Transfer a domain to a Squarespace site

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Transfer a domain to a Squarespace site

Last updated October 26, 2026 19:46

Move a domain to Squarespace from a third-party provider like Bluehost or GoDaddy.

When you transfer your domain to Squarespace, your domain host becomes Squarespace, and you’ll manage all of your domain settings and billing from your Squarespace account. Transferring is free, though you'll pay a registration fee that extends your ownership of the domain by one year. Pricing depends on your domain's TLD and may be free if you're eligible.

Tip: To ensure a smooth transition, the person listed as the domain registrant should handle the transfer.

Video on transferring a domain to Squarespace

Watch a one-minute video about transferring a third-party domain to Squarespace.

Why you should transfer your domain to Squarespace

Hosting your website, domain, and email in one place can simplify billing and make it easier to troubleshoot issues if they arise.

Review the transfer requirements

Your domain needs to meet certain requirements before you can transfer it. If you don’t meet the requirements, connect your domain instead.

The domain's TLD or ccTLD must be supported

Your domain’s TLD needs to be supported by Squarespace. If you have a ccTLD, it needs to be supported by Squarespace and otherwise eligible for transfer. ccTLDs have specific transfer requirements that you should review before starting.

The domain must be registered for at least 60 days

Your domain needs to be hosted by the current provider for at least 60 days.

The domain must be active

The domain needs to be active with your current provider. If your domain is past due, or might expire during the transfer, ask your provider if you can transfer it before starting the process.

Domains that can’t be transferred

You can’t transfer:

  • Registry premium domains
  • Some ccTLDs, such as .au, .com.au, .jp, .nz, and .co.nz.
  • Domains with nine or more years remaining on their current registration.
  • Subdomains. If you enter a subdomain and click to transfer it, we'll attempt to transfer the root domain to Squarespace.
  • Domains that include the words “squarespace” or “sqsp”

What to do if you’re not sure your domain meets the requirements

If you’re not sure your domain meets the requirements, check with your current domain host.

Follow detailed steps for your current domain host

These step-by-step guides have detailed information about transferring from popular domain hosts to Squarespace.

Prepare for the transfer

Follow these steps to prepare for a domain transfer.

Add billing information to your site

Add billing information to the Squarespace site you're transferring the domain to. If it's a trial site, it will automatically expire and you won't be charged.

Check your email provider’s requirements

If you have a custom email address, contact your email provider to learn if you can transfer your domain and if they need any information from you beforehand. Some providers require keeping your domain hosted with them to keep your email account active. Back up any essential emails, contacts, or settings before you start.

Delete any DNSSEC records

If your domain has a domain name system security extension (DNSSEC) records, delete them before starting the transfer. DNSSEC records can cause the transfer to fail.

Make a note of your current DNS records

To keep all your current DNS settings, note them before you start the transfer. We recommend taking a screenshot of your settings to record them. After the transfer is finished, you can add any that are missing in your domains dashboard.

Step 1 - Unlock your domain

Follow your current provider’s instructions to unlock your domain so that you can transfer it. Your domain can’t transfer while locked.

Some ccTLDs can't be locked

If your ccTLD can’t be locked, you don’t need to unlock it to transfer. If you aren't sure if your domain needs to be unlocked, contact your current domain host.

Step 2 - Get an authorization code

Get an authorization code from your current domain provider. This might be called an “EPP code” or “transfer key.” You might find this in your provider’s settings, or they might email it to you. Some providers may need a day or two to generate this code, so we recommend requesting it as soon as you’ve unlocked your domain. You’ll enter the code during the transfer process, so ensure you have access to it.

Step 3 - Start the transfer and enter the authorization code

Start the transfer process in your Squarespace site’s Domains panel:

  1. Open the Domains panel for the Squarespace site you're transferring to.
  2. Click Use a domain I own.
  3. Enter the full domain name you’re transferring in the Enter domain field, then click the arrow.
  4. Click Transfer Domain.
  5. In the Authorization Code field, paste the authorization code, then click Save and Continue.

Step 4 - Review and confirm the registration data

In the Registration panel, confirm the registration data associated with the domain is correct. These fields show the registration information from your public records with your original registrar.

