Can I Change My Domain Name Squarespace ?

If you’re asking yourself, “Can I change my domain name Squarespace?”, you’re not alone. Many website owners start with one domain and later realize they need a better, more memorable, or brand-aligned web address. The good news is, yes—you can change your domain name in Squarespace. But it’s important to understand the process, the risks, and the best practices to ensure a smooth transition.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your domain name on Squarespace.

Understanding Domains and Squarespace

Before we dive in, let’s clarify some key concepts:

• Domain Name: This is your website’s address on the internet, like www.example.com. It’s the first thing visitors see and plays a huge role in branding and SEO.
• Squarespace: A popular website builder and hosting platform that allows users to create websites, manage content, and register domains directly.
• Primary Domain: The main web address your site visitors see when they access your Squarespace website. Squarespace allows you to have multiple domains connected, but only one can be primary at a time.

Changing your domain in Squarespace is more than just typing a new address—it requires careful steps to maintain website functionality and SEO.

Can I Change My Domain Name Squarespace?

Yes, Squarespace allows you to change your primary domain, whether you bought it directly through Squarespace or connected it from another provider (like GoDaddy or Namecheap).

However, there are some important considerations:

1. SEO Impact: Changing your domain can affect search engine rankings temporarily. Proper redirection (301 redirects) is crucial.
2. Email Accounts: If you use your domain for email (e.g., Gmail or Microsoft 365), you’ll need to update DNS records.
3. Linked Services: Any third-party integrations, social media links, or marketing tools pointing to your old domain may need updates.

Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Your Domain in Squarespace

1. Decide on a New Domain

Before making changes, pick a domain that:

• Matches your brand or website purpose
• Is short, memorable, and easy to type
• Uses the right extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.)
• Avoids numbers or hyphens, which can confuse visitors

Squarespace offers a domain search tool that helps check availability and register a new domain directly from your account.

2. Register or Connect the New Domain

You have two options:

1. Register a New Domain Through Squarespace:
   • Go to Settings → Domains → Get a Domain
   • Search for your desired name and follow the prompts to register
   • Squarespace handles all DNS and configuration automatically
2. Connect an External Domain:
   • If your new domain is registered elsewhere (GoDaddy, Namecheap), you can connect it:
     • Go to Settings → Domains → Use a Domain I Own
     • Follow the instructions to point the domain to Squarespace (updating DNS settings)

3. Set the New Domain as Primary

Once your new domain is ready, you can make it the primary domain:

1. Navigate to Settings → Domains
2. Select the new domain
3. Click Set as Primary

Squarespace will automatically redirect visitors from the old domain to the new one, which is crucial for SEO and user experience.

4. Configure 301 Redirects

Squarespace automatically sets up 301 redirects for your old domain if it was registered through Squarespace. This tells search engines that your website has moved permanently, preserving your SEO ranking.

If you connected an external domain, ensure that you configure redirects manually or via your old domain provider.

5. Update Email and External Services

If your old domain was tied to email or third-party apps:

• Update your MX records to the new domain
• Notify users or subscribers about the domain change
• Update social media profiles, newsletters, and backlinks

This prevents broken links and ensures your audience can still reach you.

6. Test Everything

After switching:

• Visit your website using the new domain
• Check that all pages are redirecting correctly
• Test forms, checkout processes, and email functionality
• Monitor Google Search Console for indexing issues

Common Questions About Changing Domains in Squarespace

Q1: Will changing my domain hurt my SEO?
A: Slightly, temporarily. Proper 301 redirects and notifying search engines minimize negative impact.

Q2: Can I change my Squarespace domain for free?
A: Yes, if you own the domain through Squarespace. If you register a new domain, you’ll pay the standard registration fee.

Q3: How long does it take for the new domain to work?
A: Usually, within a few minutes if registered through Squarespace. External domains may take 24–48 hours due to DNS propagation.

Best Practices for Changing Domains on Squarespace

1. Plan Ahead: Avoid sudden changes during peak traffic periods.
2. Keep the Old Domain: Keep it active for at least 6–12 months to ensure redirects work.
3. Update Internal Links: Change any internal links pointing to the old domain.
4. Submit Updated Sitemap: In Google Search Console, submit your new sitemap to help indexing.
5. Communicate the Change: Let visitors and subscribers know about the new domain.

Final Thoughts

Changing your domain name in Squarespace is entirely possible, but it requires careful planning. By following the steps above—registering or connecting a new domain, setting it as primary, ensuring proper redirects, and updating email and external services—you can switch domains without losing traffic, SEO value, or visitor trust.

So, the answer to “Can I change my domain name Squarespace?” is a confident yes—just make sure to handle it smartly.