Moving Your Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Check your domain meets Squarespace's transfer requirements before you start
- Contact your current domain provider for help with DNS settings and eligibility
- Keep an eye on connected services like email that might be affected
- Use the email templates below to get clear answers from your provider
- Follow up if your transfer gets stuck or takes longer than expected
Before you move your domain to Squarespace, make sure it ticks all the right boxes. Your domain needs to meet specific criteria, and it helps to know what questions to ask your current provider.
Check Your Domain is Ready
Your domain must meet these requirements before Squarespace will accept it:
- Not a premium domain from the registry
- At least 60 days since it was registered or last transferred
- Currently active and paid up
- Unlocked at your current provider
- Less than 9 years left on the registration
Email template for checking eligibility:
"I'm looking to transfer my domain [Your Domain Name] to Squarespace. Can you confirm if my domain meets their transfer requirements?"
Handle Connected Services
Some domains come with extras like email accounts that won't automatically move to Squarespace. Get this sorted before you transfer.
Email template for checking services:
"Are there any services linked to my domain that will be affected if I transfer to Squarespace?"
Fix DNS and Connection Problems
If your transfer gets stuck or DNS settings aren't working:
Check with your provider that they've released the domain after your transfer request. Sometimes the issue is on their end.
Email template for stuck transfers:
"I started transferring my domain [Your Domain Name] to Squarespace but haven't seen any progress. Can you confirm if the domain has been released from your end?"
Always follow up with your domain provider if the transfer doesn't complete within a few days. Keep checking your emails for updates or requests for additional information.
Advanced DNS Settings
If your domain has special configurations or features like DNS Connect, you'll need to handle these carefully.
Confirm whether these settings will transfer or if you need to recreate them in Squarespace. Check each configuration works properly after the move to avoid any disruptions.
Alternative DNS Records
Some providers don't support standard DNS records like CNAMEs. You can often use TXT records instead.
Email template for alternative records:
"Since CNAME records aren't supported, can you help me add a TXT record for domain verification following Squarespace's guidelines?"
SSL Certificate Issues
If your SSL certificate won't generate properly, it might be due to CAA records that restrict which certificate authorities can issue certificates for your domain.
Email template for SSL problems:
"My domain's SSL certificate from Squarespace is failing to generate, possibly due to a CAA record issue. Can you check if a CAA record is preventing this certificate from being created?"
Email Campaign Verification
If you want to use your domain with Squarespace's Email Campaigns, you'll need specific DNS records in place.
Email template for email campaigns:
"I need to set up my domain for email campaigns and need to add specific DNS records. Can you help me add these to my DNS settings?"
FAQs
What if my domain transfer fails?
Start by checking the common requirements listed above. If everything looks correct, contact your domain provider to identify what's blocking the transfer.
How do I protect services attached to my domain during transfer?
Ask your provider which services are linked and how the transfer will affect them. Some services like email might need to be set up separately.
Can I use different DNS records if my provider doesn't support CNAMEs?
Yes, TXT records often work as an alternative. Check Squarespace's help documentation for the specific records you need.
Jargon Buster
DNS Records: Settings that tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name.
SSL Certificate: A security certificate that encrypts data between your website and visitors, showing the padlock icon in browsers.
CAA Record: A DNS record that controls which certificate authorities can issue SSL certificates for your domain.
Wrap-up
Moving your domain to Squarespace involves checking eligibility, managing DNS settings, and keeping connected services working. Stay in touch with your current domain provider throughout the process and use the email templates above to get clear answers. Most transfers go smoothly when you prepare properly and follow up on any delays.
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