Transferring a DreamHost domain to Squarespace

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Transferring a DreamHost domain to Squarespace

Last updated September 03, 2026 13:36

To manage all aspects of your site in one place, move your domain billing and settings from DreamHost to Squarespace.

If you have a domain with DreamHost, you can transfer it to Squarespace by following this guide. When you transfer your domain, you can manage all of your domain settings and billing from your Squarespace account. You may also find DreamHost's guide helpful as you work on the transfer.

Before you begin the transfer, consider reviewing:

Step 1 - Log into DreamHost

Open a new browser window or tab to access your DreamHost account:

  1. Go to DreamHost, then log into your account.
  2. In the Main Menu, click the Domains drop-down menu, then select Registrations.

Step 2 - Unlock domain

You need to unlock your domain before it can transfer:

  1. Find the domain you want to transfer.
  2. Under Locked?, ensure your domain is unlocked by confirming that the toggle is set to Unlocked. If it's locked, switch the toggle to unlock the domain.

Step 3 - Verify domain contact information

Important information about the transfer will be sent via email. Ensure that your contact information is correct to complete the process:

  1. Under Modify Whois, click Whois Info.
  2. Confirm all contact information listed under Registrant and Admin is correct. Both email addresses must be valid and accessible to complete the transfer.
  3. Make changes if needed, then click Save Registrant Contactor Save Admin Contact. If you edit the Registrant, check the box to opt-out of the 60-day transfer lock.

Tip: For a smooth transition, set the domain's Admin and Registrant contact as the same person first, then let that person handle the transfer.

Step 4 - Get authorization code

You'll need an authorization code from DreamHost to complete the transfer:

  1. Click the Domains drop-down menu, then click Reg. Transfer.
  2. Click Or transfer away from DreamHost.
  3. Click Reveal Auth Code. Depending on your domain's TLD, you may see Send Auth Code instead. Click this to email the authorization code to the domain registrant.
  4. You’ll enter this code later, so copy and paste it in a safe place before continuing.

Step 5 - Start the transfer and enter the authorization code

Begin 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 6 - Review and confirm the registration data

The fields in the Registration panel automatically populate with data we detect from your public domain records:

  1. Review and confirm your contact information, paying close attention to your email address, as that's how we'll notify you when the transfer is complete.
  2. Click Save and Continue. Your public records will update when the transfer is complete.

Step 7 - 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.

If you have any trouble entering your credit card information, ensure you're using a payment method we accept.

Step 8 - Review your order

The Review Order panel shows the transfer details. When you transfer your domain, we charge for one additional year of domain registration. 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. A message appears confirming you've initiated the transfer. Click Done to return to your Domains panel.

Step 9 - Accept the transfer from DreamHost

After you've entered your authorization code, DreamHost sends an email to the domain's registrant with a link to approve or deny the transfer. If you don't click the link, DreamHost will automatically approve the transfer within five days of entering your authorization code.

Step 10 - Check the transfer status and fix issues

Next, 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.

To check the status of your transfer:

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

Transfer status error messages

If your domain displays an error message, you can clear it depending on the message:

  • Domain is locked - This message displays if the domain is locked, which blocks the transfer. To fix the issue, log into DreamHost and unlock the domain. After unlocking the domain, this message will clear.
  • Authorization code needed - This message displays if DreamHost rejected the authorization code you entered in Step 5. 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. After entering the correct authorization code, this message will clear.

Step 11 - Review DNS settings (optional)

While you wait for the transfer to complete, you can review your domain's DNS settings:

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

As you review the DNS records, keep in mind:

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

Step 12 - Wait for the transfer to complete

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

While your transfer is in progress, we don't recommend changing your DNS settings or adding a Google Workspace email account. Wait until your domain is fully transferred before adding any new integrations.

When the domain is fully transferred, you'll receive a “Thank you” email from customercare@squarespace.com, and the domain will appear in the Domains panel with a green label.

Troubleshooting 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, DreamHost rejected the transfer, or for other reasons.

Tips:

Cancel or remove the transfer

If your domain transfer is pending, you may be able to cancel it.

If the transfer failed and you need to try again, you can remove the current transfer before starting over.

Next steps

After the domain transfer is complete, you can:

Getting more help

For more help with transferring from DreamHost, contact their support team. You can also visit their documentation.

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Transferring a DreamHost domain to Squarespace