Domain & DNS Transfer Headaches in Squarespace? You’re Not Alone

Struggling with Squarespace domain transfers or DNS issues? Get real solutions and expert support here.

Squarespace

•Jul 5, 2025

Tags Synced

Last Edited Time

Jul 2, 2025 03:46 PM

Do not index

Platform

Squarespace

Fixing Squarespace Domain and DNS Problems

TL;DR: Key Points

Use who.is to check if your domain’s nameservers point to Squarespace

Test DNS propagation with Google’s DNS checker

Delete and re-add any DNS records that won’t stick

Switch to Cloudflare if Squarespace DNS continues to fail

Always include screenshots and details when contacting support

DNS issues often take 24–48 hours, but Squarespace can be slower

The Most Common Problems

Squarespace’s domain system has its moments. These are the problems we get asked about most often.

Transferred domains that won’t connect

You move a domain into Squarespace, but it either won’t load, shows an old site, or refuses to activate SSL. Everything looks fine in the dashboard, but something’s broken.

DNS records that won’t update

You add records to connect your email, subdomain, or third-party tool. They appear in the settings but don’t go live. Some tools stop working altogether.

How to Fix These Issues

Start with the basics, and don’t skip steps — even if they feel obvious.

1. Check your domain's actual status

Head to who.is and search for your domain. Look at the nameservers. If they’re still pointing to your old host, Squarespace won’t have full control. Fix this before trying anything else.

2. Test DNS propagation

Open Google’s DNS checker and type in your domain. Check the A records and compare results globally. If some countries show old IPs, the updates are still rolling out.

3. Re-add stubborn records

In Squarespace DNS settings, delete the faulty record, wait a few minutes, then add it again manually. This often forces the system to refresh properly.

4. Use Cloudflare instead

If this keeps happening, use Cloudflare to manage DNS. You’ll get clearer tools, quicker propagation, and fewer surprises. You can still keep your site hosted on Squarespace.

5. Get support the right way

When you contact Squarespace, don’t send a vague message. Include screenshots, explain exactly what’s wrong, and tell them what you’ve tried. That gives you a better chance of a useful response.

Pixelhaze Tip
If you’re stuck waiting, open an incognito tab and test your domain there. Your browser might be caching old records.

FAQs

Why is my Squarespace domain taking so long to update?

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours, and Squarespace sometimes adds extra delays.

Can I use my email with Squarespace DNS?

Yes, but you may need to manually re-add MX records or move DNS management elsewhere.

Is Cloudflare free to use for DNS?

Yes, Cloudflare offers free DNS services that work well with Squarespace.

Why does my site show an old version after transfer?

The domain might still be pointing to your old host or cached somewhere in your browser.

Do I need to transfer my domain to Squarespace?

No. You can use external DNS and just point your domain at Squarespace’s servers.

Jargon Buster

DNS

This controls how a domain name connects to a website or email server.

Propagation

The time it takes for DNS updates to be recognised around the world. Usually takes 24–48 hours.

Nameservers

The system that tells the internet where to find your domain. If these don’t point to Squarespace, it can’t manage your records.

SSL Certificate

This adds the padlock to your browser bar and lets you use https. Without it, your site can show as “Not secure”.

A Record / MX Record

A Record points your domain to a website. MX Record connects your domain to your email service.

Wrap-up

Squarespace handles a lot behind the scenes, but when DNS breaks, it breaks hard. The trick is knowing where to check, how to test it properly, and when to stop fighting the interface and switch to something more reliable.

If you’re still going in circles, the Pixelhaze DIY Community has walk-throughs, real people who’ve fixed this stuff before, and a proper space to ask questions without waiting days for scripted answers.

Join our Free Membership and access our DIY Community.

Need help with your website

Become a member

Learn how to add and customise map blocks on your Squarespace site to show your location clearly.

