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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Squarespace
dreamhost integration
domain management
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To connect a DreamHost domain to Squarespace, check domain eligibility, adjust DNS settings in DreamHost, add required CNAME and A records, and wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation. Monitor the connection status in Squarespace's DNS settings for confirmation.
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How to Connect Your DreamHost Domain to Squarespace
Learn to connect a DreamHost domain to your Squarespace site easily.
TL;DR: Key Points
- Check domain eligibility and consider transferring instead of connecting
- Start the connection process from Squarespace's Domains panel
- Adjust your DNS settings in DreamHost to match Squarespace's requirements
- Add both required CNAMEs and A records as specified by Squarespace
- Expect a DNS propagation period of 24 to 48 hours after setup
- Monitor the connection's progress through Squarespace's DNS Settings
Before You Start
Check if your domain meets the basic requirements: active registration and no privacy restrictions. DreamHost's own guides can help here.
Here's something worth considering: if your domain is eligible, transferring it to Squarespace might be simpler than connecting it. This keeps all your website bits in one place, which makes management easier down the line.
Step 1: Start the Connection in Squarespace
Head to the Domains panel in your Squarespace dashboard:
- Click 'Use a domain I own'
- Enter your domain name, click the arrow, then select 'Connect domain'
- Choose DreamHost from the list (or confirm it if auto-selected), then continue to the DNS settings panel
Quick tip: If you see a message saying the domain is already linked to another Squarespace site, you'll need to find that site first and disconnect the domain there.
Step 2: Set Up DreamHost
- Log into your DreamHost account and go to the 'Domains' section
- Choose 'Manage Domains' and set your domain to 'DNS Only' by adjusting the hosting settings
- Before changing hosting settings, make sure the HTTPS status is set to 'Not Secure' (this prevents SSL certificate issues later)
Important: Don't remove any MX Records during these changes. These keep your email services working.
Step 3: Add the DNS Records
This is where precision matters. In DreamHost:
- Add a CNAME record with the unique code from your Squarespace DNS settings pointing to
verify.squarespace.com
- Add a second CNAME record for 'www' pointing to
ext-cust.squarespace.com
- Add four A records with the IPs provided in Squarespace's DNS settings
Each record needs exact inputs. Get these wrong and your domain will disconnect after 15 days, meaning you'll have to start over.
Step 4: Wait for Everything to Connect
DNS propagation takes up to 48 hours. During this time:
- Check your Squarespace DNS settings regularly for status updates
- Once setup is complete, you'll see a green 'Connected' label in your domain panel
These steps ensure your domain connection starts correctly and avoids the common problems that trip people up.
FAQs
What if my domain disconnects after 15 days?
Reconnect it by repeating the setup steps above.
How can I confirm the domain connection is working?
Use the 'Refresh records' button in Squarespace's DNS Settings. A green 'Connected' label means you're good to go.
Can I speed up the DNS propagation process?
No. This process takes 24 to 48 hours and depends on global DNS updates across the internet.
Jargon Buster
DNS Records: Instructions stored with your domain registrar that direct traffic to the right server.
CNAME: A type of DNS record that says one domain is an alias of another.
A Records: DNS records that link a domain to an IP address, sending traffic to the correct server.
DNS Propagation: The update process across the internet for any changes in your DNS records.
Wrapping Up
Connecting your DreamHost domain to Squarespace needs careful attention to DNS settings and patience while global updates take effect. Follow these steps and you'll get a solid connection that properly points your domain to your Squarespace site.