Connect Your 1&1 IONOS Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Start the connection process in Squarespace's Domains panel
- Log into your 1&1 IONOS account and find the DNS settings
- Replace existing AAAA and A records with Squarespace's specified ones
- Add the required CNAME and A records to point your domain correctly
- Wait up to 48 hours for DNS changes to take effect and check connection status
Connecting your 1&1 IONOS domain to Squarespace takes a bit of back-and-forth between platforms, but it's manageable once you know the steps. Here's how to get it done without the headaches.
Start the Connection in Squarespace
Head to your Squarespace site and open the Domains panel. Select "Use a domain I own" and type in your domain name. Click the arrow, then choose "Connect domain."
If your domain is already connected elsewhere on Squarespace, you'll need to disconnect it first. Squarespace will then show you the DNS settings you need to add to your 1&1 IONOS account.
Keep this page open – you'll need to reference these settings in the next step.
Update Your DNS Records in 1&1 IONOS
Log into your 1&1 IONOS account and find your domain in the domains list. Click on it and navigate to the DNS settings.
Before adding new records, remove any existing AAAA and A records that might conflict with Squarespace's requirements. This prevents your domain from pointing to multiple places at once.
Now add the records Squarespace provided:
CNAME records – These usually include entries like verify.squarespace.com for validation purposes. Copy these exactly as shown in Squarespace.
A records – These point your root domain to Squarespace's IP addresses. Again, use the exact IP addresses Squarespace gives you.
Be careful not to delete any MX records during this process. Those handle your email, and removing them will break your email service.
Wait and Check Your Connection
DNS changes take time to spread across the internet. This process, called propagation, can take up to 48 hours but often happens faster.
Back in Squarespace, check the DNS settings page periodically. You'll see labels turn green as each record gets verified. Once everything's green, your connection is complete.
If you're still seeing errors after 48 hours, use Squarespace's DNS checker tool to verify your records are set up correctly.
FAQs
What if I'm still getting errors after 48 hours?
Use Squarespace's DNS checker tool to verify your records are correct. Sometimes there are typos or missing entries that need fixing.
Will this affect my email?
Not if you're careful. Don't delete any MX records in your DNS settings – those keep your email working. Only remove A and AAAA records as instructed.
Should I transfer my domain to Squarespace instead?
Transferring can be easier to manage long-term since everything's in one place. But connecting works just fine if you prefer to keep your domain with 1&1 IONOS.
Jargon Buster
CNAME Record – A DNS record that creates an alias, pointing one domain name to another
A Record – A DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to a specific IP address
DNS (Domain Name System) – The system that translates website names into IP addresses computers can understand
Propagation – The time it takes for DNS changes to update across all internet servers
Wrap-up
Connecting your 1&1 IONOS domain to Squarespace is straightforward once you work through the DNS settings carefully. The trickiest part is usually waiting for the changes to take effect – DNS propagation requires patience. If you run into issues, both platforms have support resources to help you troubleshoot.
Want to learn more about managing domains and DNS? Check out our Squarespace courses for deeper dives into technical topics like this.