Connect Your Network Solutions Domain with Squarespace Steps

Connect Your Network Solutions Domain to Squarespace

TL;DR:

• Use Nameserver Connect or DNS Connect to link your Network Solutions domain to Squarespace
• Nameserver Connect is the recommended method for most users
• Choose DNS Connect if you need to keep existing email or custom DNS records
• Connection typically takes 24-48 hours to go live
• Both methods require updating settings in Network Solutions and confirming in Squarespace

You have two ways to connect your Network Solutions domain to Squarespace. The method you choose depends on whether you need to keep existing DNS records for things like email or other services.

Choosing Your Connection Method

Nameserver Connect (Recommended)

This is the simpler option and works best for most people:

1. In Squarespace, go to Settings > Domains and click "Use a domain I own"
2. Enter your domain name and click "Connect domain"
3. If your domain is already connected elsewhere, Squarespace will tell you to disconnect it first
4. Log into Network Solutions, go to Advanced Tools, then select Nameservers
5. Replace your current nameservers with:
   • connect1.squarespacedns.com
   • connect2.squarespacedns.com
6. Save the changes in Network Solutions
7. Return to Squarespace and confirm the connection

DNS Connect

Use this method if you have email hosting or other services that need to stay with your current DNS setup:

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1. Start the same way in Squarespace's domain panel
2. When prompted, choose "No, use DNS records"
3. Enter your domain and select Network Solutions as your provider
4. Squarespace will show you specific DNS records to add
5. In Network Solutions, update your DNS records with the CNAME and A records Squarespace provides
6. Confirm the changes and check the connection status in Squarespace

Quick tip: Screenshot your current DNS settings before making changes. This gives you a backup if something goes wrong.

Connection Timeline

After you complete either method, your domain connection needs 24-48 hours to become active. This happens because DNS changes need time to spread across the internet.

You can check the status in your Squarespace domain settings. The connection indicator will show when everything is working.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your domain isn't connecting properly:

• Double-check you followed each step correctly
• Use Squarespace's DNS checker tool to verify your settings
• Make sure you didn't miss any DNS records if you used DNS Connect
• Check that your nameservers match exactly if you used Nameserver Connect

Most connection issues come from typos in DNS records or nameserver settings. Review your entries carefully.

FAQs

What should I do if my domain isn't connecting?
Go through each step again to make sure everything matches what Squarespace requires. Small typos in DNS records or nameservers cause most connection problems.

Can I make the domain connection happen faster?
No, the 24-48 hour timeframe is standard for DNS propagation. This process can't be sped up because it depends on DNS servers worldwide updating their records.

Why am I seeing errors after connecting my domain?
Initial errors are normal during the first 48 hours due to DNS propagation. If problems continue after two days, check your settings again.

Will connecting my domain affect my email?
If you use Nameserver Connect, yes – you'll need to set up email through Squarespace or another provider. DNS Connect preserves your existing email setup.

Jargon Buster

Nameservers: Servers that tell browsers where to find your website when someone types in your domain name.

DNS Connect: A connection method that lets you keep your existing DNS settings while pointing your domain to Squarespace.

DNS Propagation: The time it takes for DNS changes to update across all internet servers worldwide.

CNAME Record: A DNS record type that points your domain to another domain name.

A Record: A DNS record that points your domain directly to an IP address.

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Wrap-up

Connecting your Network Solutions domain to Squarespace gives your site a professional edge. The process takes a couple of days to complete, but you can track progress in your Squarespace settings. If you run into issues after 48 hours, go back through the setup steps to catch any mistakes.

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