Your domain name is your brand’s online address. Get it wrong, and visitors end up somewhere else.
Learning how to change the domain name on Squarespace takes less than 15 minutes. Whether you are rebranding, connecting a custom URL, or fixing a typo from registration day, the process is straightforward.
Squarespace handles DNS configuration, SSL certificates, and domain verification automatically.
This guide walks through seven methods: renaming your built-in subdomain, purchasing a new domain, connecting an external domain, transferring registration, setting a primary URL, and moving domains between sites.
Each step includes exact menu paths and expected results. No technical background needed.
How to Change the Domain Name on Squarespace
Changing the domain name on Squarespace is the process of modifying, replacing, or connecting a new URL to your website through the Domains panel.
Users need this when rebranding, fixing registration mistakes, switching from a built-in subdomain, or connecting a custom domain purchased elsewhere.
This guide covers 7 methods. Most take 5 to 15 minutes for initial setup, with DNS propagation requiring up to 72 hours.
No coding experience required.
Prerequisites
Before starting, confirm you have these ready:
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Check the Numbers →- Active Squarespace account with owner or administrator permissions
- Access to your current domain registrar account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, or other provider)
- Authorization code from current provider (for transfers only)
- Payment method if purchasing a new domain
- Desktop browser or Squarespace mobile app
Time estimate: 5 to 15 minutes for configuration. Up to 72 hours for full DNS propagation.
Your domain must be unlocked and 60 days past its last transfer if you plan to move registration to Squarespace.
Step One: How Do You Access the Domains Panel in Squarespace?
The Domains panel is where all URL configuration happens. You can view connected domains, the built-in subdomain, DNS settings, and domain status from this single location.
Action
- Settings > Domains: Click the gear icon in the main menu, then select Domains
- Review current domains: See all connected domains and your built-in Squarespace URL
- Expected result: Panel displays domain options including “Get a Domain” and “Use a Domain I Own”
Purpose
This panel controls every aspect of your website address. Domain connection status, SSL certificate activation, and primary domain selection all live here.
If you need to edit your Squarespace website settings later, you will return to this same area.
Step Two: How Do You Change the Built-In Squarespace Domain?
Every Squarespace site gets a default URL like yoursite.squarespace.com. This built-in domain uses a Site ID that you can rename anytime. The .squarespace.com part stays, but the prefix changes.
Action
- Settings > Domains > Built-In Domain: Click the subdomain shown under this section
- Delete current Site ID: Remove the existing name in the text field
- Enter new Site ID: Type your preferred name (3 to 30 characters, letters, numbers, hyphens only)
- Click Rename > Confirm: Page reloads with new URL
Site ID Requirements
- 3 to 30 characters maximum
- Letters, numbers, and hyphens allowed
- No symbols or special characters
- Must be unique across all Squarespace sites
Purpose
Your Site ID appears in the browser bar when logged into the backend. It also shows in source code even after connecting a custom URL.
Pick something different from your brand name to avoid team members accidentally sharing the wrong link.
Step Three: How Do You Purchase a New Domain Through Squarespace?
Squarespace works as a domain registrar. You can search, purchase, and manage domains directly inside your account. Annual plans include one free domain for the first year.
Action
- Domains panel > Get a Domain: Click this button to open the search tool
- Search desired name: Enter your preferred URL in the search field
- Select TLD: Choose from .com, .net, .org, or other available extensions
- Complete payment: Prices range from $20 to $70 per year depending on TLD
- Expected result: New domain appears in your list with a green “Connected” label
What You Get
- WHOIS privacy protection included free
- SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt (automatic)
- DNSSEC support for added security
- Up to 100 email forwarding addresses
Purpose
Buying through Squarespace keeps everything in one place. No separate registrar login needed.
After purchase, you can change your favicon and other branding elements to match your new domain identity.
Step Four: How Do You Connect an Existing Domain From Another Provider?
Already own a domain through GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another registrar? You can link it to Squarespace without transferring the registration. The domain stays with your current provider while pointing to your Squarespace site.
Action
- Domains panel > Use a Domain I Own: Enter your full domain name and click the arrow
- Select Connect: Choose this option to keep registration with your current provider
- Copy DNS records: Squarespace displays the required A records and CNAME record values
- Update registrar settings: Log into your domain provider and paste these records into DNS management
- Return and verify: Click Verify Domain in Squarespace
DNS Records You Need
- A Record: Points to Squarespace IP address (198.185.159.144, 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144, 198.49.23.145)
- CNAME Record: www subdomain pointing to ext-cust.squarespace.com
Purpose
Connection keeps your domain registration separate from hosting. Good for users who want flexibility or have email services tied to their current registrar.
Domain verification takes minutes to 72 hours depending on DNS propagation time.
Step Five: How Do You Transfer a Domain to Squarespace?
Transferring moves your entire domain registration to Squarespace. You manage everything from one dashboard: hosting, domain, DNS settings, and renewals.
Requirements Check
- Domain is 60+ days old or past last transfer
- Domain is unlocked at current registrar
- You have the authorization code (also called EPP code or transfer key)
- TLD is supported by Squarespace
Action
- Domains panel > Use a Domain I Own: Enter domain name
- Click Transfer Domain: Select this instead of Connect
- Paste authorization code: Enter the code from your current registrar
- Confirm registration data: Verify contact information in the Registration panel
- Save and Continue: Transfer begins processing
Transfer Timeline
Takes 1 to 15 days. Speed depends on your previous provider releasing the domain.
You will receive a confirmation email from customercare@squarespace.com when complete. If you are moving from GoDaddy specifically, check out the detailed guide on how to transfer domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace.
