Decide if you should move or connect a third-party domain.

If your domain is hosted by a third-party provider (like GoDaddy, 1&1, or Hover), you can use it with a Squarespace site by transferring it or connecting it. Usually, we recommend transferring your domain. This way, you can manage all aspects of your site from one service instead of two, and Squarespace can help with any issues with your domain directly. Connecting (also known as “domain mapping”) keeps your domain with your current host while pointing it to your Squarespace site. This guide explains the differences between the options.

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Note for Google domains customers

If your domain was hosted with Google Domains, your domain has moved to Squarespace and there's no need to take action to transfer or connect it.

Squarespace is your new domain host, and you'll manage your domain and its settings in a Squarespace account. For more information and answers to common questions, visit About the Google Domains migration to Squarespace.

Transferring a domain to Squarespace (Recommended)

Transferring a domain lets you manage both your domain and website through Squarespace. When you transfer a domain from another provider (such as GoDaddy, Hover, etc.) to Squarespace, your domain will be managed by us, and you can access all DNS settings from your domains dashboard.

Benefits

• Manage your domain’s DNS and billing options within your Squarespace site.
• All domains connected and pointing to Squarespace include free SSL certificates.
• All Squarespace domains include free Whois privacy.
• If your site is on an annual payment plan, you may be eligible for a free year of domain service.

Limitations

• Your domain’s TLD must be on our list of available TLDs, which excludes most country TLDs.
• Squarespace can’t accept registry premium domains.
• Your domain must be registered with the current provider for at least 60 days.
• Your domain must have a registration term shorter than nine years.

To learn more and get started, visit Transferring a domain to Squarespace.

Connecting a domain to Squarespace

If you’re unable to transfer your domain, you can connect the domain instead. This is also called “domain mapping.” Your current provider continues hosting your domain, but by adjusting a few DNS records, you can point the domain to Squarespace. This requires keeping hosting service active with your domain provider.

Limitations

• DNS settings are managed through your provider and can’t be accessed through Squarespace.
• You’ll need your website set up across two separate companies: Squarespace and your domain provider. 
• Your domain provider must offer full access to your domain’s DNS settings.
• While we can suggest ways to request help from your domain provider, we may not be able to troubleshoot provider-specific settings.

To learn more and get started, visit Connecting a third-party domain to your Squarespace site.

Should I transfer my domain or connect it?

If your domain meets our transfer requirements, we highly recommend transferring it. Transferring lets you manage your domain settings along with your other site settings. To learn more and get started, visit Transferring a domain to Squarespace.

If your domain doesn’t meet our transfer requirements, or if you have a complex registration setup, connecting to Squarespace is a good alternative. Note that even if your domain is currently connected to a Squarespace site, you can transfer it to Squarespace if it’s eligible. To learn more and get started, visit Connecting a third-party domain to your Squarespace site.