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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Squarespace
.io domains
domain management
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Managing .io domains on Squarespace involves unique rules: no Whois privacy, not included in free domain offers, and specific renewal processes depending on the registrar. Always double-check domain spelling and renew well in advance to avoid issues.
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Managing Your .io Domain on Squarespace
TL;DR: Key Points
- .io domains come from the British Indian Ocean Territory but are popular with tech companies
- Special rules apply when registering, transferring, or connecting .io domains to Squarespace
- No Whois privacy protection is available for .io domains through Squarespace
- .io domains aren't included in Squarespace's free domain offers
- Renewal processes differ depending on whether your registrar is Tucows or Key-Systems
What Are .io Domains?
.io domains are country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) for the British Indian Ocean Territory. Despite this origin, they've become hugely popular with tech companies and startups worldwide. Think of them as the cool cousin of .com domains.
Managing .io domains on Squarespace works differently from standard domains. Here's what you need to know.
Registration and Pricing
Check the cost of your .io domain using Squarespace's domain search tool or look in your domains dashboard.
Important: Double-check your spelling before you buy. .io domains don't have a grace period, and there are no refunds if you make a mistake.
Renewing Your .io Domain
Squarespace tries to renew your .io domain 15 days before it expires by charging your linked credit card. If that fails, they'll keep trying until 3 days before expiration. If all attempts fail, your domain locks and you can't renew it through the usual process.
If Your Domain Expires
What happens next depends on your registrar:
Tucows domains:
- You get 40 days after expiration to renew through your domains dashboard
- If you miss that window, there's a 30-day redemption period
- During redemption, contact Tucows directly (expect extra fees)
Key-Systems domains:
- You get about 30 days to renew after expiration
- If the domain disappears from your dashboard, contact Squarespace support to check if they can reactivate it
Transferring and Connecting .io Domains
You can transfer a .io domain to Squarespace, but you'll need to buy an extra year on top of your existing registration. This isn't covered by Squarespace's free domain offer.
Connecting a .io domain from another provider works the same as other domains, just remember the specific rules mentioned above.
Whois Privacy
Here's the bad news: .io domains registered through Squarespace don't get Whois privacy protection. Your contact information will be visible in public databases.
If privacy is important to you, consider registering your .io domain elsewhere that offers privacy protection, then connecting it to Squarespace.
Tip: Always renew your domain well before the expiry date. This avoids service interruptions and potential recovery fees.
FAQs
Can I get Whois privacy for my .io domain on Squarespace?
No. Squarespace doesn't offer Whois privacy for .io domains, so your contact details will be publicly visible.
Does the free domain offer cover .io domains?
No. The free domain offer doesn't apply to .io domains. You'll need to pay for an additional year when transferring.
What happens if my .io domain expires?
It depends on your registrar. Tucows gives you 40 days to renew, then 30 days redemption. Key-Systems gives about 30 days to renew.
Jargon Buster
ccTLD: Country Code Top-Level Domain. These are domain extensions reserved for specific countries or territories.
Whois Privacy: A service that hides your personal information from public domain databases by replacing it with the provider's details.
Registrar: The company that manages domain name registrations on the internet.
Final Thoughts
Managing .io domains on Squarespace follows different rules, but it's still straightforward once you know what to expect. The key things to remember are the renewal timelines, the lack of Whois privacy, and the transfer requirements.
Plan ahead with renewals and you'll avoid any headaches down the line.