Fix "Domain Not Connected" Error

The Problem

Your hosting platform or website builder shows a "Domain Not Connected" (or similar) error, meaning the DNS records needed to link your domain to that platform aren't set up correctly yet, or have drifted out of sync.

About this problem

This error is common on platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, Webflow and similar hosted site builders, which require specific A, CNAME or verification records pointing at their infrastructure. It almost always means either the records were never added, were added to the wrong hostname, or point at an outdated target after the platform changed its required configuration.

It's especially common right after buying a domain from one registrar and trying to connect it to a website built on a completely separate platform, since the two systems don't talk to each other automatically.

What's Included

• Checking exactly what DNS configuration your specific platform requires
• Comparing that against what's currently published in your DNS
• Correcting or adding the missing/wrong records
• Verifying the platform recognises the domain as connected

What's NOT Included

• Website builder/platform subscription issues unrelated to DNS
• Domain registrar account access problems
• Design or content work on the connected website itself

How It Works

1. Identify the exact DNS records your specific hosting platform currently requires (these change over time, so documentation needs checking fresh, not assumed from memory).
2. Audit your domain's current DNS records against that requirement.
3. Add or correct the specific A, CNAME or TXT records needed.
4. Wait for propagation and re-check the platform's own domain status page.
5. Confirm the site actually loads correctly on the custom domain, not just that the platform shows "connected".

In practice: you buy the service, send over whatever access or details the job needs, I investigate and do the work, and you confirm it's resolved before we call it done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my website builder say my domain isn't connected?

It means the specific DNS records that platform requires (usually an A record, CNAME, or both) aren't currently set correctly at your DNS provider.

Do I need to change my domain's nameservers to connect it?

Sometimes, depending on the platform — some want you to change nameservers to their own DNS, others just want specific records added while keeping your existing DNS provider. The requirement varies by platform.

How long after fixing DNS will my domain show as connected?

Often within minutes once records are correct and propagated, though some platforms only re-check periodically, so there can be a short delay even after DNS is technically correct.

Can I keep my email working while connecting my domain to a website platform?

Yes, as long as MX records aren't touched by the website platform's requirements — this is checked specifically so your email isn't accidentally broken while fixing the website connection.

Why did my domain show as connected and then disconnect again?

This usually means a DNS record was changed or removed after the initial connection, or there's a conflicting record that intermittently takes priority.

Can I use a subdomain instead of my main domain with a website builder?

Yes, most platforms support connecting either the root domain or a subdomain, each requiring a correspondingly correct DNS record.