Managing your website's domain name system (DNS) records is crucial for ensuring proper functionality. Whether you need to connect a custom domain, set up email, or verify your domain for third-party services, Squarespace provides built-in DNS management tools.
This guide will walk you through the process of adding and updating DNS records in Squarespace, covering everything from basic setup to troubleshooting common issues.
Understanding Squarespace DNS settings
Squarespace DNS settings control how your domain connects to your website. These settings allow you to manage various records, including:
- A Records: Directs your domain to a specific IP address.
- CNAME Records: Alias for another domain (e.g., pointing "www" to your main domain).
- TXT Records: Used for domain verification and email authentication.
- MX Records: Directs email traffic to the correct email provider.
Understanding these settings is essential for customizing your domain’s behavior.
How to connect a domain to Squarespace
Before adding DNS records, your domain must be properly connected to Squarespace. This setup ensures your website loads correctly when users visit your custom domain.
Find your domain registrar settings
Log in to your domain registrar account (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains). Locate the DNS or Nameserver settings in the domain management section.
Update nameservers
Replace the existing nameservers with Squarespace’s official nameservers:
| Nameserver | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary | ns1.squarespacedns.com |
| Secondary | ns2.squarespacedns.com |
| Tertiary | ns3.squarespacedns.com |
| Quaternary | ns4.squarespacedns.com |
Save changes and wait for propagation
Click “Save” or “Apply Changes” in your registrar’s settings. DNS updates can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide.
How to find DNS records on Squarespace
If you need to view or modify your existing DNS records, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Squarespace account.
- Go to Settings > Domains.
- Click on the domain you want to manage.
- Navigate to Advanced Settings or DNS Settings.
- Here, you will see all active DNS records associated with your domain.
How to create a CNAME record in Squarespace
CNAME records are useful for setting up subdomains or verifying ownership with third-party services. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to your Squarespace DNS settings.
- Click on Add Record.
- Select CNAME as the record type.
- Enter the Name (e.g., "www").
- Enter the Target (e.g., "yourdomain.squarespace.com").
- Save the record and wait for it to update.
How to add DNS records in Squarespace
To configure your domain settings, you may need to add specific DNS records such as A, CNAME, TXT, or MX records. Follow these steps to add them to Squarespace.
Access Squarespace DNS settings
Go to Settings > Domains in your Squarespace account. Click on your domain and navigate to Advanced Settings.
Select record type
Click Add Record. You will be asked to select a record type. Below is a quick overview of common record types:
| Record Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A Record | Links your domain to a specific IP address. |
| CNAME Record | Points a subdomain (e.g., www) to another domain. |
| TXT Record | Used for domain verification, security, or email authentication. |
| MX Record | Directs email traffic to an email provider’s servers. |
Enter required details
Depending on the record type, you may need to enter a hostname, value, or IP address. Ensure the details match the instructions provided by your email provider, website host, or service requiring DNS changes.
Save and verify changes
Click “Save” after entering the required values. DNS changes may take up to 24–48 hours to propagate.
DNS troubleshooting for Squarespace
If your domain isn’t working correctly, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check propagation time: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours.
- Verify nameservers: Ensure they match Squarespace’s nameservers.
- Use a DNS lookup tool: Sites like Who.is can show live DNS records.
- Check for typos: A small mistake in a CNAME or A Record can cause issues.
Useful Links
Accessing Your Squarespace-Managed Domain's DNS Settings – Learn how to access and manage DNS settings for domains registered through Squarespace.
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.
Connecting a Squarespace Domain to a Squarespace Site – Guide on connecting a domain bought through Squarespace to your website.
Connecting a Namecheap Domain to Your Squarespace Site – Instructions for integrating a Namecheap domain with your Squarespace website.
Where to Set the TTL in Squarespace DNS? – Community discussion on configuring Time To Live (TTL) settings within Squarespace's DNS management.
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Conclusion
Managing DNS records in Squarespace is essential for domain control, third-party integrations, and email configuration. This guide covered:
- How to find, add, and update DNS records.
- How to troubleshoot common DNS issues.
- How to verify domains for services like Facebook.
By mastering Squarespace’s DNS settings, you can optimize your website’s performance and ensure smooth integrations.
For more information, check Squarespace's official Help Center.