Connect Your Dotster Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Check if your domain should be connected or transferred to Squarespace
- Start the connection process in Squarespace, then add the required DNS records in Dotster
- Add two CNAME records and four A records as shown in your Squarespace DNS settings
- Wait 24-48 hours for the connection to complete and monitor progress in Squarespace
Step 1: Start the Connection in Squarespace
Open your Squarespace account and head to the Domains panel:
- Click 'Use a domain I own'
- Enter your domain name and click the arrow to connect
- Choose 'Dotster' from the dropdown menu and click 'Connect domain'
- Follow the prompts and keep the DNS settings panel open for reference
Step 2: Access Your Dotster DNS Settings
Log into your Dotster account and navigate to your domain's DNS settings:
- Go to Dotster's website and log in
- Click 'Manage' next to your domain
- Access DNS settings through DNS & Nameservers
- You'll copy the DNS record details from Squarespace into Dotster's DNS Records section
Step 3: Add the Required DNS Records
You need to add specific records in Dotster to verify and connect your domain:
First CNAME Record (Verification)
- Copy the unique code from the Host column in your Squarespace DNS settings
- Add a CNAME record in Dotster pointing this code to 'verify.squarespace.com'
Second CNAME Record (WWW)
- Add another CNAME record for 'www' pointing to 'ext-cust.squarespace.com'
Four A Records
- Add A records pointing '@' to each of the four IP addresses listed in your Squarespace DNS Settings
Step 4: Wait and Monitor
Once you've added all the records:
- Give it 24-48 hours for the connection to complete
- Check the progress in your Squarespace DNS Settings where the status will update
- Temporary errors might show during this period but should clear after 48 hours
TL;DR:
- Check if your domain should be connected or transferred to Squarespace
- Start the connection process in Squarespace, then add the required DNS records in Dotster
- Add two CNAME records and four A records as shown in your Squarespace DNS settings
- Wait 24-48 hours for the connection to complete and monitor progress in Squarespace
FAQs
What should I do if I see errors after connecting my Dotster domain to Squarespace?
Errors are normal during the first 48 hours. If they continue after that, use the DNS checker in Squarespace to see which records need adjusting.
How do I know when my Dotster domain is fully connected to Squarespace?
Your domain will show a 'Connected' label in Squarespace's Domains panel once all records are verified and working.
Should I transfer my domain to Squarespace instead of connecting it?
Transferring can make management easier since everything's in one place. Check if your domain is eligible for transfer in Squarespace and decide based on your preferences.
Jargon Buster
DNS (Domain Name System): The system that translates domain names into IP addresses so computers can find each other on the internet.
CNAME Record: A DNS record that points one domain name to another, like an alias.
A Record: A DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to a specific IP address.
Wrap-up
Connecting your Dotster domain to Squarespace takes a bit of technical setup, but following these steps will get you there. The key is getting those DNS records right and being patient during the 24-48 hour wait period. If you run into issues after that time, Squarespace's DNS checker will help you spot what needs fixing.
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