How to Manually Connect a 1&1 IONOS Domain to Squarespace: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Manually Connect a 1&1 IONOS Domain to Squarespace: Step-by-Step Guide

By Michael Thompson

March 15, 2025 at 10:05 PM

Connect a 1&1 IONOS Domain to Squarespace Manually

Follow these steps to manually connect your IONOS domain to Squarespace when automatic connection fails:

Step 1: Start Connection in Squarespace

  1. Go to Domains panel
  2. Click "Use a domain I own"
  3. Enter your domain name
  4. Click "Connect domain"
  5. Select "Other" from dropdown
  6. Click "Continue"
  7. Keep the DNS Settings panel open

Step 2: Access IONOS Account

  1. Log into your IONOS account
  2. Locate your domain
  3. Click Actions > DNS

Step 3: Remove Existing Records

  1. Set filter to "Display All Records"
  2. Delete all existing AAAA and A records

Step 4: Add First CNAME Record

  1. Click "Add record" > CNAME
  2. Host Name: [paste unique code from Squarespace]
  3. Points to: verify.squarespace.com
  4. TTL: 1 hour
  5. Save

Step 5: Add Second CNAME Record

  1. Click "Add record" > CNAME
  2. Host Name: www
  3. Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com
  4. TTL: 1 hour
  5. Save

Squarespace DNS configuration screen

Squarespace DNS configuration screen

Step 6: Add A Records Add four A records with these settings:

  1. Host Name: @
  2. Points to: [use each IP below]
    • 198.185.159.144
    • 198.185.159.145
    • 198.49.23.144
    • 198.49.23.145
  3. TTL: 1 hour
  4. Disable additional www record for each

Step 7: Wait for Connection

  1. Allow 24-72 hours for full propagation
  2. Monitor progress in Squarespace DNS Settings
  3. Check for green labels indicating successful connection

Troubleshooting:

  • Use DNS checker tool if "Can't verify domain ownership" appears
  • Contact IONOS support for account-specific issues
  • Don't delete Mail/Email host records to preserve email service

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