How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace

Managing your domain in one place with your website makes everything simpler. Billing, DNS settings, SSL certificates, all under one roof.

Learning how to transfer domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace takes about 15 minutes of active work. The full process completes in 5-15 days.

This guide walks you through each step: unlocking your domain, getting the authorization code, initiating the transfer in Squarespace, and verifying completion.

You will also find troubleshooting solutions for common issues like rejected EPP codes and locked domain errors.

No technical background needed. Just follow the exact paths and settings outlined in each step.

Introduction

Transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace is the process of moving your domain registration from one registrar to another so you can manage everything in one place.

Users need this when consolidating website management, simplifying billing, or preparing to build a website on Squarespace.

This guide covers 8 steps requiring 15-30 minutes of active work and 5-15 days for full completion.

Prerequisites

Before you start the domain transfer process, confirm you have everything ready.

• GoDaddy account with active login credentials
• Squarespace account (free trial or paid plan works)
• Domain registered for more than 60 days (ICANN requirement)
• Access to your administrative contact email
• 15-30 minutes for setup; 5-15 days total transfer time
• Skill level: Beginner

If your domain is under 60 days old, you cannot transfer yet. You can connect a domain temporarily instead.

Step One: How Do You Unlock Your Domain in GoDaddy?

Access your GoDaddy Domain Control Center, locate your domain settings, and disable the domain lock to allow the registrar transfer out process to begin.

Action

1. GoDaddy Domain Control Center > My Products > Domains > Select your domain > Manage
2. Additional Settings > Domain Lock > Toggle to “Off”
3. Wait for status to show “Unlocked” (can take 1-2 hours)

Purpose

GoDaddy locks domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. The lock must be disabled before any registrar switch can proceed.

Step Two: How Do You Disable Full Domain Protection on GoDaddy?

Navigate to your domain’s protection settings in GoDaddy and turn off Full Domain Protection, which blocks transfer requests even when the domain is unlocked.

Action

1. Domain Settings > Additional Settings > Full Domain Protection
2. Click “Turn Off Protection” > Confirm your choice
3. Allow 2-4 hours for changes to process in the system

Purpose

Full Domain Protection adds an extra security layer that rejects all transfer requests. Disabling it is required for domain ownership transfer to succeed.

Step Three: How Do You Get the Authorization Code from GoDaddy?

Request and copy your EPP code (also called transfer key or authorization code) from GoDaddy’s domain settings, which Squarespace needs to verify your domain ownership.

Action

1. Domain Settings > Additional Settings > “Transfer domain away from GoDaddy”
2. Click “Continue with transfer” > Select “Click here to see Authorization Code”
3. Copy the code exactly using Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)

GoDaddy will also email the authorization code to your administrative contact address.

Purpose

The EPP code proves you own the domain. Without the correct transfer code, Squarespace cannot initiate the domain migration from GoDaddy.

Step Four: How Do You Verify Your Contact Information in GoDaddy?

Check that your administrative contact email is current and accessible in GoDaddy before initiating the transfer, since all verification emails go there.

Action

1. Domain Settings > Contact Information > Administrative tab
2. Verify the email address is one you can access right now
3. Update if needed > Save changes

Purpose

Transfer approval emails and WHOIS information updates route to this address. Wrong email means missed confirmations and failed transfers.

Step Five: How Do You Start the Domain Transfer in Squarespace?

Open your Squarespace account’s domain panel and begin the import process by entering your domain name from GoDaddy.

Action

1. Squarespace Dashboard > Settings > Domains
2. Click “Use a Domain I Own”
3. Enter your full domain name (yourdomain.com) > Click the arrow

Purpose

This initiates the domain transfer request on Squarespace’s end and prepares the system to receive your authorization code.

Step Six: How Do You Enter the Authorization Code in Squarespace?

Paste the EPP code you copied from GoDaddy into Squarespace’s transfer field to verify domain ownership and authorize the registrar change.

Action

1. Select “Transfer Domain” when prompted
2. Paste authorization code in the text field (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V)
3. Click “Transfer” to submit the request

Copy and paste the code directly. Manual typing often introduces errors.

Purpose

The transfer code validates that you control the domain. Squarespace sends this to GoDaddy to confirm the domain ownership verification.

Step Seven: How Do You Complete the Registration Information in Squarespace?

Fill in your registrant information for WHOIS records and complete payment for the registration period extension.

Action

1. Enter full name, address, phone number, and email
2. Choose domain privacy protection preference (recommended: On)
3. Complete payment for one-year registration extension

Purpose

ICANN requires accurate registrant data. The registration fee extends your domain ownership by one year from the current expiration date.

Step Eight: How Do You Confirm the Transfer Request?

Monitor your email for transfer confirmation messages and approve any requests from GoDaddy to speed up the domain release process.

Action

1. Check administrative email for transfer confirmation from GoDaddy
2. Click approval link if GoDaddy requests manual confirmation
3. Monitor Squarespace Domains panel for status updates

Purpose

Approving the transfer manually can reduce wait time from 15 days to 5 days. The transfer pending status updates as each stage completes.

