Learning how to change domain on Squarespace is essential when rebranding your business or updating your online presence. This step-by-step guide walks you through changing your primary domain, managing domain settings, and connecting or replacing domains with ease.
Understanding Squarespace Domain Management
Squarespace allows you to connect, register, and configure domains directly within your account. You can either purchase a new domain through Squarespace or connect one from a third-party registrar.
Primary domain. This is the main address visitors will use to access your website. You can assign any connected domain as primary.
Built-in domain. All Squarespace websites come with a default URL ending in .squarespace.com, which can’t be removed but can be hidden.
How to Access Domain Settings in Squarespace
To change anything related to your domain, start by accessing the right section of your Squarespace dashboard:
- Log into your Squarespace account.
- In the Home Menu, click Settings.
- Click Domains to view all connected domains.
How to Change Primary Domain on Squarespace
Changing your primary domain ensures your audience always lands on the correct version of your website. It also improves SEO and maintains a consistent brand image. If you’re wondering how to change domain on Squarespace so that it becomes your website’s main address, follow these steps:
- From your dashboard, go to Settings > Domains.
- Review the list of connected domains. Make sure the one you want to use is fully connected and marked as “Connected.”
- Click on the domain you wish to make the primary one.
- Select Make Primary Domain—you'll see a confirmation dialog appear.
- Confirm the change. Squarespace will now use this domain as the default for your website.
Once set, all traffic from your previous domains (including the built-in .squarespace.com domain and any additional custom domains) will automatically redirect to the new primary domain.
When should you do this? Typically, after purchasing a new domain, completing a rebrand, or connecting a domain from an external registrar, you should update your primary domain to reflect your new online identity.
Connect a New Domain to Squarespace
If you want to use a completely new domain, you can either purchase one through Squarespace or connect one from a domain provider.
To purchase a domain from Squarespace:
- Go to Settings > Domains.
- Click Get a Domain.
- Search for your preferred name and follow the checkout steps.
To connect a third-party domain:
- Go to Settings > Domains and click Use a Domain I Own.
- Enter your domain name and choose your registrar.
- Follow the instructions to update your DNS settings.
How to Change Your Squarespace Default URL
If you want to stop using the built-in domain (like example.squarespace.com) and fully switch to your custom domain:
- Connect your custom domain as shown above.
- Assign it as the primary domain.
- Make sure your site is set to public for proper indexing.
Edit an Existing Domain Name in Squarespace
You cannot directly rename a domain. However, you can replace it with a new one:
- Purchase or connect a new domain.
- Set the new domain as primary.
- Remove or let the old domain expire if no longer needed.
Transfer Domain Ownership in Squarespace
If you need to transfer your domain to another person or platform:
- Go to Settings > Domains and select the domain.
- Click Transfer Out to unlock the domain and receive the transfer authorization code.
- Use this code with your new registrar to initiate the transfer.
Troubleshooting Domain Change Issues
If you're experiencing issues after making updates and wondering how to change domain on Squarespace correctly, here are the most common problems and how to fix them effectively:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Domain not resolving | Make sure your DNS settings are configured correctly. Go to Settings > Domains, click the affected domain, and verify that the A and CNAME records match Squarespace's requirements. If using a third-party registrar, double-check that the domain is properly connected and the records aren't overwritten by other services. Propagation may take up to 72 hours, but most changes take effect within a few hours. |
| SSL certificate pending | SSL setup usually completes within a few hours of changing your domain. If it remains pending for over 72 hours, ensure that the domain is pointing to Squarespace's IP addresses. Domains not pointing correctly can block SSL generation. Also, try removing and re-adding the domain if the status is stuck, then contact Squarespace support for manual intervention. |
| Old domain still showing | This can happen if the old domain is still set as the primary one. Go to Settings > Domains and ensure your new domain is set as Primary Domain. Also, clear your browser cache and restart your browser. In some cases, it helps to visit the website in incognito mode to bypass cached redirects. |
| Page redirects not working | If you're using URL mappings or expecting automatic redirects, ensure that the old domain still exists in your settings and is not removed prematurely. Squarespace automatically redirects all connected domains to the primary one, but manual mappings can be added via Settings > Advanced > URL Mappings for more control. |
| Connected domain shows a registrar page | This usually means your domain’s DNS is not pointing to Squarespace yet. Log into your domain registrar and update the DNS records to match Squarespace’s setup: use the correct A records and CNAME entries. Then return to Squarespace to confirm the connection under Settings > Domains. |
Useful Links
Setting a Primary Domain – Learn how to designate a primary domain for your Squarespace site, ensuring visitors reach your preferred web address.
Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Site – Step-by-step instructions for linking a domain purchased from another provider to your Squarespace website.
Changing Domain Ownership – Guidance on transferring domain ownership within Squarespace, whether to another person or account.
Site Launch Checklist – A comprehensive checklist to ensure your site is ready for launch, covering content, design, functionality, and SEO.
Built-in Domains – Information about the default Squarespace domain ending in .squarespace.com, including how to manage or hide it.
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Conclusion
Understanding how to change Squarespace domain name makes it easier to rebrand, switch URLs, or improve your website’s visibility. Use the domain settings panel to connect a new domain, assign it as primary, and manage DNS properly. A smooth transition depends on verifying your settings and ensuring everything points to the right destination.
