Transfer Your Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- You can move a domain from another provider to manage it within Squarespace
- The process involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code, and confirming your registration details
- Transferring costs the standard renewal fee and extends your domain registration by one year
- Not all domains can be transferred – check if your domain type is supported first
- The transfer typically takes up to 15 days to complete
Before You Start
Check if your domain is eligible for transfer to Squarespace. Not all domain types are supported, so verify your domain's top-level domain (like .com or .org) is on Squarespace's supported list.
Make sure your domain has been registered for at least 60 days with your current provider. This is a standard requirement that prevents transfers during the initial lock-in period.
Remove any DNSSEC records from your domain before starting. These can cause transfer failures, so it's worth checking with your current provider if you're unsure whether these are active.
Getting Your Domain Ready
Unlock Your Domain
Contact your current domain provider to unlock your domain for transfer. Most providers have this option in their control panel, but some require you to contact support directly.
Get Your Authorization Code
You'll need an authorization code (also called an EPP code or transfer key) from your current provider. This code proves you own the domain and have permission to transfer it. Some providers email this code automatically, while others require you to generate it in your account dashboard.
Starting the Transfer in Squarespace
Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the Domains panel. Choose "Use a domain I own" and enter your domain name.
When prompted, select the transfer option and enter your authorization code. Squarespace will verify the code and check if your domain is ready for transfer.
Add your billing information if you haven't already. The transfer fee extends your domain registration by one year at the standard renewal rate.
Confirming Your Details
Review your domain's contact information in the registration panel. Make sure your name, email address, and other details are correct and up to date.
Any changes you make here will sync once the transfer completes. It's easier to fix these details now rather than after the transfer.
Double-check your payment details and confirm the transfer fee. Once you submit the transfer request, Squarespace will begin the process with your current registrar.
What Happens Next
The transfer typically takes up to 15 days to complete, though many finish sooner. You can check the status in your Domains panel.
If there are any issues, such as the domain still being locked or incorrect authorization codes, you'll need to resolve these with your current provider before the transfer can proceed.
Once the transfer completes, you can manage all your domain settings directly from Squarespace. This includes DNS settings, email forwarding, and domain renewals.
Your domain may take up to 48 hours to fully propagate after the transfer, so don't worry if there are brief periods where your site isn't accessible during this time.
FAQs
Can I transfer any domain to Squarespace?
Squarespace supports many common domain types but not all. Check their supported domain list to verify your specific domain extension is compatible.
How long does a domain transfer take?
Transfers typically complete within 15 days, though many finish within a few days. The exact timing depends on your current registrar's processing speed.
What if my transfer fails?
Most transfer failures happen because the domain is still locked or the authorization code is incorrect. Check these details with your current provider and try again.
Will my website go down during the transfer?
No, your website should remain accessible throughout the transfer process. The transfer only moves domain management, not hosting.
Jargon Buster
Authorization Code (EPP Code): A security code required to transfer a domain between registrars. It proves you own the domain and have permission to move it.
DNS Settings: The technical settings that tell the internet where to find your website and email when someone visits your domain.
Domain Registrar: The company where you registered your domain name. This is who you're transferring from.
TLD (Top-Level Domain): The ending part of your domain name, like .com, .org, or .co.uk.
Wrap-up
Transferring your domain to Squarespace centralises your website and domain management in one place. While the process involves several steps, Squarespace's clear interface makes it straightforward to complete.
Once transferred, you'll have everything in one dashboard – your website, domain settings, and renewals. This makes it much easier to manage your online presence and means you won't need to juggle multiple provider accounts.
The transfer extends your domain registration by a year, so you're not losing any time on your existing registration. You're simply moving management to a platform that works better with your Squarespace site.
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