Fix Third-Party Domain Issues on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Domain connections can take up to 48 hours, so initial errors might be normal
- Check browser error messages, domain settings, and DNS panels to find the problem
- Most issues stem from CNAME and A record conflicts or missing entries
- For stubborn problems, try reverting to default nameservers or contact your provider
Domain connection problems happen, but they're usually straightforward to fix once you know where to look. The key is working through the checks systematically rather than jumping around.
Starting Your Troubleshooting
When your domain isn't connecting properly, start with these three checks:
Browser Check
Visit your domain URL and note any error messages. These often point you in the right direction immediately.
Domain Settings Review
Head to your domain dashboard, select the problematic domain, and look through the settings for obvious errors or warnings.
DNS Panel Inspection
In your domain settings, check the DNS configurations. Look for red-highlighted records, which usually indicate errors. CNAME and A records are the most common troublemakers.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
CNAME Record Problems
Check that your CNAME record points to the correct Squarespace address. It should target verify.squarespace.com or another address Squarespace has specified for your setup.
Double-check for typos in the record entries. Make sure you're using the correct format and haven't accidentally included unnecessary domain extensions in the values.
A Record Issues
Make sure you only have the A records that Squarespace requires. If you spot extra A records that don't match Squarespace's specifications, remove them unless they're needed for other services like email.
Nameserver and General Connection Problems
If your domain is still not connected after 48 hours and you used Nameserver Connect, try reverting to your provider's default nameservers. Then manually update the DNS records instead. This clean slate approach often sorts out stubborn connection issues.
Quick Fix Tip: If you keep running into DNS errors, sometimes starting fresh helps. Remove your domain from your Squarespace account completely, then add it back following the troubleshooting steps above.
When to Contact Support
If you've worked through all these solutions and still have problems, your domain provider's support team might spot something you've missed. They can offer provider-specific guidance, especially if there are service outages or internal errors that aren't obvious from your end.
FAQs
How long should I wait before worrying about a domain connection that's not working?
Give it 24 to 48 hours. DNS changes need time to propagate globally, and this process can't be rushed.
What should I do if I see security or SSL warnings on my site?
Check Squarespace's SSL troubleshooting documentation for step-by-step instructions on resolving security certificate issues.
What if my domain is already connected to another Squarespace site?
Look through your Squarespace account for any previous site connections that might be causing conflicts. Disconnect the domain from the old site if necessary.
Jargon Buster
CNAME: Canonical Name record. This type of DNS record maps an alias name to a true domain name.
A Record: Address Record. Links a domain directly to an IP address on the internet.
SSL: Secure Sockets Layer. The technology that encrypts communication between web browsers and servers.
Nameservers: Internet servers that translate readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand.
DNS: Domain Name System. The system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
Wrap-up
Getting your third-party domain working with Squarespace is usually a matter of patience and systematic checking. Give new connections 48 hours to settle in, then work through the troubleshooting steps if problems persist. Most issues come down to simple DNS record problems that are easy to fix once you spot them.
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