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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Squarespace
domain management
domain cancellation
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To cancel a Squarespace domain, you can either cancel within a 5-day grace period for gTLDs for a full refund or disable auto-renew for ccTLDs. Ensure to manage any linked services and DNS records before proceeding with cancellation or disabling auto-renew.
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How to Cancel Your Squarespace Domain
Learn to cancel or disable auto-renew for your Squarespace domain with ease.
TL;DR: Key Points
- Choose between cancellation and disabling auto-renew based on domain age and type
- Immediate cancellations are possible within a 5-day grace period for generic domains
- Disabling auto-renew lets the domain expire but doesn't remove it immediately
- Refunds are issued for cancellations within the initial 5 days from purchase
- Changes to custom email set-ups or primary domains should be done before cancelling
- DNS records need removal to disconnect a domain completely after disabling auto-renew
Understanding Your Options
When you decide that a domain you hold under Squarespace isn't needed anymore, you can either cancel it outright or turn off the auto-renewal, depending on when you bought it. Here's how the type of domain influences your choices:
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- For gTLDs: Domains like .com or .net can be cancelled within five days of registration for a full refund. If this period has passed, you can only disable auto-renewal.
- For ccTLDs: These country-specific domains, like .uk or .ca, don't have a cancellation grace period. Your only option for these is disabling auto-renewal to prevent further charges.
Pre-Cancellation Considerations
Before you proceed with either option, ensure any configurations related to the domain are properly managed:
- Custom Email Services: Services like Google Workspace linked to your domain will be affected by cancellation. Transfer or modify these services before moving forward.
- Website Settings: If your site is tied to the domain, set a new primary domain or plan to transfer the existing one to another host or Squarespace account.
- Billing Implications: Understand how legacy and free domains might affect costs upon re-registration if allowed to expire.
How to Cancel Your Domain
If you're within the 5-day grace period for a gTLD:
- Go to the domains dashboard on your Squarespace account
- Select the domain you wish to cancel
- Click "Delete Domain" and confirm your choice twice to finalise the cancellation
Note: If the "Delete Domain" option is missing, this means your domain type does not qualify for immediate cancellation, and you should consider disabling auto-renew instead.
Disabling Auto-Renew
For both domain types outside the grace period:
- Log into the domains dashboard
- Click on the relevant domain
- Toggle off "Auto-renew"
Pixelhaze Tip: After disabling auto-renew, it's wise to remove DNS records if you're not planning to use the domain further. This prevents any connections to your site, ensuring a clean separation.
Disconnecting the Domain
Optionally, to fully remove the domain's link to your site:
- Access DNS settings
- In the Squarespace Defaults section, delete entries by clicking the red trash can icon
- Make sure other relevant DNS records are also removed to completely sever ties
Jargon Buster
- Squarespace: A user-friendly platform for website building and hosting, which also offers domain registration
- DNS Records: These are the settings that dictate how a domain interacts with the internet, such as directing the domain to specific servers or services
- Auto-Renew: Automatically renews registration of a domain before it expires, preventing any service interruption
- ccTLD: Short for Country Code Top-Level Domain, used for domains that are specific to a certain country
FAQs
Can I cancel a ccTLD with Squarespace?
For ccTLDs, direct cancellation isn't usually an option. Disabling auto-renew is the recommended course.
How long after cancellation does a domain stop connecting to my site?
Typically within an hour, although it could take up to 72 hours for complete disconnection.
Final Thoughts
Cancelling or disabling auto-renew for your Squarespace domain depends largely on the domain type and the timing of your decision. Remember to handle all related configurations beforehand for a smooth transition. Whether you're simplifying your web presence or reshuffling your online assets, knowing how to manage your domain effectively saves you headaches down the line.