the spell is ready, your website will be super safe, and people can read and write in your magical book without worrying about anyone else peeking at their secret messages. So, "SSL pending" is just a sign that your website is getting ready to be super safe and magical!

How to Fix SSL Pending on Shopify

If your SSL certificate is pending on Shopify, it means that the secure connection between your online store and your customers' browsers is not fully established. This is a crucial aspect of running an e-commerce website, as it ensures that sensitive information like credit card details is transmitted securely. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

1. Check the SSL Status in Shopify

1. Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Domains.
3. Here, you should see your domain name, and under "SSL status," it should say "SSL pending" or something similar.

2. Verify Domain Ownership:

Ensure that you've properly verified ownership of your domain. Shopify provides instructions on how to do this, which typically involves adding DNS records or modifying DNS settings with your domain registrar.

3. Wait for DNS Propagation:

It can take some time for DNS changes to propagate across the internet. This can range from a few minutes to 48 hours. Be patient and wait for the changes to take effect.

4. Check DNS & A Name Record Settings:

Double-check that your DNS settings in your domain registrar's control panel are configured correctly. Ensure that your domain points to the correct Shopify server.

If this doesn't fix it, check your A Name Records:

• If everything else looks right in your DNS settings but SSL is still pending, it might be your A records.
• Set your A record address to 23.227.38.65, pointing to Shopify.
• Contact your domain host for assistance if needed.

Then fix your CName Records:

• Update your CNAME record to point to shops.myshopify.com.
• Always use CNAME records for domain references, not IP addresses.

5. Contact Shopify Support:

If you've followed all the steps above and the SSL certificate is still pending after 48 hours, it's a good idea to contact Shopify's support team. They can provide specific guidance and might be able to expedite the process.

6. Check Your SSL Certificate Details:

If you've purchased a third-party SSL certificate, make sure that you've correctly installed it on your Shopify store. This might involve copying and pasting the certificate details into Shopify's settings.

7. Check for Mixed Content Issues:

Sometimes, the SSL certificate can't be issued if there are mixed content issues on your website. Mixed content refers to a situation where your site is loading both secure (HTTPS) and non-secure (HTTP) elements. Check for any links to non-secure resources (e.g., images, scripts) in your website's code and make sure they are updated to use HTTPS.

8. Clear Your Browser Cache:

After making changes, clear your browser cache and try accessing your website again to see if the SSL issue is resolved.

9. Regularly Monitor SSL Status:

Keep an eye on your SSL status in Shopify to ensure that it eventually changes to "SSL enabled" or "SSL secured" once the certificate is issued.

10. Consider Shopify's Automatic SSL:

If you're using Shopify's built-in domain and hosting, Shopify provides automatic SSL certificates. Consider using this feature to simplify the SSL setup process.

Remember that SSL certificate issuance times can vary, so patience is key. If you've followed these steps and are still encountering issues, Shopify's support should be your go-to resource for assistance, as they can access specific information about your account and domain configuration.

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Shopify SSL Pending FAQ

How long does SSL pending take on Shopify?

The duration of SSL pending on Shopify can vary. It typically takes a few minutes to a couple of days for the SSL certificate to be issued and fully activated. Patience is key during this process.

Why is my SSL pending on Shopify?

SSL can be pending on Shopify due to various reasons. The most common one is that the SSL certificate is being issued and verified, which can take some time. Ensure your domain ownership is verified and your DNS settings are correctly configured.

How do I fix SSL unavailable on Shopify?

To resolve SSL unavailable on Shopify, make sure your domain ownership is verified, DNS settings are correctly configured, and there are no mixed content issues on your website (e.g., non-secure links). Contact Shopify support if issues persist.

What does it mean when SSL is pending?

When SSL is pending, it means that the SSL certificate for your website is in the process of being issued, verified, and installed. It's a crucial step in securing your website's connection and protecting sensitive data.