What is Shopify and how it relates to your domain

Introduction

Shopify is an ecommerce platform that lets you create an online store without installing software on your own hosting. Unlike PrestaShop, OpenCart or Magento, it works as a hosted service: the store is managed inside Shopify and the main infrastructure is handled by that platform.

That does not mean the domain, DNS or email stop being important. If you use your own domain, it still has to be connected correctly so the store works under your brand.

What Shopify is

Shopify is a SaaS solution, which means software as a service. You pay for a plan and access a platform where you can create products, configure payments, choose a design, manage orders and handle customers.

You do not need to install files on traditional hosting or maintain PHP, a database or a web server. Shopify handles that technical layer.

Main features

• Hosted store on Shopify infrastructure.
• Administration panel for products, orders, customers, payments and shipping.
• Themes and apps for customization and extra features.
• Integrated payment methods depending on country and configuration.
• Custom domain so the store can use your own brand.

What role miHosting plays if you use Shopify

If your domain is registered or managed with miHosting, you may need to configure DNS records to connect the domain to Shopify. You can also keep using your domain email services independently, as long as the DNS records are set correctly.

It is important to understand that the store content is hosted on Shopify, while the domain itself may still be registered with another provider and pointed through DNS.

Useful tips

• Before changing DNS, check whether you use a website, email, subdomains or special TXT records.
• If you want to keep email on miHosting, do not remove MX, SPF, DKIM or DMARC records without reviewing them.
• If the store does not open right after the change, remember that DNS propagation can take time.

Frequently asked questions

Does Shopify need web hosting

It does not need traditional hosting for the store because Shopify hosts the platform itself. It does still need a domain if you want a custom web address.

Can I use my domain email with Shopify

Yes, as long as the email DNS records are configured correctly in the domain DNS zone.

Can I install Shopify in cPanel or DirectAdmin

No. Shopify is not installed on traditional hosting. It is connected through the domain and DNS.

Conclusion

Shopify is a hosted ecommerce platform that simplifies the creation of online stores. If you use your own domain with miHosting, the key part is configuring DNS and email correctly so the store works without affecting other domain services.