Email Forwarding Is Not Allowed for This Domain in Shopify: Complete 2026 Guide to Fix the Problem
If you are trying to set up email forwarding in Shopify and you see the warning Email Forwarding is not allowed for this domain. Shopify dont worry this is one of the most common domain related issues merchants face. Whether your domain is hosted on Shopify or a third party provider this error usually comes down to how your DNS and MX records are configured.
This 2026 guide explains why the error happens how to fix it and the best email setup practices for Shopify stores to ensure your messages reach customers reliably and professionally.
What This Shopify Error Really Means
When Shopify shows the message Email forwarding is not allowed for this domain it means Shopify cannot enable forwarding because your domains DNS is not fully controlled by Shopify.
Email forwarding on Shopify only works when:
- Your domain is purchased directly from Shopify or
- Your domain has been fully transferred to Shopify giving Shopify control of DNS and MX records.
If the domain is only connected not transferred from GoDaddy Namecheap Bluehost Google Domains or any other registrar Shopify cannot apply the DNS changes required for forwarding.
Why Shopify Blocks Email Forwarding for Certain Domains
1. Third Party Registrars Restrict Shopifys Email Features
External domain providers often control essential DNS settings. Because Shopify email forwarding requires specific MX records Shopify cannot apply them unless it manages your DNS.
2. MX Records Are Not Pointing to Shopify
Forwarding requires Shopifys MX records. If your MX records still point to your registrar or another service Shopify forwarding will be disabled.
3. Registrar Level Security Policies
Many registrars in 2026 have tightened their security to prevent:
- Email spoofing
- Spam escalation
- Phishing attacks
- Unlimited auto forwarding
This sometimes triggers Shopifys restriction message.
4. Your Domain Isnt Verified Properly
Shopify disables email features if domain verification fails or if DNS propagation isnt complete.
Below are the updated and most reliable solutions for 2026.
Fix #1: If You Purchased the Domain Through Shopify
For Shopify managed domains email forwarding is fully supported.
Steps to Resolve
- Go to Shopify Admin → Settings → Domains
- Select your domain
- Click Manage DNS
- Make sure your MX records match the Shopify defaults:
MX 10 mail1.hostedemail.comMX 20 mail2.hostedemail.com
- Save the DNS settings
- Try enabling email forwarding again
Most Shopify owned domains resolve this issue immediately after correcting MX records.
Fix #2: If Your Domain Is From GoDaddy Namecheap Google Domains or Other Registrars
If your domain is connected but not transferred Shopify email forwarding will not work.
You have two options:
Option A — Transfer the Domain to Shopify
This gives Shopify full DNS authority.
Steps:
- Unlock your domain at your registrar
- Request the EPP/Auth code
- Go to Shopify → Domains → Transfer Domain
- Enter the Auth code and approve the transfer
Once the transfer completes email forwarding becomes available.
Option B — Use Your Registrars Email Forwarding Instead of Shopify
Most registrars offer built in email forwarding.
Examples:
- GoDaddy: Domain → Email → Forwarding
- Namecheap: Domain → Redirect Email
- Google Domains Workspace: Manage aliases and routing
This method bypasses Shopify and is often easier if you prefer to keep your domain where it is.
Fix #3: Use a Real Email Hosting Service Instead of Forwarding
Forwarding works for simple setups but full email hosting is always better for Shopify stores.
Recommended email providers for 2026:
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Zoho Mail
- Proton Mail Business
- Namecheap Private Email
These provide professional inboxes like info@yourstore.com with:
- Better deliverability
- Proper spam filtering
- Strong authentication SPF DKIM DMARC
- Fewer forwarding issues
Fix #4: Set Up Shopify Email Authentication Properly
Even without forwarding Shopify Email allows you to send emails from your domain.
You just need to add:
- SPF records
- DKIM records
Once authenticated you can send marketing and transactional messages from your domain even if your inbox is managed elsewhere.
Fix #5: Clean Up Your DNS Records
Conflicting or outdated DNS can break Shopify email forwarding.
Make sure you do NOT have:
- Multiple MX records from different providers
- Duplicate SPF records
- Old email hosting records Zoho Workspace Outlook still active
- TXT records that conflict with authentication
- CNAME conflicts
Cleaning DNS often resolves forwarding failures instantly.
When Email Forwarding Should NOT Be Used
Even when allowed Shopify and email providers increasingly recommend avoiding forwarding because:
- Forwarded emails often land in spam
- Forwarding breaks SPF/DKIM alignment
- Gmail rejects a large portion of forwarded messages
- High volume forwarding delays order notifications
For professional stores in 2026 forwarding should only be temporary—not your primary communication system.
Best Email Practices for Shopify Stores in 2026
1. Use a Dedicated Email Hosting Provider
Gives you higher trust and better deliverability.
2. Authenticate Your Domain SPF + DKIM + DMARC
This is required for 2024–2026 email compliance standards.
3. Use Shopify Email for Marketing
Shopify Email is automatically authenticated and optimized for store communication.
4. Use a Dedicated Inbox for Order Notifications
Do not rely on forwarding for important messages.
5. Keep DNS Clean and Consistent
Remove unused MX TXT or CNAME entries.
Frequently Asked Questions 2026
1. Why does Shopify say email forwarding is not allowed for this domain?
Because Shopify does not control your DNS or MX records—usually because your domain is from a third party registrar.
2. Does Shopify offer full email hosting?
No. Shopify offers email forwarding only not real inboxes.
3. Can I use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 with Shopify?
Yes. These are the preferred email solutions for Shopify merchants.
4. How do I get email forwarding to work with a third party domain?
You must either transfer the domain to Shopify or set up forwarding with your registrar instead.
5. Is email forwarding still recommended in 2026?
Forwarding is OK for simple setups but a dedicated email inbox is best for professional stores.
Conclusion
The Shopify error email forwarding is not allowed for this domain usually happens when Shopify doesnt control your domains DNS. The good news: its easy to fix through domain transfer adjusting MX records or using your registrars forwarding tools. For long term reliability and higher deliverability in 2026 professional email hosting like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 is the best solution. So if you have any question then contact us.