How to Add OpenTable Blocks to Your Squarespace Site

Squarespace Commerce

•Jul 5, 2025

How to Add OpenTable Blocks to Your Squarespace Site

Domain & DNS Transfer Headaches in Squarespace? You’re Not Alone

Fixing Squarespace Domain and DNS Problems

TL;DR: Key Points

The Most Common Problems

Transferred domains that won’t connect

DNS records that won’t update

How to Fix These Issues

1. Check your domain's actual status

2. Test DNS propagation

3. Re-add stubborn records

4. Use Cloudflare instead

5. Get support the right way

FAQs

Jargon Buster

Wrap-up

Need help with your website

Related posts

Why Is My Squarespace Site So Slow?

Squarespace not offering the support you need?

How to Design Better Testimonials in Squarespace

Squarespace Keyboard Shortcuts That Actually Save Time

How Index Pages in Squarespace 7.0 Affect Your SEO

Guide to Squarespace Email Campaigns Billing

How to Start Email Campaigns in Squarespace (2024 Guide)

Squarespace Email Campaigns for Beginners

How to Set Up Email Campaigns in Squarespace

Creating Squarespace Email Campaigns That Actually Work

Squarespace Unsubscribe Options: What You Need to Know

Email Campaigns in Squarespace Commerce: A Complete Guide

Understanding Squarespace Capital for Business Funding

Track Your Squarespace Email Campaigns Properly

How to Style Email Campaigns in Squarespace

How to Fix Your Squarespace Email Deliverability Issues

How to Add and Style Images in Squarespace Email Campaigns

Subscriber Verification for Squarespace Email Campaigns

Personalise Your Squarespace Email Campaigns with Mail Merge

Fast Access to Squarespace Capital for UK Businesses

Setting Up Automated Campaigns in Squarespace

How to Cancel Your Squarespace Email Campaigns

Changing Your Squarespace Email Campaigns Billing Plan

How to Set Up Squarespace Email Campaigns That Actually Work

Switch from Mailchimp to Squarespace Email Campaigns

Get Better Results from Squarespace Email Campaigns

How to Build Better Email Campaigns with Squarespace

Convert Blog Posts to Email Campaigns in Squarespace

Fix Mailchimp-Squarespace Integration Issues Fast

Integrate Mailchimp with Squarespace

Building Mailing Lists in Squarespace

Set Up Email Verification for Third-Party Domains on Squarespace

How to Add and Style Content in Squarespace Email Campaigns

Squarespace Capital for UK Businesses: What You Need to Know

How to Build Your Squarespace Mailing List

Setting Up Squarespace Sender Details for Email Campaigns

Squarespace Capital: What You Need to Know

Boost Sales with Afterpay and Clearpay

Squarespace Payments and Payouts Explained

Managing Squarespace Payment Disputes with Ease

Decoding Squarespace Payment Reserves

How to Verify Your Business for Squarespace Payments

Connecting PayPal to Your Squarespace Store Made Easy

Squarespace Payments User Permissions Guide

How to Add PayPal to Your Squarespace Site

Stripe Payments on Squarespace: Complete Setup Guide

Customize Credit Card Statements in Stripe on Squarespace

How to Set Up Link by Stripe on Your Squarespace Site

Squarespace Payments: Complete Setup and Management Guide

How to Manually Connect PayPal to Squarespace

Setting Up Squarespace Payments: A Simple Guide

How to Set Up ACH Payments on Your Squarespace Site

Customising Squarespace Payments: A Complete Guide

How to Add Klarna Payments to Your Squarespace Site

How to Set Up Bank Accounts in Squarespace Payments

Understanding Negative Balances in Squarespace Payments

Understanding Squarespace 1099-K Forms: What You Need to Know

How to Manage Payments in Squarespace

Integrating Apple Pay on Your Squarespace Store

How to Connect Stripe to Your Squarespace Site

Setting Up Squarespace Payments on Your Site

Product Drops on Squarespace: The Complete Guide

How to Send Proposals and Invoices Through Squarespace