Moving a third-party domain between Squarespace sites

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Moving a third-party domain between Squarespace sites

Last updated May 07, 2026 16:28

Move your third-party domain between Squarespace sites by disconnecting and reconnecting it.

If you have a domain that you registered through a third party like Hostgator or Namecheap, you can move your domain from one Squarespace site to another by disconnecting the domain from one site and reconnecting it to another.

If you're moving your domain from one site to another, you may also want to cancel service for your original site, if needed.

Note: Learn more about moving your domain to another place besides a different Squarespace site.

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Limitations

  • It's not possible to connect a new third-party domain to a parking page. To keep your domain linked to a different provider while using it with Squarespace, upgrade to a full site.
  • It's not possible to connect a third-party domain to an expired site. Reactivate the site before connecting the domain.
  • It's not possible to connect an expired domain to a Squarespace site. If needed, reactivate the domain with your third-party provider before following the steps below.

Move a third-party domain

Moving third-party domains requires using a disconnect and reconnect process. If you’re leaving Squarespace, follow our steps for disconnecting the domain instead.

Step 1 - Save your existing DNS records (nameserver connected domains)

If your domain is connected to Squarespace using nameserver connect, disconnecting it will remove all custom DNS records. Before disconnecting, save your existing DNS records somewhere safe. You can add them back manually after reconnecting the domain to your new site.

Start with the site connected to the domain you want to move.

  1. Open the Domains panel.
  2. Click the domain you want to move, then scroll down to click Disconnect domain.
  3. Click Disconnect to confirm disconnection.

Step 3 - Change your nameservers to default (nameserver connected domains)

If your domain was connected to your site using nameserver connect, log into your domain provider's account and change your nameservers to default. You may need to wait 24-48 hours for the nameserver change to propagate before reconnecting the domain to your site.

Log in to the site you want to connect the domain to. If you manage multiple sites, you can return to your account dashboard and click the correct website.

  1. Open the Domains panel.
  2. Click Use a Domain I own.
  3. Enter the full domain name you’re linking in the Domain Name box, then click Continue.
  4. Click Connect from provider.

Note: If you see a message that says “This domain is already connected to another Squarespace site,” check other Squarespace sites you manage to see where the domain is connected. Then disconnect it from that site. For help logging into the correct site, visit Managing multiple sites.

  1. Select your domain provider from the drop-down menu. If you don’t see your domain provider, select Other, and click Connect domain.
  2. If your domain provider uses an automatic connection process, log into your account and click Connect in the message from your provider.
  3. You'll see a Connecting in progress message. Click Okay to continue.
  4. If your domain uses a manual connection process like DNS Connect, a new panel will open showing the records to enter in your domain provider’s account. Since your domain was previously connected to Squarespace, you’ll only need to update the unique CNAME so it connects to the new site.

Step 5 - Update the CNAME Record

Tip: Skip this step if your domain is hosted by one of the following providers:

Domains from these providers use nameserver connect and connect automatically once step 4 is complete. Use the steps below if your domain provider isn't listed above.

To complete the domain moving process:

  1. Open your domains dashboard and click your domain.
  2. Click DNS.
  3. In the first line of your Squarespace DNS settings, copy the unique code that appears directly below the Host column.
  4. Log into your domain account.
  5. Find where you manage your DNS settings. Depending on your provider, this may be called Zone File Settings, DNS Manager, or something similar.
  6. Find the CNAME Record with verify.squarespace.com in the Points To field.
  7. Replace the text in the Alias, Host, Hostname, or Name field with the new code that you copied from the Domains panel.
  8. Don't change any other fields or records.
  9. Save your changes.

If all records are entered correctly, your domain should connect to your site within 24 hours. At times, it can take up to 48 hours. Visit the Domains panel at any time to check your progress.

Move your Google Workspace subscription

If you have a Google Workspace subscription associated with your third-party domain, you must first complete the steps above to move your domain, and then contact us to request the Google Workspace transfer. Include the following information with your request:

  • Current Squarespace site URL
  • Squarespace site URL of the site you're moving to
  • Custom domain name

Troubleshooting

Visit our provider-specific guides for detailed steps on editing CNAME records in popular domain providers. Review our domain connection troubleshooting steps when updating your CNAME.

More help

If you’re having trouble with any of these steps, contact us and include the following information:

  • Current Squarespace site URL (like yoursite.squarespace.com)
  • Squarespace site URL of the site you're moving the domain to
  • Custom domain name
  • How much of the process you’ve completed

After we confirm your information, we'll help you complete the process. You can also get advice from the community in the Squarespace Forum or hire a Squarespace Expert to move your domain for you.

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Moving a third-party domain between Squarespace sites