Check with your domain provider before changing any registration information

Before changing registration information, ask your provider if this locks your domain. Changing your domain registration information can lock the domain for 60 days and prevent transfers. If you changed your domain's registration information recently, ensure that the domain didn't lock.

Review and edit the registration data

In the registration panel:

  1. Ensure that the address shown in the Email Address field is correct, as this is how we’ll notify you that your transfer is complete.
  2. Make any necessary changes to the information. Your changes will update in your public records when your transfer is complete.
  3. When everything looks correct and all required fields are complete, click Save and Continue.

Step 5 - Enter or review your payment information

In the Payment Information panel, the card attached to your site appears as the payment method. If your site is on a trial, you'll enter your credit card information. When everything looks correct, click Save and Continue.

Step 6 - Review your order

In the Review Order panel, you'll see the details of the transfer. By transferring your domain to Squarespace, you’ll be charged for one additional year of domain registration with Squarespace. Pricing is based on your domain’s TLD and may be free if you’re eligible.

To confirm the transfer:

  1. Review the payment information.
  2. Confirm the total charge for one year of domain registration.
  3. Review the terms near the bottom of the panel, including your domain’s new expiration date.
  4. If everything looks correct, click Confirm and Purchase.
  5. You'll see a message confirming you've initiated the transfer. Click Done to return to your Domains panel.

Step 7 - Check the transfer status and fix issues

Return to the Domains panel to confirm the transfer is in progress. If there's an issue with the domain, an error message will display.

Check your domain transfer status

To check the status of your transfer:

  1. In the Domains dashboard, you'll see a “Transfer in progress” message under your domain.
  2. Click your domain, then click Refresh status to see the current status.

Error: Domain is locked

This message displays if the domain is locked, which blocks the transfer. To fix the issue, log into your domain provider and unlock the domain. After unlocking the domain, this message will clear.

Error: Authorization code needed

This message appears if your domain provider rejected your authorization code. To fix the issue, ensure the authorization code is correct, enter it in the error message's text field, then click Submit. We suggest copying and pasting the code for accuracy.

Step 8 - Review DNS settings (optional)

While you wait for the transfer to complete, review your domain's DNS settings. Changes take effect after the transfer completes.

  1. Open the Domains panel.
  2. Click the domain that's pending transfer, then click Review Your DNS Settings.
  3. To delete custom records you no longer need, click the red trash can.
  4. To create a new custom record for your domain, click Add record.

Not all DNS records display during the transfer

While the domain is transferring, the DNS Settings panel can only display MX, TXT, A, CNAME, and SRV records. These records are imported from your domain provider. You can compare the records in the Squarespace DNS Settings panel to your provider's settings to determine if any are missing.

Leave MX records in place

If you have a custom email address attached to your domain, leave the MX records in place.

Leave Squarespace default records in place

If you have Squarespace default records attached to your domain, leave them in place.

Step 9 - Wait for the transfer to complete

The transfer needs time to process. Your former domain host should release the domain to Squarespace. If your domain transfer is still pending after 15 days, and you’ve correctly followed all the steps above, contact your provider for more details. This timing is out of Squarespace’s control.

Wait to add a Google Workspace account until the transfer is finished

While your transfer is in progress, we don't recommend adding a Google Workspace email account. Wait until your domain has finished transferring before adding any new integrations.

We’ll notify you when the transfer is finished

When the domain transfer is finished, you'll receive a “Thank you” email from customercare@squarespace.com, and the domain will appear in the Domains dashboard with a green label. It can then take up to 48 hours for the domain to connect to your site, though it's usually much faster. Learn more about why domain updates take up to 48 hours.

Move email records

If you have a custom email address linked to your domain, your mail exchange (MX) records transfer to Squarespace along with your domain. Your MX records keep your email hosted with your current email provider.

Cancel the transfer

If your domain transfer is pending, you may be able to cancel it. To learn more, visit Canceling a domain transfer.

Troubleshoot failed transfers

If your domain fails to transfer, you’ll get an email from Squarespace. This can happen if you entered wrong information in the registration field, entered the authorization code incorrectly, or for other reasons. Troubleshoot the issue and try again.

Move a domain to a different Squarespace site

Moving a domain between Squarespace sites is possible, but follows a different process.

Steps to take after a domain transfer

After you transfer your domain, you can:

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Transfer a domain to a Squarespace site