Step Six: How Do You Set a Domain as Primary?
The primary domain appears in browser address bars, search results, and your sitemap. All other connected domains redirect to this one.
Action
- Domains panel: Locate the domain you want as primary
- Click three-dot menu (…): Opens domain options
- Select Set as Primary Domain: Confirms selection
- Expected result: Primary badge appears next to domain name
Purpose
Search engines use canonical tags to understand which URL version to index. Setting the correct primary domain prevents duplicate content issues and consolidates ranking signals.
Your built-in .squarespace.com URL cannot be set as primary once a custom domain is connected.
Step Seven: How Do You Move a Domain Between Squarespace Sites?
Own multiple Squarespace websites? You can relocate a domain from one site to another without external transfers. The domain stays within your Squarespace account.
Action
- Open domains dashboard: Access at account level, not site level
- Click your domain: Select the one you want to move
- Scroll down > Move domain: Click this option
- Select destination site: Click the thumbnail of your target website
- Click Confirm: Initiates the move
Important Notes
- Domain redirects to new site within 24 to 48 hours
- Cannot move to an expired site; reactivate first
- Email Campaigns and Scheduling subscriptions do not transfer; cancel and repurchase on new site
Verification
After completing any domain change, confirm everything works correctly.
How to Check
- Domain status: Green label in Domains panel means connected
- Browser test: Visit your domain in incognito window
- SSL check: Padlock icon appears in address bar (https://)
- Redirect test: Old URLs should forward to new primary domain
- Google Search Console: Submit new sitemap and check for crawl errors
Full propagation across all nameservers worldwide can take up to 72 hours. Most users see changes within a few hours.
Troubleshooting
Domain Shows “Pending” After 48 Hours
Solution: Verify DNS records at your registrar match Squarespace values exactly. Check for typos in A record IP addresses or CNAME values. Clear browser cache and try again.
Cannot Rename Built-In Domain
Solution: Site ID must use only letters, numbers, and hyphens (3-30 characters). Check if your desired name is already taken by another Squarespace site.
Domain Transfer Stuck After 15 Days
Solution: Contact your original registrar to confirm transfer approval. Check spam folder for authorization emails. Verify domain was unlocked before initiating transfer request.
SSL Certificate Not Working
Solution: Wait 24-48 hours after connection. Squarespace uses Let’s Encrypt for automatic SSL provisioning. If still failing, confirm domain points correctly to Squarespace in your DNS zone file.
Wrong Domain Appearing in Search Results
Solution: Set correct primary domain. Submit updated sitemap to Google Search Console. Request removal of old URLs if needed. The Google Analytics integration can help track which URLs are receiving traffic.
Related Processes
After changing your domain, you may need to update other settings:
- How to publish a Squarespace website with your new domain
- How to share a Squarespace website using the updated URL
- How to connect Squarespace domain to Shopify if running both platforms
- How to create a landing page on Squarespace for your new brand
Domain changes also affect email forwarding rules, Google Workspace configurations, and any third-party integrations using your old URL.
FAQ on How To Change The Domain Name On Squarespace
Can I change my Squarespace domain name for free?
Renaming your built-in subdomain is free and unlimited. Purchasing a new custom domain costs $20 to $70 per year depending on the TLD.
Annual plan subscribers get one free domain for the first year.
How long does it take to change a domain on Squarespace?
Initial setup takes 5 to 15 minutes. DNS propagation requires up to 72 hours for worldwide nameserver updates.
Most users see their new domain working within a few hours.
Will changing my domain affect my SEO rankings?
Yes, temporarily. Search engines need time to reindex your new URL. Set up 301 redirects from old URLs and submit an updated sitemap to Google Search Console.
Rankings typically recover within weeks.
Can I connect a domain I bought from GoDaddy or Namecheap?
Yes. Enter your domain in the Domains panel, copy the DNS records Squarespace provides, and update your A records and CNAME record at your registrar.
No transfer required.
What is the difference between connecting and transferring a domain?
Connecting keeps registration with your current provider while pointing to Squarespace. Transferring moves the entire registration to Squarespace.
Transfers take 1 to 15 days. Connections activate within 72 hours.
How do I remove .squarespace.com from my URL?
You cannot remove it entirely. The built-in domain always exists for backend access.
Connect or purchase a custom domain to display a clean URL to visitors. Set it as primary.
Why is my domain showing “Pending” status?
DNS records have not propagated yet, or values are incorrect. Verify your A record IP addresses and CNAME record match Squarespace requirements exactly.
Check your domain registrar settings for typos.
Can I use the same domain on two Squarespace sites?
No. A domain can only connect to one Squarespace site at a time.
Use the Move domain feature in your domains dashboard to relocate it between your sites.
What happens to my SSL certificate when I change domains?
Squarespace automatically provisions a new SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt for each connected domain. This process takes minutes to 24 hours.
No manual configuration needed.
Can I rename my domain after the 5-day grace period?
No. After five days, a Squarespace-purchased domain name is permanent.
Your only option is purchasing a new domain and setting it as primary. The old domain can redirect to the new one.
Conclusion
You now know how to change the domain name on Squarespace using seven different methods. Each approach serves a specific need, from quick Site ID renames to full registrar transfers.
The Squarespace Domains panel centralizes everything. Domain connection, ownership changes, and primary URL selection all happen in one place.
Remember the key timelines: 5 minutes for built-in subdomain changes, up to 15 days for domain transfers, and 72 hours maximum for DNS propagation worldwide.
Keep your authorization code ready if transferring. Verify A records and CNAME values match exactly if connecting from a third-party provider.
Your website address shapes visitor trust. Get it configured correctly, and your brand stands out from day one.
