How to Change Your Squarespace Built-In Domain

Learn how to customize your Squarespace built-in domain and understand the difference between built-in and custom domains.

How to Change Your Squarespace Built-In Domain
Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Every Squarespace site has a built-in domain ending in .squarespace.com, which can be customized by changing the Site ID. Custom domains provide a more professional appearance but do not automatically redirect from built-in domains. Site IDs must be 3-30 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens.
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How to Change Your Squarespace Built-In Domain

TL;DR: Key Points

  • Every Squarespace site gets a default domain ending in .squarespace.com
  • You can change the first part (your site ID) whenever you want
  • Built-in domains stay visible in your browser when you're logged in
  • Custom domains don't automatically redirect from built-in domains
  • Site IDs must be 3-30 characters using letters, numbers, and hyphens

Built-In Domains vs Custom Domains

When you create a Squarespace site, it automatically gets a built-in domain structured as [yoursiteid].squarespace.com. This stays active even after you add a custom domain.
The built-in domain appears in your address bar when you're logged into Squarespace. It's also what you'll need to give Squarespace support if you contact them about technical issues.
Most people eventually switch to a custom domain (like yourdomain.com) for visitors. You can register this through Squarespace or transfer one from another registrar. The custom domain replaces what visitors see, making your site look more professional and branded.

How to Change Your Built-In Domain

Finding Your Current Domain

Check your address bar while logged into your site. That's your built-in domain.

Changing Your Site ID

Here's how to customise the part before ".squarespace.com":
  1. Go to SettingsDomains
  1. Click Built-In Domain
  1. Enter your new Site ID in the text field
  1. Click Save
If someone's already using that Site ID, you'll get an error message. Try something else or contact Squarespace support.
Quick tip: Keep your Site ID short, simple, and related to your brand. Makes it easier to remember and type.

Common Questions

Can I redirect my built-in domain to my custom domain automatically? No, Squarespace doesn't support this. People need to type your custom domain directly to see it in their address bar.
What are the rules for Site IDs?
  • Must be 3-30 characters long
  • Can use letters, numbers, and hyphens
  • Can't end with a hyphen
Can I change built-in domains for parking pages or Acuity Scheduling? No, this only works for regular Squarespace websites.

What These Terms Mean

Built-In Domain: The free web address Squarespace gives every site, ending in .squarespace.com
Custom Domain: A web address you buy to replace the Squarespace one (like yoursite.com instead of yoursite.squarespace.com)
Site ID: The part you can customise before ".squarespace.com"

The Bottom Line

Built-in domains work fine for testing new sites or temporary projects. But if you're building something for clients or your business, you'll probably want a custom domain for a more professional look. Just remember that both domains stay active, and there's no automatic redirect between them.

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