Squarespace Domain Renewal Guide
TL;DR:
- Squarespace domains auto-renew by default to keep your site running
- Turn off auto-renew in your domains dashboard if you don't want automatic billing
- Keep your payment details current to avoid service interruptions
- You get a 30-day grace period after expiry to renew before losing your domain
- Third-party domains need managing through their original provider
Squarespace handles domain renewals automatically by default. This keeps your website running without interruption and prevents you from accidentally losing your domain name.
You'll get reminder emails 30 days and 15 days before your renewal date. If payment fails or auto-renew is disabled, your domain goes into a grace period where you can still recover it.
Managing Auto-Renewal Settings
Your domain will renew automatically unless you turn this off. To disable auto-renewal, go to your domains dashboard and toggle the auto-renew switch off.
Make sure you disable auto-renew at least 24 hours before the renewal date to avoid unwanted charges.
What Happens When Domains Expire
If auto-renew fails or payment doesn't go through, your domain status changes to 'past due' but stays active for 15 more days.
After this period, the domain expires and you enter a 30-day grace period. During this time, you can still reactivate your domain. After the grace period ends, you risk losing the domain permanently if someone else registers it.
To update your billing information, go to the domain details page in your dashboard and confirm or change your payment method.
Third-Party Domain Management
If you bought your domain from GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another provider, you need to manage renewals through them directly. This applies even if your domain is connected to a Squarespace site.
Squarespace can't handle billing or renewals for domains purchased elsewhere.
Grouped Domains and Billing
When you update payment information for one domain in a grouped setup, it updates for all domains in that group. If you want separate billing for different domains, ungroup them in your dashboard first.
Free Domain Renewals
Free domains that came with promotional offers need extra attention at renewal time. Switching billing plans or transferring domains between Squarespace sites can affect the promotional status and might result in renewal charges.
FAQs
How do I turn off auto-renew for my Squarespace domain?
Go to your domains dashboard, select your domain, and toggle off the auto-renew setting.
What happens if my domain expires?
You get a 30-day grace period to reactivate it. After that, you risk losing the domain permanently.
How do I update my billing information?
Go to your domain settings in the Squarespace dashboard and update your payment details there.
Can I manage third-party domains through Squarespace?
No, you need to handle renewals and billing through the original provider where you purchased the domain.
Jargon Buster
Auto-renew: Automatic renewal that keeps your domain active without manual intervention each year.
Grace Period: The 30-day window after expiry where you can still renew your domain before losing it.
Grouped Domains: Multiple domains managed under one billing profile for easier administration.
Third-party Domain: A domain purchased from a provider other than Squarespace but connected to your site.
Wrap-up
Keeping your domain active protects your online presence and prevents losing your web address. The auto-renewal system works well for most people, but understanding how to manage it gives you control over your billing and timing.
Check your domain settings regularly, especially if you have promotional domains or use third-party providers. A few minutes reviewing your renewal dates and payment methods can save you from website downtime or losing your domain entirely.
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