Managing Glue Records in Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Glue records let you host your domain on servers outside Squarespace
- You need them when using external nameservers like Cloudflare
- Adding or removing glue records requires server knowledge
- Changes take 24-48 hours to propagate across the internet
- Always redirect your nameservers before deleting glue records
Glue records (also called nameserver registration records) are DNS settings that connect your domain to an IP address when your nameservers live outside Squarespace. Think of them as the bridge between your domain and external hosting providers like Cloudflare.
You'll need glue records if you want to host your domain on a server that Squarespace doesn't manage. This is pretty advanced stuff, so make sure you're comfortable with server administration before diving in.
Adding Glue Records
Before you start, grab your server's hostname and IP address. You'll need both.
Here's how to add them:
- Head to your domains dashboard in Squarespace
- Pick the domain you want to modify and click DNS
- Go to Nameserver Registration
- Click 'Add Host Record'
- Enter your hostname and IP address in the popup
- Click 'Add IP Address', then 'Save'
Give it up to 48 hours for these changes to spread across the internet. DNS propagation takes time, so don't panic if things don't work immediately.
Removing Glue Records
Be careful here. Removing glue records can make your site inaccessible if you're not prepared.
First, make sure your nameservers are pointing somewhere else. Then:
- Go to your domains dashboard in Squarespace
- Click on your domain, then DNS, then Domain Nameservers
- Select Nameserver Registration
- Hit the trash can icon next to the record you want to remove
- Confirm your identity if prompted and click 'Save'
Expect up to 48 hours of potential downtime when removing glue records. Plan accordingly.
What Can Go Wrong
The biggest risk is accidentally deleting glue records that are still in use. If this happens, your site could be unreachable for up to 48 hours while DNS changes propagate.
Always double-check that your nameservers are redirected before removing any glue records. This simple step prevents most problems.
Remember that glue records are advanced DNS management. If you're not sure what you're doing, it's worth getting help from someone who knows server administration.
FAQs
Can I set up glue records without technical knowledge?
Not really. You need some understanding of server administration because of how complex this stuff gets.
How long do glue record changes take to work?
Usually 24-48 hours for changes to fully propagate across the internet.
What happens if I accidentally delete active glue records?
Your site could be unreachable for up to 48 hours. Redirect your nameservers quickly to minimize downtime.
Jargon Buster
Nameserver Registration: Registering your nameserver's IP address with your domain's registry.
Glue Records: DNS records that link your domain to an IP address when your nameservers aren't managed by your domain provider.
DNS Records: Entries that point domain names to IP addresses, so people can reach websites using familiar URLs.
Domain Provider: The service that handles domain registration, hosting, and DNS management.
Wrap-up
Glue records give you the flexibility to host your domain on different servers while keeping it registered with Squarespace. It's advanced work, but understanding how to manage them properly means your domain will always point where it should. Just remember to allow time for DNS propagation and always redirect your nameservers before making changes.
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