How to Change Your Domain on Squarespace

Contents

Connecting vs. Transferring a Domain
How to Change Your Domain
Redirecting Your Old Domain
SEO Impact of Changing Your Domain
Troubleshooting Common Domain Issues
Managing Your Domain in Squarespace
Website Branding & Custom Domains
Useful Links
Final Thoughts

Changing your website’s domain on Squarespace is a crucial step that can impact branding, SEO, and user experience. Whether you’re rebranding, switching to a custom domain, or improving your website’s visibility, this guide will walk you through the entire process.

We’ll cover both connecting a domain to Squarespace and transferring a domain to Squarespace, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition.

Connecting vs. Transferring a Domain on Squarespace

Before changing your domain, it’s essential to understand the two main options available:

Connecting a domain: Your domain remains registered with a third-party provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap), and you point it to your Squarespace website using DNS settings.
Transferring a domain: This moves your domain registration entirely to Squarespace, allowing you to manage everything in one place.

Both methods work, but transferring your domain to Squarespace makes domain management easier since everything is handled within your account.

✅ If your domain is already registered with Squarespace, you can simply change the primary domain settings without additional steps.

How to Change Your Domain on Squarespace

Now that you understand your options, let’s go through the step-by-step process of changing your Squarespace domain. Whether you are connecting or transferring a domain, the steps begin in the Squarespace settings.

1. Accessing Domain Settings

First, log into your Squarespace account. From your dashboard, go to Settings > Domains. Here, you’ll find the option to add a new domain.

2. Adding Your New Domain

Click on “Use a Domain I Own”, then enter your new domain name. Squarespace will prompt you to either connect or transfer the domain.

3. Connecting a Domain to Squarespace

If you choose to connect your existing domain without transferring it, follow these steps:

Choose “Connect Domain” in Squarespace.
Squarespace will display the required DNS settings, including A records and CNAME records.
Log into your domain registrar’s account (e.g., GoDaddy, Google Domains).
Find the DNS management section and update the records to match those provided by Squarespace.
Save your changes and wait for DNS propagation, which may take up to 72 hours.

Once the DNS changes take effect, your Squarespace website will be accessible through your new domain.

⚡ Some domain registrars have extra security features (like DNSSEC) that can interfere with domain connections. Disable them temporarily if you face issues connecting your domain.

4. Transferring a Domain to Squarespace

If you prefer to fully transfer your domain to Squarespace, follow these steps:

Select “Transfer Domain” in Squarespace.
Retrieve the authorization code (EPP code) from your current domain registrar.
Enter the code into Squarespace and confirm the transfer.
Approve the transfer request via email (your current registrar may ask for confirmation).
Wait for the process to complete (usually takes a few days).

Once the transfer is finalized, Squarespace will handle renewals, DNS management, and domain settings.

5. Verifying Your Domain

After connecting or transferring, Squarespace will verify that you own the domain. Verification methods may include:

Confirming a verification email from your domain provider.
Ensuring that your updated DNS records match Squarespace’s settings.

If verification fails, double-check your DNS settings and try again.

6. Setting Your Primary Domain

Once your new domain is connected and verified, go to Settings > Domains, then set it as your Primary Domain. This ensures all website visitors are directed to the correct address.

Redirecting Your Old Domain

After changing your domain, it’s important to redirect your old domain to avoid broken links and SEO issues. You can do this by setting up a 301 redirect at your registrar.

If your old domain is still active, set up domain forwarding to automatically send visitors to your new domain.
If your old domain was managed by Squarespace, you can enable forwarding within Settings > Domains.

💡 301 redirects tell search engines that your website has permanently moved, helping to preserve SEO rankings.

SEO Impact of Changing Your Domain

Switching to a new domain may temporarily impact your SEO rankings. To minimize any negative effects, follow these best practices:

Set up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one.
Update Google Search Console and use the Change of Address tool.
Update internal links throughout your website.
Check for broken links using an online SEO audit tool.

✅ Keeping your old domain active with a redirect for at least a year helps retain SEO rankings and ensures that visitors still reach your website even if they use outdated links.

Troubleshooting Common Domain Issues

Sometimes, domain changes don’t go as planned. Here are some common problems and solutions:

DNS changes not taking effect: Allow up to 72 hours for DNS propagation.
Incorrect DNS settings: Double-check that your DNS records match those provided by Squarespace.
Domain transfer delays: Ensure your domain isn’t locked by your current registrar.

⚡ If your website isn’t loading after updating your domain, clear your browser cache or test from a different device.

Managing Your Domain in Squarespace

Squarespace provides a centralized dashboard for managing domains. You can access it under Settings > Domains to:

Update DNS records.
Set up domain forwarding.
Manage renewals and transfers.

Website Branding & Custom Domains

Changing your domain is more than a technical update—it affects your branding and online identity. To ensure a smooth transition:

Choose a domain name that aligns with your brand and audience.
Update your email signatures, social media profiles, and business listings.
Notify your customers and clients of the change.

Useful Links

Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Site – This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to connect a domain purchased from another provider to your Squarespace website.

Transferring a Domain to a Squarespace Site – Learn how to transfer your domain registration to Squarespace for streamlined management within your account.

Moving a Squarespace Domain Between Squarespace Sites – This article explains how to move a domain registered with Squarespace from one Squarespace site to another.

Connecting a WordPress Domain to Your Squarespace Site – If your domain is registered with WordPress, this guide details the process of connecting it to your Squarespace website.

Transferring a Domain Away from Squarespace – Should you need to move your domain to another provider, this resource outlines the necessary steps.

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Final Thoughts

Changing your domain on Squarespace is a straightforward process, but careful planning is essential to avoid downtime and SEO disruptions. Whether you’re connecting a new domain or transferring an existing one, following the correct steps will ensure a seamless transition.

By setting up redirects, verifying DNS records, and keeping search engines updated, you can successfully change your Squarespace domain while maintaining your website’s visibility and performance.