Fixing DNS Record Issues on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Replace placeholder text in Host and Data fields with your actual values
- Check for conflicts with existing DNS entries that prevent new records from saving
- Fix formatting errors like "Invalid IP address" by removing extra characters
- Split long TXT or DMARC records into multiple strings if they exceed 255 characters
- Priority fields only work for MX and SRV records, not other record types
DNS record problems on Squarespace usually boil down to a few common issues. Here's how to spot and fix them.
Replace Placeholder Values First
When you add custom DNS records, Squarespace shows placeholder text in the Host and Data fields. These are just formatting examples. You need to replace them with your actual data before the record will save.
This is the bit most people miss. Don't leave any placeholder text in place.
Check for Conflicts
Your DNS record might not save because it conflicts with an existing entry. Head to your DNS settings panel and look through your Custom Records section. Remove any duplicates or conflicting entries.
Two records can't point to the same host with different data. One has to go.
Fix Formatting Errors
"Invalid IP address" or "Invalid Host name" errors usually come from small formatting mistakes. Check for:
- Trailing periods at the end of entries
- Extra spaces before or after the data
- Wrong characters in IP addresses
Double-check that your values match the expected format for your record type, whether it's A, CNAME, MX, or others.
Special Cases to Watch For
Priority Fields
The Priority field only works for MX and SRV records. For other record types, this field stays fixed and you can't change it.
AAAA Records
For AAAA records, use fully expanded IPv6 addresses. Shorthand notation causes errors. Write out the complete address format.
Long DNS Records
TXT and DMARC records that go over 255 characters need splitting into multiple strings. Each part must stay within the character limit to save properly.
Some DNS tools can automatically split long records for you, which saves time and reduces formatting errors.
FAQs
What should I do if my DNS record won't save?
Check that you've replaced all placeholder data with real values and look for conflicts with existing records.
Why can't I modify the Priority field for some records?
Priority fields only work for MX and SRV records. Other record types have fixed priority settings.
How do I fix an 'Invalid IP address' error?
Make sure the IP address in the Data field is correctly formatted without extra characters or spaces.
Jargon Buster
DNS Records – Settings that tell your domain where to send different types of traffic
Host – The specific address within your domain where the record applies
CNAME – A record type that points one domain name to another domain name
MX Record – Tells email where to go by pointing to your email server
IPv6 – The newer internet addressing system that uses longer addresses than IPv4
Wrap-up
DNS settings can feel overwhelming at first, but most issues come down to formatting and conflicts. Pay attention to the details, replace those placeholder values, and check for duplicates. Once you know what to look for, managing DNS records becomes much more straightforward.
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