Guide8 min readUpdated 7 Sept 2026

Shopify-managed domains: add a Pages CNAME or plan a transfer

Use Shopify DNS for a separate Pages subdomain and avoid disrupting the store's primary records.

A Shopify-managed domain normally has default A, AAAA and CNAME records that keep the online store connected. This guide only supports adding a separate Pages subdomain that does not replace the store hostname.

Do not reset Shopify DNS, remove the store’s default records or replace the primary www hostname unless AlphaBlue has documented a complete store migration.

Provider instructions last verified: 7 September 2026, against Shopify Help Center and Cloudflare’s registrar guidance.

Supported paths

AlphaBlue path Support
AlphaBlue-managed Cloudflare DNS Not treated as a normal self-service nameserver path; contact AlphaBlue for a transfer plan
Keep Shopify DNS and add a separate Pages subdomain CNAME Supported when the hostname is not used by the store

Cloudflare documents Shopify among platforms that may not permit the nameserver change required to activate Cloudflare DNS before a direct Registrar transfer. If Workers or a Pages root domain is required, AlphaBlue must review a registrar-transfer plan. Do not start the transfer from this article.

Path B: keep Shopify DNS and add a separate Pages CNAME

Choose a hostname that is not the store’s primary domain, such as info.example.com or another name confirmed by AlphaBlue.

  1. Wait for AlphaBlue to register that exact hostname in Cloudflare Pages and send the record card.
  2. In Shopify admin, open Settings → Domains.
  3. Select the Shopify-managed domain.
  4. In DNS settings, select Manage.
  5. Review the existing A, AAAA and CNAME records.
  6. If the supplied hostname already exists or belongs to the store, stop and send a screenshot.
  7. Select Add custom record.
  8. Choose CNAME.
  9. Enter the exact name and <project>.pages.dev target from the AlphaBlue card.
  10. Select Confirm.
  11. Capture the saved record and send it to AlphaBlue.

Shopify notes that CNAME names must be unique. It may also normalize domain-like input. If the saved name or target differs from the AlphaBlue card, do not add a second record; stop and contact AlphaBlue.

Never use these actions for this task

  • Reset on the store’s A, AAAA or CNAME;
  • Reset DNS settings;
  • removing the store’s primary A or CNAME;
  • parking the domain;
  • transferring the domain without a written plan.

Shopify warns that resetting all DNS deletes custom records and restores store defaults. That could remove email or subdomain settings.

Stop and contact AlphaBlue if

  • AlphaBlue requested www but Shopify uses it for the store;
  • the project requires the root domain or Workers;
  • Shopify changes the CNAME name or target;
  • a transfer or 60-day lock is mentioned;
  • the store, email or checkout becomes unavailable.

Official sources