Managing Domains on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Register new domains directly through your Squarespace dashboard
- Connect existing domains by updating DNS settings with your current registrar
- Transfer domains to Squarespace using their step-by-step transfer process
- Manage DNS records for custom email setups and subdomain configurations
- Keep registrar login details handy when connecting external domains
Registering a New Domain
If you need a fresh domain for your Squarespace site, you can register one without leaving your dashboard.
Head to Settings > Domains in your Squarespace account, then click "Get a Domain". You can search for available domains and complete the registration in a few clicks. Squarespace handles the technical setup automatically.
Quick tip: Pick something that's easy to spell and remember. Your visitors shouldn't have to guess how to find you.
Connecting an Existing Domain
Already own a domain? You can point it to your Squarespace site instead of registering a new one.
Go to Settings > Domains and select "Use a Domain I Own". Enter your domain name and Squarespace will give you the DNS records to update with your current registrar.
You'll need to log into your registrar's control panel (wherever you originally bought the domain) and update the nameservers or A records. This usually takes a few hours to take effect.
Quick tip: Screenshot your current DNS settings before making changes. It's your safety net if something goes wrong.
Transferring Domains to Squarespace
If you want Squarespace to manage everything, you can transfer your domain registration to them completely.
Start the transfer process in Settings > Domains by selecting "Transfer a Domain". You'll need an authorization code from your current registrar and the domain must be unlocked for transfers.
The whole process takes 5-7 days and your site stays live throughout. Once complete, you can manage everything from your Squarespace dashboard.
Managing DNS Settings
Sometimes you need more control over your domain setup. Maybe you're using Google Workspace for email or want to set up a subdomain that points elsewhere.
In Settings > Domains, click on your domain and select "DNS Settings". Here you can add or modify records like:
- MX records for custom email services
- CNAME records for subdomains
- TXT records for domain verification
Be careful here. Wrong DNS settings can break your email or website. Make changes one at a time and test everything works.
FAQs
Can I use multiple domains for one Squarespace site?
Yes, you can connect multiple domains to point to the same site. One becomes your primary domain and the others redirect to it.
What happens to my email when I change DNS settings?
If you have email hosting elsewhere, make sure you keep the MX records pointing to your email provider. Otherwise your email will stop working.
How long does it take for domain changes to work?
DNS changes usually take 4-24 hours to fully propagate. Your site might be accessible in some locations before others during this time.
Do I need to use Squarespace for domain registration?
No, you can keep your domain with any registrar and just point it to Squarespace. Some people prefer to keep domains and hosting separate.
Jargon Buster
Domain registrar: The company where you bought your domain name (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains).
DNS: Domain Name System – the phone book of the internet that tells browsers where to find your website.
Nameservers: Special DNS servers that control all the settings for your domain.
A record: Points your domain to a specific IP address (where your website lives).
CNAME record: Points a subdomain (like blog.yoursite.com) to another domain or subdomain.
MX record: Tells email where to be delivered for your domain.
Wrap-up
Domain management on Squarespace covers most common scenarios, whether you're starting fresh or bringing existing domains along. The key is taking your time with DNS changes and keeping good records of your original settings.
If you get stuck, Squarespace's help docs are pretty thorough, and their support team can walk you through the technical bits.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace? Check out our comprehensive guides and tutorials at Pixelhaze Academy.