Transfer Your Domain from Network Solutions to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Network Solutions domain transfers to Squarespace take 5-15 days to complete
- You'll need to unlock your domain and get an authorization code from Network Solutions
- The transfer adds one year to your domain registration and costs extra
- Keep your contact details accurate throughout the process to avoid delays
- You can cancel the transfer while it's still pending if needed
Moving your domain from Network Solutions to Squarespace puts everything in one place. You'll manage your domain settings and billing through Squarespace once the transfer completes.
Here's what you need to know about each step.
Check Your Contact Information First
Log into your Network Solutions account and verify your contact details are correct. Pay special attention to your email address since you'll receive transfer confirmations and codes there.
Make sure the domain's primary contact and WHOIS contact are the same person. You can double-check the email address listed for your domain using a public WHOIS lookup tool like the ICANN lookup or Tucows.
Unlock Your Domain and Get the Authorization Code
Your domain needs to be unlocked before it can transfer. In Network Solutions, go to the Domain Names section and select your domain. Change the domain status to "Unlocked" if it isn't already.
Request the authorization code while you're there. You'll need this code when you start the transfer process in Squarespace.
Start the Transfer in Squarespace
Switch over to your Squarespace account and go to the Domains panel. Choose "Use a domain I own" and enter your domain name.
When prompted, enter the authorization code you got from Network Solutions. This kicks off the transfer process.
Confirm Your Registration Details
Check that your registration information looks correct in the Squarespace interface. Fix any outdated contact information now to prevent problems later.
Set Up Payment
You'll need to confirm your payment details for the transfer. This process automatically adds one more year to your domain registration, which gets billed through your Squarespace account.
The cost varies depending on your domain's extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.).
Review Your Order
Before you finalize everything, review the order details. Make sure the payment information is correct and you understand the transfer terms.
Wait for Network Solutions to Approve
After you submit the transfer request, Network Solutions will contact you to approve it. You can actively approve the transfer right away, or let it automatically approve after five days if you don't respond.
Monitor the Transfer Status
Keep an eye on your transfer status in the Squarespace Domains panel. If Squarespace flags any issues, like the domain still being locked or needing the authorization code again, sort those out quickly.
Handle DNS Settings If Needed
You don't have to change your DNS settings during the transfer, but you can adjust them afterwards if needed. Once the transfer completes, you'll manage all DNS records like MX, TXT, and A records through your Squarespace panel.
Complete the Transfer
The final step is just waiting. Network Solutions will release the domain to Squarespace within 5-15 days typically.
Don't change your domain settings during this waiting period. It can cause complications with the transfer.
FAQs
What does it cost to transfer a domain to Squarespace?
You'll pay for one additional year of domain registration. The exact cost depends on your domain's extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.).
What if my domain transfer fails?
Contact Squarespace support. Failed transfers usually happen because of incorrect registration details or authorization problems, which support can help you fix.
Can I cancel my domain transfer after starting it?
Yes, you can cancel while the transfer is still pending. Look for the cancel option in your domain's settings in your Squarespace account.
How long does the transfer take?
Most transfers complete within 5-15 days, but some can take longer if there are issues with approval or verification.
Will my website go down during the transfer?
No, your website should stay online during the transfer process. The transfer only changes who manages your domain registration.
Jargon Buster
Domain Transfer – Moving control of a domain from one registrar to another
Authorization Code – A security code from your current registrar that proves you own the domain and can transfer it
DNS Settings – Technical settings that tell the internet where to find your website and email
TLD – Top-Level Domain, the part after the dot like .com, .net, or .org
WHOIS – A public database that shows who owns internet domains
Wrap-up
Transferring your domain from Network Solutions to Squarespace puts all your website management in one place. The process is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully and keep your contact information up to date.
Most transfers go smoothly, but if you hit any snags, both Network Solutions and Squarespace have support teams that can help you through the process.
Ready to streamline your website management? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more Squarespace tips and tutorials.