How to Connect Your Dotster Domain to Squarespace

Learn the exact steps to link your Dotster domain with your Squarespace site.

How to Connect Your Dotster Domain to Squarespace
Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
Do not index
Do not index
Suggested Tag
Squarespace
connecting a domain to squarespace
dns configuration
Tags Synced
Tags Synced
AI summary
To connect your Dotster domain to Squarespace, verify compatibility, start the connection in the Squarespace Domains panel, copy DNS settings accurately to Dotster, and wait 24-48 hours for changes to propagate. Ensure to keep MX records for email functionality and use Squarespace's DNS checker for any errors.
Last edited by
Platform
Category
Topic

How to Connect Your Dotster Domain to Squarespace

TL;DR: Key Points

  • Check your domain works with Squarespace before you start
  • Begin the connection from your Squarespace Domains panel
  • Copy DNS settings from Squarespace to Dotster exactly as shown
  • A and CNAME records are essential for this to work
  • Wait 24 to 48 hours for everything to connect properly
  • Get help from Dotster support if you run into problems

Preparation

Before you start connecting your domain, check that your Dotster domain meets Squarespace's requirements. If it does, you might want to transfer your domain directly to Squarespace instead. This makes everything easier to manage from one place.

Step 1: Start the Connection on Squarespace

Head to your Squarespace Domains panel:
  1. Open the Domains panel
  1. Click 'Use a domain I own'
  1. Type your full domain name and click the arrow
  1. Select 'Connect domain' and click 'Continue'
  1. Choose Dotster from the list and click 'Connect domain'
Make sure no other Squarespace site is using this domain. If one is, you'll need to disconnect it first.

Step 2: Set Up DNS Records on Dotster

Squarespace will now show you the DNS records you need:
  1. Log into your Dotster account
  1. Go to DNS & Nameservers, then click the DNS Records tab
  1. Start copying the DNS records from your Squarespace DNS Settings panel
Important: Don't delete any MX records. You need these to keep your email working.

Step 3: Add the Essential DNS Entries

Adding CNAME Records

  1. For the first CNAME, use the unique code from Squarespace's Host column. Point this to verify.squarespace.com
  1. Add a second CNAME for 'www' that points to ext-cust.squarespace.com

Adding A Records

Copy each A record from Squarespace to your Dotster settings. Make sure you get the IP addresses exactly right:
  1. Add A records for every IP address listed in your Squarespace DNS settings
Tip: Check each entry twice. Getting the data or record type wrong will cause problems later.

Step 4: Wait and Check

Once you've added all the records:
  1. Wait 24 to 48 hours for DNS changes to spread across the internet
  1. Check your Squarespace account by refreshing the DNS records until everything shows as correct

FAQs

How long does connecting a Dotster domain take? Usually 24 to 48 hours, but sometimes longer.
What if I get DNS errors? Use Squarespace's DNS checker to spot and fix mistakes in your CNAME or A records.
Do I have to follow Squarespace's instructions exactly? Yes. Following their steps precisely is the only way to get your domain connected properly.

Jargon Buster

  • DNS: The system that turns a domain name like www.example.com into an IP address that computers can understand
  • CNAME: A DNS record that connects aliases (like www) to your main domain name
  • A Record: Points your domain or subdomain to a server's IP address
  • TTL: How long a DNS record stays cached before it gets refreshed

Wrap-up

Connecting your Dotster domain to Squarespace makes managing your website much simpler. Follow these steps carefully and double-check your DNS setup. The connection takes time to work, so be patient and keep an eye on things as they update.

Join our Free Membership and access our DIY Community.

Need help with your website

Become a member