Managing .pw Domains on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- .pw domains can't be locked, making them vulnerable to unauthorized transfers
- Auto-renew must stay on – if you turn it off within 14 days of expiration, you can't reactivate it
- No Whois privacy protection available for .pw domains
- These domains aren't eligible for free domain offers
- Registration extensions aren't refundable and there's no cancellation grace period
- Transfer process varies depending on your registrar (Tucows or Key-Systems)
Understanding .pw Domain Restrictions
.pw domains come with specific limitations that make them different from most other domain types on Squarespace. These restrictions affect how you manage renewals, transfers, and privacy settings.
The biggest concern is security. Since .pw domains can't be locked, anyone with access to your domain registrar account could potentially transfer your domain away without additional verification steps.
Domain Locking and Auto-Renewal Rules
Your .pw domain cannot be locked for security, which means you need to be extra careful about account access. Keep your Squarespace login credentials secure and enable two-factor authentication.
Auto-renewal works differently too. Once you turn off auto-renewal and your domain gets within 14 days of expiring, Squarespace won't let you turn it back on. This is a hard limit – there's no workaround.
Keep auto-renewal enabled unless you're absolutely certain you want to let the domain expire.
What Happens When Your .pw Domain Expires
The renewal process depends on which registrar Squarespace uses for your domain:
Tucows-registered domains: You can't renew through Squarespace after expiration. You'll need to contact Tucows directly to sort out reactivation.
Key-Systems-registered domains: You get a 30-day grace period where you can use the Renew button in your Squarespace dashboard. After 30 days, contact Squarespace support to see if reactivation is still possible.
You can check which registrar handles your domain in your Squarespace domain settings.
Transferring .pw Domains to Squarespace
When you transfer a .pw domain to Squarespace, you'll need to pay for a one-year extension. The good news is that this year gets added to whatever time you have left on your current registration.
For example, if your domain expires in 8 months and you transfer it, you'll end up with 20 months total after the transfer completes.
Make sure you have the authorization code from your current registrar before starting the transfer process.
Registration Limitations
.pw domains don't qualify for Squarespace's free domain promotions. You'll need to pay the full registration fee regardless of any offers running for other domain types.
There's also no cancellation grace period. Once you complete the registration, you can't get a refund even if you change your mind immediately.
Double-check your spelling before hitting the purchase button. A typo in your domain name will cost you another registration fee to fix.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Whois privacy protection isn't available for .pw domains. This means your contact information will be visible in the public Whois database.
If privacy is important for your project, consider using a different domain extension that supports privacy protection.
Since domain locking isn't available, monitor your domain's status regularly. Set up account notifications so you'll know about any unauthorized changes.
FAQs
Can I get Whois privacy for my .pw domain?
No, .pw domains don't support Whois privacy protection on Squarespace. Your registration details will be public.
What if I accidentally turn off auto-renewal?
If your domain is more than 14 days from expiring, you can turn auto-renewal back on. If it's within 14 days, you'll need to manually renew before expiration.
Can I transfer my .pw domain away from Squarespace?
Yes, but since the domain can't be locked, the transfer process may be less secure than with other domain types. Make sure you initiate any transfers yourself.
Why can't I use my free domain credit for a .pw domain?
.pw domains are excluded from Squarespace's free domain offers due to their special registration requirements.
Jargon Buster
Domain Locking: A security feature that prevents unauthorized transfers to other registrars
Auto-renew: Automatic payment that keeps your domain active when it reaches its expiration date
Whois Privacy: Service that hides your personal contact information from public domain databases
Authorization Code: A security code needed to transfer a domain between registrars
Grace Period: Extra time after domain expiration where you can still renew without losing the domain
Wrap-up
Managing .pw domains requires more attention than typical domains due to their security and renewal restrictions. The lack of domain locking means you need to be extra vigilant about account security. Keep auto-renewal enabled unless you're certain you want the domain to expire, and remember that privacy protection isn't available.
If you're just starting a new project and privacy or security are concerns, consider whether a .pw domain is the right choice for your needs.
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