
How to Manually Connect IONOS Domain to Squarespace: Step-by-Step Guide
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
- Open Domains panel
- Click "Use your own domain"
- Enter domain name and click arrow
- Click "Connect domain"
- Select "Other" from dropdown
- Click "Continue" in the popup
- Keep the DNS Settings panel open for reference
Step 2: Access IONOS Account
- Log in to IONOS
- Locate your domain
- Click "Actions" then "DNS"
Step 3: Remove Existing Records
- Set filter to "Show all records"
- Delete all existing AAAA and A records
- Click trash can icon and confirm deletion
Step 4: Add First CNAME Record
- Click "Add record" > "CNAME"
- Enter unique code from Squarespace in Hostname
- Points to: verify.squarespace.com
- TTL: 1 hour
- Save
Step 5: Add Second CNAME Record
- Click "Add record" > "CNAME"
- Hostname: www
- Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com
- TTL: 1 hour
- 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.

Screenshot of instructions
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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