Open main menu
HomeSquarespaceWeb DesignAcademyStudioSquare Forge
Free Membership

Understanding Squarespace Domains: Registration, Transfer and Management

Learn how to register, transfer and manage domains in Squarespace without the confusion.

Table of Contents
Understanding Squarespace Domains: Registration, Transfer and Management
Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
Do not index
Do not index
Suggested Tag
Squarespace
domain registration
domain management
Tags Synced
Tags Synced
AI summary
Register or transfer domains on Squarespace easily, with free domains on annual plans. Manage everything from your dashboard, including WHOIS privacy and SSL certificates. Transfers take 1-15 days, and additional domains cost £15-40 per year. Plan ahead for smooth management and renewals.
Last edited by
Platform
Squarespace
Category
Topic

Understanding Squarespace Domains: Registration, Transfer and Management

Excerpt: Learn how to register, transfer and manage domains in Squarespace without the confusion.
Tags: Squarespace, Domains, Web Design, TLDs, Domain Registration, Domain Transfer

TL;DR: Key Points

  • You can register or transfer domains on Squarespace, with free domains included on annual plans
  • Domain transfers take 1-15 days depending on your current provider
  • Additional domains cost around £15-40 per year, with .com domains typically £15/year
  • All Squarespace domains include free WHOIS privacy and work with both www and non-www versions
  • Everything gets managed from your Squarespace dashboard

Domain Registration on Squarespace

Getting Started

You can register domains on any Squarespace plan, including the trial. Choose an annual plan and you'll get one domain free for the first year. This works with most common domain endings and saves you money upfront.

What's Available

Squarespace offers over 200 domain endings, from standard .com and .co.uk to quirky ones like .pizza or .design. Standard domains (.com, .net, .org) cost around £15 per year, while specialist endings can reach £40 per year.
Quick tip: Pick something that matches your brand and is easy to remember. Avoid hyphens and numbers if you can help it.

Transferring Existing Domains

Want to manage everything in one place? You can transfer domains from other providers to Squarespace. The process takes 1-15 days depending on where you're transferring from.

Transfer Steps

  1. Check your domain is eligible (must be registered for at least 60 days)
  1. Update your contact details and turn off WHOIS privacy at your current provider
  1. Unlock the domain and get the transfer code
  1. Start the transfer in Squarespace using this code

What to Expect

Once you start the transfer, you can't speed it up. But getting everything ready beforehand prevents delays. Your website stays online during the transfer.

Managing Domains in Squarespace

Everything happens from your Squarespace dashboard. You can renew domains, change DNS settings, or set up email forwarding without leaving the platform.

Built-in Features

Squarespace automatically:
  • Includes WHOIS privacy to hide your personal details
  • Sets up SSL certificates for security
  • Handles renewals (if you enable auto-renew)

Making Changes

Update payment details, contact information, or DNS settings from the Domains panel. Changes to DNS can take up to 24 hours to work properly across the internet.

Common Questions

Can I buy domains on monthly plans? Yes, but you'll pay the full price. The free domain only comes with annual plans.
What if I change my mind? You can cancel and get a refund within 5 days of registration. After that, no refunds are available.
How do I update my payment details? Go to Settings > Billing in your Squarespace account and update your payment method there.
Can I use a domain I already own? Yes, either transfer it to Squarespace or connect it while keeping it at your current provider.

Jargon Explained

TLD (Top-Level Domain): The bit after the dot (.com, .co.uk, .design). Different TLDs cost different amounts.
WHOIS: A public database showing who owns each domain. Privacy protection hides your personal details from this database.
DNS (Domain Name System): The system that connects your domain name to your website. Think of it as the internet's address book.
Domain Transfer: Moving your domain from one company (like GoDaddy) to another (like Squarespace).
Auto-Renew: Automatically pays for your domain each year so you don't lose it by forgetting to renew.

Getting It Right

Squarespace makes domain management simple. You get privacy protection, SSL certificates, and easy management tools without extra cost. Whether you're registering a new domain or moving an existing one, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.
The key is planning ahead. Choose a domain that works long-term, enable auto-renew so you don't lose it, and keep your contact details current. Everything else, Squarespace handles for you.

Join our Free Membership and access our DIY Community.

Need help with your website

Become a member