Transferring a domain away from Squarespace is a straightforward process, but it requires following specific steps to ensure your site remains accessible and your data stays intact. Whether you are moving to a new registrar for better pricing or to consolidate your digital assets, you must first unlock your domain and obtain an authorization code from the Squarespace dashboard.
This guide outlines exactly how to transfer a domain from Squarespace, including important prerequisites and what you should expect during the transition period.
Quick Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Required | 5–7 business days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| What You Need | Access to your Squarespace account and the new registrar |
| What You Achieve | Successful domain transfer to your preferred provider |
Before You Start: Prerequisites for Transfer
Before you begin the technical process, ensure your domain is eligible for transfer. Most registrars, including Squarespace, follow rules set by ICANN regarding domain movement.
- Registration Age: Your domain must have been registered or transferred to Squarespace at least 60 days ago. If you registered it very recently, you must wait until this period expires.
- Account Status: Ensure your Squarespace account is active and in good standing. Outstanding billing issues can occasionally cause delays.
- Contact Information: Check that the administrative email address associated with your domain is current. You will receive critical notifications and the authorization code at this address.
- DNS Stability: Avoid making major DNS changes immediately before a transfer, as this can sometimes cause propagation issues during the move.
How to Transfer a Domain from Squarespace, Step by Step
Follow these steps to move your domain registration to another provider.
Step 1: Sign in to your Squarespace account
Log in to your account and navigate to the “Domains” panel. This is located under the “Settings” menu of your specific site dashboard.
Step 2: Disable the Privacy Lock
Select the domain you wish to transfer. Scroll down until you see the “Unlock Domain” or “Domain Lock” toggle. You must turn this off.
Squarespace requires you to explicitly unlock the domain before an authorization code can be generated.
Step 3: Request the Authorization Code
Once the domain is unlocked, look for the option that says “Send Authorization Code” or “Transfer Info.” Squarespace will send a unique string of characters, often called an Auth Code, EPP code, or Transfer Key, to the administrator email address on file.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer at Your New Registrar
Log in to your new domain registrar. Locate their “Transfer Domain” or “Incoming Transfer” portal. Enter your domain name and the authorization code you received from Squarespace.
You will likely be prompted to pay a registration fee, which usually includes a one-year extension for your domain.
Step 5: Confirm and Wait
Your new registrar will submit the request to the registry. You may receive a confirmation email from either Squarespace or the new registrar asking you to approve the move. Follow the instructions provided to finalize your request.
Important: The transfer process typically takes between five and seven business days. During this time, your website should continue to function normally, but you should avoid making changes to your domain settings.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even with a clear process, technical hurdles can occur. Here is how to handle common issues.
- Problem: You did not receive the authorization code email.
- Fix: Check your spam or junk folders. If it is not there, verify that your administrative contact email is correct within your Squarespace domain settings. You can manually re-trigger the email from the domain management panel.
- Problem: The transfer is denied or stuck.
- Fix: Ensure your domain isn’t in a “pending delete” status or subject to a UDRP dispute. If you encounter a specific error message, contact the new registrar’s support team; they can often see exactly why the registry rejected the transfer request.
- Problem: Your website goes offline.
- Fix: If you are moving your hosting provider as well as your domain, ensure your DNS records (specifically your A and CNAME records) are correctly configured at the new destination before the transfer completes. Understanding how your web host impacts your site’s speed is essential for a smooth transition.
What Happens Next
Once the five-to-seven-day window passes, the registry will finalize the transfer. Your domain will move from your Squarespace account to your new registrar’s management interface. At this point, your Squarespace domain subscription will be canceled automatically.
It is a good practice to log in to your new registrar immediately to verify that your DNS settings migrated correctly. If your previous site relied on specific email hosting through Squarespace, ensure you have set up new email forwarding or hosting services to prevent any service interruptions. If you are exploring new hosting options, you might find that choosing the right features for your WordPress site makes the management of your new site significantly easier.
If you are looking for reliable performance for your next project, you can get started with Hostinger using code hHostCouponHub for 85% OFF in 2026. They offer extensive tools for managing your domain and hosting in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the transfer process stop my website from working?
Generally, no. As long as your DNS records remain pointed correctly, your website will stay active throughout the transfer period. If you change your name servers during the transfer, however, you may experience downtime.
Will I lose my remaining time on my domain registration?
No. According to ICANN transfer policies, your existing registration term is preserved, and the transfer usually adds one additional year to your current expiration date.
What if I cannot access my authorization code?
If you are locked out of your Squarespace account or the email address on file is inaccessible, you must contact Squarespace customer support directly. They will require proof of ownership to help you regain access to your account settings.
Can I transfer my domain if I have hosting attached to it?
Yes, but remember that the domain transfer only moves the registration. It does not move your website files or your hosting plan. If you are moving everything, you must separately migrate your website data to your new host.
Before making the move, it is worth comparing the specific benefits of cloud-based hosting solutions to see if they fit your new setup better than your current plan.
Claim Your Discount
Moving to a new registrar is a great time to evaluate your hosting needs. Whether you are scaling up or starting fresh, finding a provider that offers stable performance is key to long-term success.
Claim Your Hostinger Discount →
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links or coupon code on this page, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
