Linking Your WordPress Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- You can connect a WordPress-purchased domain to a Squarespace site using DNS settings
- Start the connection process from the Squarespace Domains panel
- Add specific DNS records in your WordPress account to complete the connection
- The entire setup may take up to 48 hours to activate fully
Linking a domain you bought through WordPress to your Squarespace site involves updating DNS records. Here's how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Start the Connection in Squarespace
Head to your Squarespace admin and follow these steps:
- Go to the Domains panel in Squarespace
- Select "Use a domain I own"
- Enter your domain name and click the arrow to connect
- From the drop-down menu, choose WordPress and click "Connect domain"
- Continue through the prompts until you see a panel showing the DNS records you need to set up
If your domain is already connected to another Squarespace site, disconnect it first to avoid conflicts.
Step 2: Update DNS Records in WordPress
Now you need to add the DNS records in your WordPress account:
- Log into your WordPress account
- Go to "My Site" > "Upgrades" > "Domains"
- Select your domain and click "Change your name servers & DNS records"
- Click "DNS records"
- Add the DNS settings provided by Squarespace
Don't remove any existing MX records or you might break your email service.
Step 3: Adding the Specific DNS Records
You'll need to add these records exactly as shown in Squarespace:
First CNAME Record: Find the unique code in Squarespace's DNS Settings and create a CNAME record pointing to verify.squarespace.com.
Second CNAME Record: Add a CNAME for www that points to ext-cust.squarespace.com.
A Records: Create four A records pointing to the specific IP addresses shown in Squarespace's DNS Settings. These are crucial for linking your domain to your Squarespace site.
Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation
DNS changes take time to spread across the internet:
- Allow 24 to 48 hours for changes to take effect
- Check the status in Squarespace's DNS Settings by refreshing the records
- Once everything is set up correctly, your domain will show as connected in the Domains panel
FAQs
Why is it better to transfer my domain to Squarespace?
Transferring your domain to Squarespace makes management and renewal easier. It also eliminates potential conflicts that can happen when your domain is registered elsewhere.
What if my domain isn't working after two days?
Use the DNS checker tool in Squarespace to verify your DNS records are set up correctly. If you're still having issues, contact Squarespace support.
Can I link multiple WordPress domains to my Squarespace site?
Yes, you can connect several domains by repeating the connection process for each one.
Jargon Buster
DNS (Domain Name System) – The system that translates domain names into IP addresses that computers use to load websites.
CNAME (Canonical Name) – A DNS record that redirects one domain to another.
A Records (Address Records) – DNS records that point a domain or subdomain to an IP address.
Domain Transfer – Moving a domain from one registrar to another to simplify management.
Wrap-up
Connecting your WordPress domain to Squarespace is straightforward once you know where to find the settings. The key is carefully copying the DNS records from Squarespace into your WordPress account. While it takes up to 48 hours for changes to go live, the process itself only takes a few minutes. If you run into any issues, Squarespace's DNS checking tools and support team can help sort things out.
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