How to Add NS Records in Squarespace Effectively

Adding NS Records in Squarespace

TL;DR:

• NS records help you point subdomains to other servers
• You must disable DNSSEC before adding NS records
• Changes take 24-48 hours to propagate across the internet
• Squarespace supports NS record management in their DNS settings
• You can revert to default Squarespace nameservers if needed

Preparing Your Domain

Before you add NS records to point your subdomains to other servers, you need to disable DNSSEC. This security feature prevents DNS spoofing but blocks NS record changes.

Disabling DNSSEC

1. Go to your domains dashboard in Squarespace
2. Select your domain and click "DNS" then "DNSSEC"
3. Turn off the DNS Security Extensions toggle and confirm when prompted
4. If you don't see the toggle, remove any DS records listed under DNSSEC settings instead

Adding NS Records

Once DNSSEC is disabled, you can add your NS records.

1. Get the NS record information from your new hosting provider
2. In your domains dashboard, select your domain and go to "DNS Settings"
3. Scroll to "Custom Records" and click "Add record"
4. Choose 'NS' in the Type dropdown
5. In the Host field, enter the subdomain (like 'mail' for mail.yourdomain.com)
6. Enter the NS details in the Data field
7. Save the changes

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Remember that updates can take up to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.

Reverting to Squarespace NS Settings

If you need to switch back to Squarespace's default nameservers:

Step 1: Disable DNSSEC Again

Follow the same process above to turn off DNSSEC settings.

Step 2: Reset Nameservers

1. Open your domain settings and go to "DNS" then "Domain Nameservers"
2. Click to use Squarespace's default nameservers
3. Any records in your DNS settings panel will now apply to your domain

Step 3: Re-enable DNSSEC

You can turn DNSSEC back on after adjusting your nameservers if needed.

FAQs

Can I add NS records if my domain is registered elsewhere but connected to Squarespace?
Yes, you can manage NS records through Squarespace's Nameserver Connect even if your domain is registered with another provider.

What if I don't see the DNSSEC toggle option?
If the toggle isn't visible, your domain might use third-party nameservers. Remove any DS records instead to deactivate DNSSEC.

What should I do if I get an error while adding NS records?
Check if your domain is currently transferring to another provider, as this locks DNS setting changes. Wait for the transfer to complete before making updates.

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Jargon Buster

• NS Records: Entries in your domain DNS settings that direct traffic for specific subdomains to designated servers
• DNSSEC: A security layer for domain names designed to protect against certain cyber attacks
• DS Records: Cryptographic keys that tell DNSSEC where to find accurate DNS information

Wrap-up

Adding NS records in Squarespace is straightforward when you follow the steps. Always disable DNSSEC first, update your NS records, and allow time for changes to take effect. If you run into issues, contact Squarespace support or your service provider for help.

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