How to Rename Your Squarespace Domain Within Five Days
TL;DR:
- You have exactly five days from registration to change your Squarespace domain name
- Cancel the current domain to get a refund, then register a new one
- No grace period for ccTLDs like .co.uk – these can't be cancelled for a refund
- After five days, you can't rename the domain but you can switch your primary domain
Understanding the Five-Day Grace Period
When you register a new domain with Squarespace, you have exactly five days to make changes to its name. This period is precise to the minute. If you register a domain at 8:00 AM on January 1st, you must make all changes by 7:59 AM on January 6th.
How to Cancel and Replace a Domain
If you're within this five-day window and want to change your domain name, you'll need to cancel your current domain first.
Step 1: Cancel the Domain
- Go to your Squarespace Domains Dashboard
- Select the domain you want to replace
- Click on "Delete Domain"
You'll receive a refund once the domain is cancelled, and it will no longer direct to your site. If the "Delete Domain" option isn't available, it could be because:
- The domain is a ccTLD, which doesn't offer a grace period
- The domain was registered through a reseller
Pro tip: If you can't delete a ccTLD domain, disabling auto-renew might be your next best step to stop future charges.
Step 2: Register a New Domain
After cancelling, you can immediately register a new domain from your domain dashboard on Squarespace. Simply enter the new domain name you want and follow the prompts to register it.
FAQs
Can I rename my Squarespace domain after five days?
No, after five days the name is permanent. You can, however, designate a different primary domain on your account.
What if I purchased a ccTLD and want to cancel?
For ccTLDs like .de or .com.au, the five-day grace period doesn't apply. Check the specific rules or disable auto-renew.
Will I get my money back if I cancel within five days?
Yes, cancellations within this period are generally refunded. Check Squarespace's refund policies for more details.
Jargon Buster
Grace Period: A set time after a purchase during which certain policies like cancellations and refunds are flexible.
Primary Domain: The main domain connected to your website, primarily used for visitor traffic.
ccTLD: Country Code Top-Level Domain, specific to a country, and often with different rules than general top-level domains (e.g., .com).
Wrap-up
If you've just registered a domain with Squarespace and think a different name might suit better, you're in luck – but only for five days. The process is quick: cancel and get a refund, then register the new choice. Just keep an eye on the clock and make sure it's all done within those crucial first five days. If you slip past this window, adjusting the primary domain is your way forward. If there are any hiccups, or if you're dealing with a non-standard domain, Squarespace support is there to help guide you through alternatives.
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