How To Transfer Domain Squarespace ?

If you’ve been wondering, “How to transfer domain Squarespace?”, you’re not alone. Whether you want to move your domain from another registrar to Squarespace or from Squarespace to a different provider, transferring a domain can seem complicated. But with the right guidance, you can do it smoothly, avoid downtime, and ensure your website and emails keep running.

This guide covers everything you need to know about transferring domains to and from Squarespace, step by step.

Understanding Domain Transfers and Squarespace

Before you start, it’s important to understand what a domain transfer means:

• A domain is your website’s address, like www.example.com.
• Transfer means moving the domain registration from one registrar to another.
• Squarespace is both a website builder and a domain registrar, so you can manage domains directly in Squarespace.

Important: Transferring a domain does not automatically move your website content. It only changes which company manages your domain registration.

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain for Transfer

Before initiating a transfer, ensure your domain meets these requirements:

1. Domain Age: The domain must be at least 60 days old. Newly registered domains cannot be transferred.
2. Unlock Your Domain: Domains are locked to prevent unauthorized transfers. You’ll need to unlock it at your current registrar.
3. Disable Privacy Protection: If WHOIS privacy is enabled, disable it so Squarespace can verify ownership.
4. Obtain an Authorization Code (EPP Code): This code is required to authorize the transfer. It’s available from your current registrar.

Step 2: Transferring a Domain To Squarespace

If you want to move your domain from another registrar to Squarespace, follow these steps:

2.1 Check Domain Compatibility

• Squarespace supports most common top-level domains (TLDs), such as .com, .org, .net, and country-specific domains.
• Rare or country-specific TLDs may have additional requirements.

2.2 Start the Transfer

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Go to Settings → Domains → Use a Domain I Own → Transfer to Squarespace.
3. Enter your domain name and click Continue.
4. Enter the Authorization (EPP) code provided by your current registrar.
5. Confirm the transfer and pay any applicable domain renewal fee (Squarespace requires at least one-year renewal during transfer).

2.3 Complete the Transfer

• After authorization, the transfer can take 5–7 days to complete.
• You’ll receive email notifications from Squarespace and your current registrar.
• During this time, your website will remain live.

Step 3: Transferring a Domain From Squarespace

To transfer your domain from Squarespace to another registrar, the steps are similar:

3.1 Prepare Your Domain

1. Log in to Squarespace.
2. Go to Settings → Domains → [Select Your Domain].
3. Unlock the domain.
4. Obtain the Authorization (EPP) code.

3.2 Initiate Transfer With New Registrar

• Provide the EPP code to your new registrar and follow their transfer process.
• Confirm any emails from Squarespace or the new registrar to authorize the transfer.
• Domain transfers typically take 5–7 days.

Tip: Keep your domain registration active during the transfer to prevent service interruption.

Step 4: Update DNS Settings If Needed

After a domain transfer, you may need to update DNS settings to ensure:

• Your website resolves correctly
• Emails linked to your domain continue to function

Squarespace automatically updates DNS for domains transferred to Squarespace, but for outgoing transfers, you may need to reconfigure DNS at your new registrar.

Step 5: Avoid Common Transfer Issues

1. Domain Locked: Make sure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar.
2. Incorrect EPP Code: Double-check the authorization code before starting the transfer.
3. Domain Too New: Domains registered within the last 60 days cannot be transferred.
4. WHOIS Privacy Enabled: Disable privacy protection temporarily.
5. Expired Domain: Renew the domain before initiating the transfer.

Step 6: Confirm Successful Transfer

After the transfer:

• Log in to the new registrar (or Squarespace, if transferring in) to confirm ownership.
• Check your website and emails to ensure everything is functioning.
• Update billing and contact information if necessary.

Additional Tips for Squarespace Domain Transfers

• Plan Ahead: Transfers can take several days. Avoid initiating during critical business periods.
• Keep Backups: Always back up website content and email settings.
• Renew Early: Transfers require at least a one-year renewal. Consider extending registration for peace of mind.
• Check TLD Rules: Some country-specific domains have additional restrictions or required documents.

Summary

Transferring a domain to or from Squarespace is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Verify your domain is eligible (older than 60 days, unlocked, with privacy disabled).
2. Obtain the EPP/authorization code.
3. Initiate the transfer with Squarespace or your new registrar.
4. Confirm emails and authorize the transfer.
5. Update DNS settings and verify website functionality.