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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Squarespace
domain connection
dns settings
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Connect your HostGator domain to Squarespace by ensuring your plan supports it, updating DNS settings with provided CNAME and A records, and allowing 24-48 hours for the changes to take effect. Use Squarespace's DNS tools for troubleshooting if needed.
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Linking Your HostGator Domain to Squarespace
Learn how to connect your HostGator domain to Squarespace without the headaches.
TL;DR: Key Points
- Check your HostGator plan supports domain connection
- Start the domain connection from your Squarespace control panel
- Edit DNS settings in HostGator's Zone Editor
- Add the CNAME and A records that Squarespace gives you
- Wait 24-48 hours for everything to connect properly
- Use Squarespace's DNS tools if something goes wrong
Starting the HostGator to Squarespace Connection
Before you start, check that your HostGator account is on a compatible Shared Hosting plan (Hatchling, Baby, or Business). Only these plans let you link a domain to an external site like Squarespace.
Head to the Domains panel in your Squarespace dashboard. Choose the option to use an existing domain and type in your full domain name. If you get a message about the domain being connected somewhere else, you'll need to disconnect it first before moving on.
Setting Up DNS in HostGator
Log into your HostGator account and open cPanel. Look for 'Domain', then find 'Zone Editor' in the tools section. This is where you'll manage your DNS settings by adding new records.
Start by adding a CNAME record that Squarespace provides. This should point to verify.squarespace.com using the unique code you'll find in the Host column under Squarespace's DNS settings.
Next, add another CNAME record for 'www' that points to ext-cust.squarespace.com.
Finally, add four A records with the specific IP addresses that Squarespace gives you. These direct your domain traffic to your Squarespace site.
Getting Everything Working
Once you've added all the records, the domain connection will take 24-48 hours to go live. Check the DNS settings in Squarespace every now and then to see how it's progressing.
You might see error messages during this waiting period. That's normal. If errors are still showing after 48 hours, use Squarespace's DNS record checker tool to spot and fix any problems with your records.
FAQs
How long before my domain connection works?
Usually 24-48 hours after you've set up the DNS settings correctly.
What if I keep getting error messages after setup?
Use Squarespace's DNS record checker to fix any issues if errors stick around past the 48-hour mark.
Can I delete existing A records during this process?
You can remove old A records that don't match the new Squarespace IPs, but don't touch any MX (Mail) records or you'll break your email.
Jargon Buster
DNS Settings - These tell the internet how to translate your domain name into an IP address, so people end up at the right website.
CNAME - A type of DNS record that lets one domain point to another, so users get to the same site either way.
A Record - Connects your domain name to the numerical IP address of the server where your website lives.
Domain Connection - Linking a domain from one provider to a website platform hosted somewhere else (like connecting your HostGator domain to Squarespace).
Wrapping Up
Follow these steps and you'll get your HostGator domain working with your Squarespace site. The waiting part is the hardest bit - DNS changes can take a couple of days to work properly across the internet. If you run into problems after everything should be working, go back to Squarespace's DNS tools to troubleshoot and make adjustments.