Connecting a 1&1 IONOS Domain to Squarespace Manually

Before starting, ensure you meet Squarespace's requirements for third-party domain connections.

Step 1: Start the Squarespace Connection

1. Open Domains panel
2. Click "Use your own domain"
3. Enter domain name and click arrow
4. Click "Connect domain"
5. Select "Other" from dropdown
6. Click "Continue" in the popup
7. Keep the DNS Settings panel open for reference

Step 2: Access IONOS Account

1. Log in to IONOS
2. Locate your domain
3. Click "Actions" then "DNS"

Step 3: Remove Existing Records

1. Set filter to "Show all records"
2. Delete all existing AAAA and A records
3. Click trash can icon and confirm deletion

Step 4: Add First CNAME Record

1. Click "Add record" > "CNAME"
2. Enter unique code from Squarespace in Hostname
3. Points to: verify.squarespace.com
4. TTL: 1 hour
5. Save

Step 5: Add Second CNAME Record

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

Note: If you receive an error about duplicate CNAME records, delete any existing www records and try again.

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

• Hostname: @ (for all records)
• TTL: 1 hour
• Points to (one record for each):
  • 198.185.159.144
  • 198.185.159.145
  • 198.49.23.144
  • 198.49.23.145

Important: Disable the additional www record for each A record.

Step 7: Wait for Connection

• Allow 24-72 hours for full propagation
• Monitor progress in Squarespace DNS settings
• Green tags indicate successful connections

Troubleshooting:

• Use DNS Records Checker if domain shows "Domain ownership cannot be verified"
• Contact IONOS support for account-specific issues
• Wait full 72 hours before troubleshooting connection errors

Important: Don't delete Mail or email host records as they're connected to your email service.

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