Verification

Confirm your domain transfer completed successfully by checking these indicators:

• Domain panel shows green “Connected” label in Squarespace
• Confirmation email from customercare@squarespace.com received
• DNS settings accessible in Squarespace dashboard
• Website loads correctly using the transferred domain

After verification, you can edit your Squarespace website and publish your Squarespace website with full domain management.

Troubleshooting

Domain Is Locked Error in Squarespace

Log into GoDaddy > Domain Settings > Additional Settings > Domain Lock > Toggle Off.

Wait 2 hours for the unlock to process, then retry the transfer in Squarespace.

Authorization Code Rejected

Return to GoDaddy and request a fresh EPP code.

Copy the code without extra spaces or characters. Paste directly into Squarespace.

Transfer Pending for More Than 15 Days

Contact GoDaddy support directly. Request manual domain release and reference your Squarespace transfer ID.

This DNS propagation delay is controlled by GoDaddy, not Squarespace.

Custom Email Stops Working After Transfer

Contact your email provider before starting the transfer. Note all required MX records.

Re-add MX records in Squarespace DNS settings after transfer completes.

Transfer vs Connect: Which Option to Choose

Transfer (This Guide)

• Time: 5-15 days for completion
• Best for: Long-term Squarespace users, domains over 60 days old
• Result: Full domain management in Squarespace

Connect (Alternative)

• Time: 24-48 hours via nameserver configuration
• Best for: New domains under 60 days, temporary setups
• Result: Domain stays at GoDaddy, points to Squarespace

Choose transfer for consolidated billing. Choose connect if you need the site live quickly or plan to connect your Squarespace domain to Shopify later.

Post-Transfer Settings

Complete these configurations after your domain transfer finishes:

• Enable auto-renewal: Squarespace > Domains > Domain Settings > Auto-Renew On
• Configure WHOIS privacy: Domain Settings > Privacy > Enable
• SSL certificate activates automatically (Squarespace provides free SSL)
• Set up email forwarding if needed through DNS record management
• Change your favicon on Squarespace to complete your branding

Consider adding Google Analytics to Squarespace to track visitor behavior on your new setup.

Related Processes

If you are moving domains between other registrars, these guides cover similar processes:

• Transfer a domain from Wix to Squarespace
• Transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Wix
• Change the domain name on Squarespace

For building out your site after the transfer, learn how to create a landing page on Squarespace.

FAQ on How To Transfer Domain From GoDaddy To Squarespace

How long does a domain transfer from GoDaddy to Squarespace take?

The domain transfer process takes 5-15 days to complete. Active setup requires 15-30 minutes. You can speed things up by manually approving the transfer request when GoDaddy emails you a confirmation link.

What is an EPP code and where do I find it?

An EPP code (also called authorization code or transfer key) proves domain ownership. Find it in GoDaddy under Domain Settings > Additional Settings > Transfer domain away from GoDaddy > Click here to see Authorization Code.

Why is my domain transfer failing?

Common causes include a locked domain, incorrect EPP code, or active Full Domain Protection. Check GoDaddy settings to confirm the domain is unlocked and protection is disabled. Request a fresh authorization code if needed.

Can I transfer a domain that is less than 60 days old?

No. ICANN regulations require domains to be registered for at least 60 days before transferring between registrars. You can connect the domain to Squarespace via nameserver configuration temporarily until it qualifies.

Will my website go down during the transfer?

Not if you keep your current DNS settings active. Your site stays live throughout the transfer. After completion, Squarespace maintains your DNS records automatically. No downtime occurs during standard transfers.

How much does it cost to transfer a domain to Squarespace?

The transfer itself is free. You pay Squarespace’s annual registration fee (around $20 for .com domains), which extends your ownership by one year from the current expiration date.

What happens to my custom email after the transfer?

Your email may stop working if MX records are not preserved. Contact your email provider before transferring. After completion, re-add the required MX records in Squarespace’s DNS settings panel.

Should I transfer my domain or just connect it?

Transfer for long-term Squarespace use and consolidated billing. Connect if your domain is under 60 days old or you need the site live within 24-48 hours. Transfers provide full domain management in one place.

How do I unlock my domain in GoDaddy?

Go to GoDaddy Domain Control Center > My Products > Select domain > Manage > Additional Settings > Domain Lock > Toggle Off. Wait 1-2 hours for the status to update before starting your transfer.

Can I cancel a domain transfer once it starts?

Yes, during the pending period. Contact GoDaddy to reject the transfer request before they release the domain. Once GoDaddy approves and releases the domain to Squarespace, the transfer cannot be reversed.

Conclusion

You now know how to transfer domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace using the eight steps covered in this guide.

The domain registrar change process requires unlocking your domain, disabling protection, and submitting the transfer request through the Squarespace domain panel.

Most transfers complete within 5-15 days. Manual approval speeds things up.

After transfer completion confirmation, enable auto-renewal and configure WHOIS privacy in your new registrar settings. Your domain billing and website management now live in one place.

Keep your administrative contact email accessible for any future registration renewal notices.

If issues arise, check the troubleshooting section. Locked domains and incorrect transfer codes cause most failures. Both have quick fixes through the GoDaddy Domain Control Center.