Managing Third-Party Squarespace Domains
TL;DR:
- You can buy Squarespace domains directly or through a third-party reseller
- Resold domains split management between the reseller and your Squarespace dashboard
- Some actions need to be done through the reseller, others through Squarespace
- You can transfer full control to Squarespace by ending the reseller relationship
- Check your domains dashboard to see if your domain is resold
When you buy a domain through a third-party reseller rather than directly from Squarespace, the management gets split between two places. This can be confusing at first, but once you know which actions happen where, it's straightforward to handle.
How to Check if Your Domain is Resold
Head to your domains dashboard in Squarespace and click on the domain you want to check. Look below the expiration date – if you see a reseller's name listed there, your domain is resold.
What Gets Managed Where
Actions Done Through Your Reseller
You'll need to contact your reseller directly for:
- Cancelling the domain
- Turning auto-renew on or off
- Reactivating an expired domain
- Getting refunds
- Updating payment information
Actions Done Through Squarespace
Use your Squarespace dashboard for:
- Adding or editing DNS records
- Setting up domain forwarding
- Updating domain contact information
- Editing nameservers
- Enabling Whois privacy
- Resolving suspended domains
- Locking or unlocking the domain
- Transferring domains
Connecting Your Resold Domain
To a Squarespace Site
Connect it through your Squarespace dashboard like any other domain. If you want everything on one bill, you can claim or renew the domain directly through Squarespace instead.
To a Non-Squarespace Site
You'll need to adjust your DNS settings to point your domain to the external site. This is done through your Squarespace dashboard.
Taking Full Control
If you want to manage everything in one place, you can end the billing relationship with your reseller and claim the domain through Squarespace. This works whether your domain is active or expired.
Before you make this switch, check how much time is left on your current registration. There's no point paying twice if you've got months left with your reseller.
What Happens When Things Change
If you cancel your reseller account, your domain keeps working until it expires. After that, you'll need to renew it through Squarespace to keep it active.
Planning to delete your Squarespace account? Make sure all your resold domains are either cancelled or transferred elsewhere first, or you'll run into problems.
FAQs
What happens if I cancel my reseller account?
Your domain continues working until it expires, then you'll need to manage it through Squarespace.
How do I delete my Squarespace account if it has resold domains?
Cancel or transfer all your resold domains first, then you can delete your account.
Can I manage everything through Squarespace instead of splitting it?
Yes, cancel the reseller service and reclaim your domain directly through Squarespace.
Jargon Buster
Resold Domain: A domain you bought through a third-party company rather than directly from Squarespace.
DNS Settings: The technical instructions that tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain.
Whois Privacy: A service that keeps your personal details private in the public domain registration database.
Wrap-up
Managing resold domains becomes much easier once you know which tasks happen where. Whether you're happy with the split management or want to bring everything under one roof, you've got options. The key is understanding what your reseller handles versus what you control through Squarespace.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and expert guidance.