Map your third-party domain to Squarespace while maintaining registration with your original provider. This guide explains the DNS connection process for most domain providers.

Before You Start

Requirements:

• Active domain registration with a third-party provider
• Full DNS access through your provider
• Default nameservers from your provider

Features:

• Works with trial or paid Squarespace sites
• Maintains existing email services
• Supports multiple custom domains

Limitations:

• Cannot connect to specific pages
• Cannot connect to parking pages
• Domain names containing "squarespace" or "sqsp" not supported
• Special characters may display differently in some browsers

Connection Steps

1. Start Squarespace Connection:

• Go to Domains panel
• Click "Use your own domain"
• Enter domain name
• Select provider from dropdown
• Click "Connect domain"

2. Access DNS Settings:

• Keep Squarespace DNS settings panel open
• Note required records for configuration

3. Configure Provider DNS:

• Log into domain provider account
• Locate DNS management section
• Add/modify the following records:

4. Add CNAME Records:

• First CNAME:

  • Host: [unique verification code]
  • Points to: verify.squarespace.com

• Second CNAME:

  • Host: www
  • Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com

5. Add A Records:

• Create four A records with "@" host, pointing to:
  • 198.185.159.144
  • 198.185.159.145
  • 198.185.159.146
  • 198.185.159.147

6. Wait for Connection:

• Allow 24-72 hours for propagation
• Monitor connection status in Domain Overview panel
• Check SSL certificate generation

Troubleshooting

If you see DNS errors:

• Use DNS checker tool in settings panel
• Verify CNAME and A records
• Contact provider support if needed
• Consider consulting Squarespace Experts

Connection typically completes within 72 hours. Monitor the Domain Overview panel for status updates and potential error messages.

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