What Happens to Your Domain After Canceling Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Your domain doesn't automatically expire when you cancel Squarespace – it will auto-renew
- You have four options: keep it with Squarespace, move it to another site, transfer it elsewhere, or cancel it
- Legacy domains (free ones from before March 2015) need special attention during cancellation
- Third-party domains must be disconnected before you cancel your subscription
When you cancel your Squarespace subscription, what happens to your domain depends on how it was originally registered. Here's what you need to know about each type.
Squarespace Registered Domains
If you bought your domain through Squarespace, you have several options:
Keep Your Domain with Squarespace
Your domain stays yours and will auto-renew on its scheduled date. It remains linked to your canceled site until you redirect it somewhere else. This means visitors will still see your old site content until you make changes.
Move to Another Squarespace Site
You can transfer your domain to a different Squarespace site before ending your subscription. This works well if you're consolidating multiple sites or starting fresh with a new design.
Transfer Your Domain
If you want to use a different provider, start the transfer process before your subscription ends. Most domain transfers take 5-7 days to complete, so don't leave this until the last minute.
Cancel Your Domain
Turn off auto-renew if you no longer need the domain. It will expire at the end of the current billing cycle. Once a domain expires, removing DNS records makes it completely unresponsive until someone else potentially registers it.
Legacy Squarespace Domains
If you got a free domain before March 5, 2015, special rules apply:
- These domains renew for free while linked to an active Squarespace site on an annual plan
- When you cancel your site, you can either let the domain expire or convert it to a paid domain
- Converting to paid status costs £20 upon renewal, but gives you full control over the domain
Third-Party Domains
For domains purchased elsewhere (like GoDaddy or Namecheap):
- Disconnect them from your Squarespace site before you cancel
- If you've already canceled but the domain is still linked, you'll need to contact Squarespace support to detach it
- These domains aren't affected by your Squarespace cancellation – they'll continue under your original provider's terms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't assume your domain will just disappear when you cancel. Many people are surprised by auto-renewal charges months after canceling their website.
If you're transferring to a new provider, start the process early. Domain transfers can fail if your Squarespace subscription expires mid-transfer.
For third-party domains, disconnecting them is your responsibility. Squarespace won't automatically do this when you cancel.
FAQs
Can I keep my Squarespace domain after canceling my subscription?
Yes, it will continue to auto-renew on its scheduled date. You'll be charged the standard domain renewal fee.
What should I do if I have a legacy free domain attached to my canceled site?
You can either let it expire or convert it to a paid domain during the cancellation process. Converting costs £20 but gives you ongoing control.
How do I transfer my domain to a new provider?
Start the transfer process with your new provider before ending your Squarespace subscription. You'll need to unlock the domain and get an authorization code from Squarespace.
Will my emails stop working if I cancel my Squarespace subscription?
If you're using Squarespace's email service, yes. Set up email with your new provider before canceling to avoid disruption.
Jargon Buster
Domain: Your website's address on the internet, like yourbusiness.com
Auto-renew: Automatic renewal of your domain registration when it's due to expire
DNS records: Settings that tell browsers where to find your website and email
Third-party domain: A domain registered through a company other than Squarespace
Domain transfer: Moving your domain registration from one provider to another
Wrap-up
Your domain often has value beyond your current website, so think carefully about what to do with it. Whether you keep it for future projects, transfer it to a new provider, or let it expire depends on your specific situation.
The key is planning ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to decide – especially if you're transferring to a new provider or need to disconnect third-party domains.
Ready to take control of your domain management? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance on website transitions and domain management.