Fixing Form and Newsletter Issues on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Check email format and character limits when forms throw validation errors
- Test your storage connections to Mailchimp or Google Drive if submissions go missing
- Add Squarespace notification emails to your safe sender list to avoid spam folders
- Most form issues come down to incorrect settings or broken third-party connections
When your Squarespace forms stop working properly, it's usually one of three things: validation errors, storage problems, or email delivery issues. Here's how to track down what's going wrong and fix it.
Common Error Messages and What They Mean
Invalid Email Address
This pops up when someone enters an email that doesn't follow the standard format (user@domain.com) or exceeds 256 characters. Most of the time, it's a simple typo or extra spacing that visitors don't notice.
Storage Service Communication Errors
This error means Squarespace can't connect to your chosen storage service like Google Drive or Mailchimp. The connection has likely broken and needs reconnecting.
General Unknown Errors
These vague messages often appear when Squarespace's servers are having temporary issues. They're also triggered by spam protection measures when the system detects suspicious activity.
Fixing Submission and Storage Problems
Start by checking whether submissions are reaching your Squarespace dashboard. If they're not showing up there, the problem is with your form setup rather than third-party integrations.
For submissions that reach Squarespace but don't appear in external services:
Go to your form settings and disconnect then reconnect your storage service. This usually fixes broken API connections that prevent data from flowing through properly.
Check your third-party service settings too. Sometimes the issue is on their end, with full storage quotas or changed authentication requirements.
Always test your forms after making changes. Submit a test entry and verify it appears in both Squarespace and your connected services.
Sorting Out Email Notification Issues
If you're not receiving form notifications, check your spam folder first. Squarespace sends notifications from form-submission@squarespace.info, which some email providers flag as suspicious.
Add this address to your safe sender list or create a filter to ensure notifications reach your inbox. Do the same for any other Squarespace notification addresses you use.
Test with different email addresses from various providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) to identify whether the problem affects all submissions or just certain domains.
Managing Spam and Unwanted Submissions
Squarespace has built-in spam protection, but you can strengthen it by enabling CAPTCHA on forms that receive lots of traffic.
Review your form fields and remove any that aren't essential. The more fields you have, the more opportunities there are for spam bots to find ways in.
Consider using Squarespace's form storage exclusively rather than connecting to external services if spam is a persistent problem. You can always export submissions manually when needed.
FAQs
What should I do if my form says 'Email address not valid'?
Check the email format follows user@domain.com and doesn't exceed 256 characters. Look for extra spaces, missing @ symbols, or unusual characters that might cause validation to fail.
Why aren't I getting email notifications for new form submissions?
Check your spam folder and add form-submission@squarespace.info to your safe sender list. Some email providers automatically filter these notifications.
Can I use multiple storage services with Squarespace forms?
Yes, you can connect to services like Google Drive and Mailchimp simultaneously. If one connection fails, disconnect and reconnect it through your form settings.
How do I test if my form is working properly?
Submit a test entry using a real email address you control. Check that it appears in your Squarespace dashboard and any connected services, then verify you receive the notification email.
Jargon Buster
Form Blocks – Interactive elements on your website where visitors can input and submit information
Storage Services – External platforms like Mailchimp or Google Drive where form submissions are automatically saved
API Connection – The technical link between Squarespace and third-party services that allows data to flow between them
Safe Sender List – A feature in email clients that ensures messages from specified addresses always reach your inbox
Wrap-up
Most Squarespace form issues stem from simple configuration problems rather than complex technical failures. When something goes wrong, work through the basics first: check error messages, test your connections, and verify your email settings.
The key is methodical troubleshooting. Don't try to fix everything at once. Instead, isolate each potential problem and test after making changes. This approach helps you identify exactly what was broken and confirms your fix actually worked.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace troubleshooting? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guides and expert support.