How to Transfer and Manage Your Domain in Squarespace: A Complete Guide
Domain transfer to Squarespace requires careful preparation and several key steps to ensure a smooth process.
Before Starting:
- Verify you're the domain administrator with access to registered email
- Check if your domain is eligible for transfer
- Avoid making contact information changes (can cause 60-day transfer lock)
- Remove any DNSSEC records
- Verify ccTLD requirements for country-specific domains
Transfer Requirements:
- Domain must be in supported TLD list
- Must be registered with current provider for 60+ days
- Domain must be active
- Cannot transfer registry premium domains or domains with 9+ years registration
- Subdomains and domains containing "squarespace" or "sqsp" are ineligible
Pricing:
- One year registration fee required (varies by TLD)
- No additional transfer fees
- Existing registration period preserved
- Includes free WHOIS privacy and SSL
Step-by-Step Transfer Process:
- Prepare Your Domain:
- Confirm administrator email access
- Unlock domain for transfer
- Obtain authorization/EPP code
- Initiate Transfer:
- Visit domains.squarespace.com
- Click "Transfer Domain"
- Enter domain name
- Create account or sign in
- Authentication:
- Verify domain unlocked status
- Enter authorization code
- Review registration details
- Confirm contact information
- Complete Purchase:
- Enter payment information
- Review terms and total cost
- Confirm transfer
- Monitor Progress:
- Check transfer status regularly
- Address any error messages
- Review DNS settings if needed
- Wait up to 15 days for completion
Post-Transfer:
- Manage domain through Squarespace dashboard
- Cancel previous provider account
- Set up email services if needed
- Connect to website or create trial site
Important Notes:
- Transfers can take 1-15 days
- Keep MX records if using custom email
- Wait until transfer completes before adding Google Workspace
- Customer support available 24/7
Troubleshooting tip: If transfer fails, you'll receive an email from Squarespace with specific instructions for resolution.
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