Connect Your Register.com Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Start by initiating the domain connection in Squarespace's Domains panel
- Log into your Register.com account and prepare to modify DNS settings
- Add specific CNAME and A records as outlined in Squarespace's DNS Settings
- Expect a 24 to 48-hour wait for the domain connection to fully propagate
- Contact support if you encounter persistent errors after this period
Connecting your Register.com domain to Squarespace involves updating your DNS settings to point to Squarespace's servers. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail when adding DNS records.
Starting the Connection Process
Access the Domains panel within your Squarespace account:
- Navigate to the Domains panel and select "Use a domain I own"
- Enter the domain you're connecting and click the arrow to proceed
- Select Register.com from the drop-down menu, click "Connect domain" and then "Continue"
If you see a message indicating the domain is already connected to another site, check your other Squarespace sites and disconnect it there first.
Logging into Register.com
You need to access and manage your domain settings on Register.com:
- Visit Register.com and log into your account
- Click on "Domain Names", select your domain, and access "Advanced Tools"
- Go to "Advanced DNS Records" and click "Manage", then click "Continue"
DNS Settings Adjustments
Here's how to adjust your DNS settings correctly:
Add the First CNAME Record
You'll see a unique verification code under the DNS Settings of Squarespace. In Register.com, create a new CNAME record for this code pointing to verify.squarespace.com.
Add the Second CNAME Record
For the host "www", set up another CNAME pointing to ext-cust.squarespace.com.
Add A Records
Set up four A records pointing to these Squarespace IP addresses:
- 198.185.159.144
- 198.185.159.145
- 198.49.23.144
- 198.49.23.145
Modify any existing A records that conflict with Squarespace's requirements rather than deleting them completely.
Finalization and Troubleshooting
After entering all DNS records, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the updates to take effect. You can track the progress in the Squarespace DNS Settings, where properly connected domains will eventually display as "Connected".
FAQs
Is it better to transfer my domain to Squarespace instead of connecting it?
Transferring your domain to Squarespace can be more straightforward than connecting, especially if you want to manage all your web assets in one place.
What should I do if there are still errors after 48 hours?
If errors persist, use the DNS record checker in your Squarespace panel or consult their domain troubleshooting guides for further steps.
How do existing Register.com DNS records affect the new settings?
You should only adjust or remove existing records if they conflict with the new settings outlined by Squarespace to avoid service disruptions.
Jargon Buster
DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names into IP addresses your browser can use
CNAME (Canonical Name): A type of DNS record that maps one domain name to another
A Record: This DNS record links a domain to an IP address of the hosting server
TTL (Time To Live): The duration that a DNS record is cached by browsers and servers
MX Records: These entries direct email traffic to the correct servers for your domain
Wrap-up
Connecting your Register.com domain to Squarespace streamlines the management of your digital presence. Pay close attention to DNS settings to ensure a smooth integration. If you run into any issues, both Register.com and Squarespace offer detailed support resources to help you troubleshoot and resolve them.
Want to learn more about managing your Squarespace site? Check out our comprehensive training resources.