Changing your Squarespace domain name is a straightforward process, whether you are moving from a default built-in domain to a custom one or simply rebranding your existing site. If you find your current URL no longer matches your business goals or you want to fix a typo, you can swap it out through your site’s settings in just a few clicks. This guide walks you through the steps to manage your domain settings effectively without disrupting your site's availability.
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time Required | 5–10 minutes |
| Difficulty | Low |
| What You Need | Admin access to your Squarespace account |
| What You Will Achieve | An updated domain name for your website |
Before you start
Before diving into the technical changes, ensure you have a clear plan for your new domain. If you are planning to purchase a brand-new domain through Squarespace, you can do so directly within the dashboard. If you already own a domain through a third-party registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap, you will need to prepare for a DNS connection update.
Important: If you are changing your primary domain, your site will remain accessible, but it may take a few hours for the change to propagate across the internet. During this period, some users might see the old domain while others see the new one.
How to change your Squarespace domain name, step by step
Follow these steps to update the address associated with your website.
- Log in to your account: Go to the Squarespace login page and select the specific website you want to update from your dashboard.
- Access Settings: Once you are in your site manager, click on the "Settings" tab in the main menu on the left side of the screen.
- Navigate to Domains: Click on the "Domains" section to see your current address and any others you have connected or purchased.
- Select your new domain: Click on the domain you wish to make your primary address, or click "Get a Domain" if you need to register a new one.
- Set as Primary: Once the domain is added to your account, click on it and select "Set as primary domain" to make it the default address for your site visitors.
- Adjust Built-in Domain: If you are using a free mysquarespace.com domain, click on the domain name in the Settings panel to rename the prefix, which helps maintain consistency while you transition to a paid custom domain.
Wait time: After updating your primary domain, Squarespace automatically handles the SSL certificate generation. This process can take up to 24 hours to complete, during which your site remains secure but might show a temporary security warning if accessed immediately.
What to do if something goes wrong
Even a simple task can run into minor hurdles. Here are a few common issues and how to address them.
Problem: The custom domain I just added isn't loading the website.
Fix: Check your DNS settings in the Domains panel. If you are using a third-party registrar, ensure that your A records and CNAME records are pointing to the correct Squarespace IP addresses. If you need to troubleshoot connection issues, it helps to understand how technical infrastructure impacts user experience to ensure your domain is resolving as quickly as possible.
Problem: I can’t see the "Set as primary" option.
Fix: Ensure that the domain is fully verified and connected to your site. If the domain is still pending verification, you won't be able to make it the primary address.
Problem: My old domain is still showing up in search results.
Fix: Squarespace handles site-wide redirects automatically when you change your primary domain. However, you should manually update your social media links and any internal links you have placed elsewhere on the web. For those building more complex sites, understanding the features that matter for site management can help you avoid similar headaches in future projects.
What happens next
Once you have successfully updated your domain, your site will begin serving content from the new URL. It is a good practice to monitor your site's performance during this time to ensure no broken links were created during the transition. If you are setting up professional email accounts, remember that choosing between different email platforms can significantly impact your branding.
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Frequently asked questions
Will changing my domain name affect my SEO rankings?
Changing your domain name can impact your SEO, as search engines like Google need time to re-index your site. Squarespace automatically creates 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one, which helps preserve your search engine authority. You should also update your sitemap in Google Search Console after the change.
Can I use a domain I bought elsewhere?
Yes, you can connect a domain purchased from any third-party registrar to your Squarespace site. You will need to edit the DNS settings at your registrar to point to Squarespace's servers, which is a standard procedure for any modern web hosting configuration.
How long does it take for the new domain to start working?
While the change in your Squarespace dashboard is near-instant, DNS propagation, the process of updating the internet's "phonebook", can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours depending on your global location and ISP.
Is there a fee for changing my domain?
Renaming your internal Squarespace domain (the .squarespace.com address) is free. However, if you are purchasing a new custom domain, you will be subject to the standard registration fees associated with the top-level domain you choose, such as .com or .net. For more information on official domain policies, you can visit the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for details on how domain ownership and management work globally.
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