Link Your DreamHost Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Start by setting up the connection in Squarespace's Domains panel
- Log into DreamHost to manage your DNS settings
- Add the specific CNAME and A records that Squarespace provides
- Wait up to 48 hours for the domain connection to go live
Starting Your Domain Connection
Head to your Squarespace account first:
- Go to the Domains panel
- Click "Use a domain I own"
- Type your domain name and click the arrow
- Choose 'Connect domain'
- If asked, confirm the domain isn't already connected to another Squarespace site
Select DreamHost from the providers list and click 'Connect domain' again.
Log Into DreamHost
Now you need to adjust your DNS settings:
- Open DreamHost and sign into your account
- Navigate to 'Manage Domains' under the domains dropdown
- Make sure your domain is set to DNS Only hosting (this turns off web hosting but keeps the domain active for DNS changes)
If your settings show HTTPS Secure, switch this to HTTPS Not Secure by removing existing certificates. Squarespace will provide a new SSL certificate once the domain connects.
Setting Up DNS Records
Add these records in your DreamHost account:
Add the First CNAME
- Find the unique code under the Host column in Squarespace's DNS settings
- Enter this as the host in DreamHost
- Set the type to CNAME and point it to verify.squarespace.com
Add the Second CNAME
- Set the host as www
- Point it to ext-cust.squarespace.com
Add A Records
- Enter the A records that Squarespace provides
- These are usually four different IP addresses that route back to Squarespace servers
Once all records are added, check your Squarespace domain panel to confirm they're listed correctly.
Important: Don't delete any MX records during this process. They handle your email services for the domain.
Waiting for Connection Activation
After setting up the DNS records:
- Allow 24 to 48 hours for your domain to become fully operational
- Check back periodically in your Squarespace DNS Settings
- Refresh the page until it shows as 'Connected'
FAQs
What if I make an error with DNS settings?
Go back to your DNS records and make sure they match what Squarespace specified. Wrong entries will delay the connection, so double-check everything.
Is there always a wait time for the connection to activate?
Yes, allow 24 to 48 hours for full activation. This gives servers time to recognize and implement the new DNS configurations.
What should I do if errors persist after 48 hours?
Use the DNS checker tool in Squarespace's DNS Settings to find and fix any issues with your CNAME and A records.
Jargon Buster
DNS Settings: Configurations that direct where a domain points on the internet, affecting where emails go and where a website is hosted.
CNAME Record: Links a domain to another domain, often used for subdomains.
A Record: Directly links a domain to an IP address, pointing your domain to a server.
MX Records: Mail exchange records that route emails correctly for your domain.
Wrap-up
Following these steps should get your DreamHost domain connected to Squarespace without issues. DNS changes can take up to two days to fully propagate, so be patient. Check back periodically and use Squarespace's tools to troubleshoot if needed.
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