How to Transfer a Domain Between Squarespace Sites
Moving a domain from one Squarespace site to another is simpler than it sounds. Whether you're switching to a new site or consolidating your web presence, this process works for any third-party domain (like ones from GoDaddy, Namecheap, or other providers).
TL;DR:
- Disconnect your domain from the current Squarespace site first
- Connect it to your new Squarespace site through the Domains panel
- Update DNS settings if the connection isn't automatic
- The whole process can take up to 48 hours to complete
- You'll need access to both Squarespace sites and your domain provider account
Step 1: Disconnect Your Domain
Log into the Squarespace site that's currently using your domain.
Go to Settings > Domains and find the domain you want to move. Click on it, then scroll down and click Disconnect domain. Confirm when prompted.
This step is crucial. If you skip it, the domain will still be tied to the old site and won't connect properly to the new one.
Step 2: Connect to Your New Site
Now log into the Squarespace site where you want the domain to live.
Head to Settings > Domains and click Use a Domain I Own. Enter your domain name and click Continue.
Choose Connect from provider. If you see a message saying the domain is still connected elsewhere, go back and make sure you completed Step 1 properly.
Select your domain provider from the dropdown menu, or choose Other if yours isn't listed.
What happens next depends on your provider:
- Some providers connect automatically. You'll get a notification to log into your domain account and approve the connection.
- Others require manual setup. Squarespace will show you exactly which DNS records to add.
Step 3: Update DNS Settings (If Needed)
If your domain provider doesn't connect automatically, you'll need to update your DNS settings manually.
Log into your domain provider's dashboard and find the DNS management section. Look for the CNAME record that points to verify.squarespace.com.
Replace the existing value with the verification code that Squarespace shows you in the Domains panel. Don't touch any other DNS records unless Squarespace specifically tells you to.
Save your changes. This update can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate, though it's often much faster.
You can check the connection status in your Squarespace Domains panel. It'll show "Connected" when everything's working properly.
FAQs
Can I move a Squarespace-registered domain between sites?
Yes, but the process is different. You'll need to contact Squarespace support directly since these domains are managed through their system rather than an external provider.
What if my domain doesn't connect after 48 hours?
Double-check that you've disconnected it from the old site completely. If it's still not working, contact Squarespace support with both site URLs and your domain name.
Will my email stop working during the transfer?
If your email is set up through your domain provider (not Squarespace), it should continue working normally. The transfer only affects where your website points, not email routing.
Can I transfer multiple domains at once?
You'll need to repeat this process for each domain individually. There's no bulk transfer option within Squarespace.
Jargon Buster
CNAME Record – A type of DNS record that tells your domain where to point. Think of it as a forwarding address for your website.
Domain Provider – The company where you originally registered your domain name (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Hover).
DNS Settings – The configuration that controls where your domain sends visitors. These live in your domain provider's control panel.
Propagation – The time it takes for DNS changes to spread across the internet. Can take up to 48 hours but often happens much faster.
Wrap-up
Moving a domain between Squarespace sites is mostly a matter of disconnecting from one and connecting to the other. The trickiest part is usually the DNS updates, but Squarespace gives you clear instructions for your specific situation.
Take your time with each step, especially the disconnection part. Most problems happen when people try to rush through that first step.
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