Connect Your Strato Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- You can either transfer your Strato domain to Squarespace or connect it (transferring is usually easier)
- Connecting requires setting up DNS records in your Strato account
- You'll need to add CNAME and A records with specific values from Squarespace
- The connection takes 24-48 hours to go live
- Don't touch your MX records or you'll break your email
Before you start, decide whether you want to transfer your domain to Squarespace or just connect it. Transferring means Squarespace handles everything, but connecting lets you keep your domain at Strato while pointing it to your Squarespace site.
If you're connecting (not transferring), you'll need access to your Strato domain management panel.
Setting Up the Connection in Squarespace
Head to your Squarespace dashboard and go to Settings > Domains.
Click "Use a domain I own" and type in your Strato domain name. Hit the arrow to continue.
Choose "Connect domain" when prompted, then select "Other" and continue.
If Squarespace says the domain is already connected somewhere else, you'll need to disconnect it first before proceeding.
Finding Your DNS Settings in Strato
Log into your account at www.strato.de and find your domain under "Manage domain" or similar. The exact wording might vary, but look for DNS settings or domain management.
You'll need to add three DNS records with specific values that Squarespace provides.
Adding the Required DNS Records
You need to add three records in your Strato DNS settings:
Verification CNAME Record
Back in Squarespace, you'll see a unique verification code (looks like a random string of letters and numbers). Create a CNAME record using this code as the name/host, and point it to verify.squarespace.com.
WWW CNAME Record
Create another CNAME record with "www" as the name/host, pointing to ext-cust.squarespace.com.
Root A Record
Add an A record for your root domain (the @ symbol or blank field, depending on how Strato displays it). Point this to one of Squarespace's IP addresses. Use 198.185.159.144 unless Squarespace suggests a different one.
Don't change or delete any MX records you see. These handle your email, and removing them will break your email service.
Waiting for It to Work
Save your changes in Strato. DNS changes take time to spread across the internet, so expect to wait 24-48 hours before everything works properly.
You can check the connection status in your Squarespace DNS settings. It will show "Connected" when everything's working.
FAQs
Can I connect multiple Strato domains to one Squarespace site?
Yes, just repeat the process for each domain. Each one needs its own set of DNS records.
My domain isn't working after 48 hours. What now?
Use Squarespace's DNS checker tool in the DNS settings panel. It will tell you if any records are wrong or missing.
Should I transfer my domain to Squarespace instead of connecting it?
Transferring is usually easier because Squarespace handles everything automatically. But connecting works fine if you prefer keeping your domain at Strato.
Will this affect my email?
Not if you leave your MX records alone. Only change the CNAME and A records mentioned above.
Jargon Buster
Domain – Your website address like www.yoursite.com
DNS – The system that tells browsers where to find your website when someone types in your domain
CNAME Record – Points one domain name to another domain name
A Record – Points your domain to a specific IP address (a server's location on the internet)
MX Records – Tell email where to go for your domain
Wrap-up
Connecting your Strato domain to Squarespace takes a bit of DNS setup, but it's straightforward once you know which records to add. The key is getting the three records right and then waiting for the changes to take effect.
If you run into problems, Squarespace's DNS checker tool usually spots what's wrong. And remember, transferring your domain to Squarespace instead might save you the hassle of managing DNS records yourself.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and expert guidance.