Managing Your Google Domain After Migration to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Squarespace now manages all former Google Domains as of September 7, 2023
- Access your domain through your Squarespace account dashboard
- Billing changes to Squarespace rates from September 7, 2024
- DNS and email forwarding settings may need updating after migration
- Tax exemptions require reapplication through Squarespace
- Domain transfers work differently depending on whether your domain is linked to a Squarespace site
Google Domains officially shut down and transferred all domains to Squarespace in September 2023. If you owned a Google Domain, you now manage it through Squarespace's platform. Here's what you need to know about the transition and how to keep everything running smoothly.
Getting Into Your Squarespace Account
Your domain management now happens through a Squarespace account. If you already had one, your migrated domain will appear in your dashboard when you log in at squarespace.com/login.
If you're new to Squarespace, they created an account for you during the migration. Log in using your Google account details. If you hit login problems, use the 'Can't log in?' link to reset your password and verify your account through the email they send you.
What You Can Manage
Once you're logged in, your domain's management page gives you control over:
Billing Information – Update payment methods and billing addresses
Contact Details – Change registrant and administrative contact information
DNS Settings – Modify where your domain points and how it behaves
Billing Changes You Should Know About
Your domain will auto-renew yearly unless you turn this off in the domain settings. From September 7, 2024, all renewals happen at Squarespace's standard rates rather than the old Google Domains pricing.
If you had tax exemption status with Google Domains, you'll need to reapply for it through Squarespace. The exemption doesn't carry over automatically.
Fixing Email and Domain Forwarding
The migration might have disrupted your forwarding setup. What you need to do depends on your DNS configuration:
If you used Google's default nameservers: Check Squarespace's DNS guides to update your settings. You'll likely need to recreate forwarding rules in your new dashboard.
If you used custom nameservers: Your forwarding might still work, but double-check everything. You may need to update DNS records with your nameserver provider to point to Squarespace's systems.
Moving Domain Ownership
The transfer process depends on how your domain is set up:
Standalone domains can be transferred to another person through your Squarespace panel. You'll find transfer options in the domain settings.
Domains connected to Squarespace sites need to be transferred along with the site itself. You can't separate them – both the site and domain ownership move together to another site contributor.
When Your Site Connection Breaks
Some domains lose their connection to existing websites during migration. If this happens, you'll need to add new verification records to reconnect your domain to your site. Squarespace will prompt you with the specific records to add.
The verification process usually involves adding a TXT record to your DNS settings. Once added, it can take up to 24 hours for the connection to restore.
FAQs
How will billing change for my domain?
From September 7, 2024, all domains renew at Squarespace's standard rates instead of Google Domains pricing. You'll get advance notice of any price differences.
Do I need a Squarespace website subscription to manage my domain?
No. You can manage your domain through Squarespace without buying a website plan or any other subscriptions.
Will I lose any remaining time on my domain registration?
No. All remaining time on your domain registration carries over to Squarespace. If you had two years left with Google Domains, you still have two years with Squarespace.
Can I transfer my domain away from Squarespace?
Yes. You can transfer your domain to another registrar, but you'll need to wait 60 days after any ownership changes before initiating a transfer.
Jargon Buster
DNS Records – Settings that tell the internet where to send traffic for your domain, like directing visitors to your website or routing email to your inbox
Auto-renewal – Automatic renewal of your domain registration before it expires, so you don't lose control of your domain name
Nameservers – The servers that host your domain's DNS records and respond to lookup requests from around the internet
Domain Registrar – The company where your domain name is registered and managed (now Squarespace instead of Google)
Wrap-up
The Google Domains migration puts all your domain management in one place through Squarespace's dashboard. While the transition requires some adjustment, especially around billing and DNS settings, it consolidates your domain and website management if you're already using Squarespace for hosting.
The biggest gotchas are usually around email forwarding and DNS configuration. Take time to verify these are working correctly after the migration. If you run into issues, Squarespace's support team can help you sort out DNS problems and forwarding setup.
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