How To Transfer A Domain From Godaddy To Squarespace ?
Transferring a domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace is a common move for website owners who want everything—hosting, design, billing, and DNS—managed in one place. Done correctly, the transfer is safe, simple, and causes no website downtime.
This guide walks you through the entire process in plain English. It’s written for beginners and non-technical users, while still covering the details professionals care about.
What Does It Mean to Transfer a Domain?
A domain transfer moves your domain name registration from one registrar (GoDaddy) to another (Squarespace). After the transfer:
- Squarespace becomes your domain registrar
- You manage DNS, renewals, and settings inside Squarespace
- Your domain’s expiration date is extended by one year
Important: This is different from connecting a GoDaddy domain to Squarespace. Connecting keeps the domain at GoDaddy. Transferring moves it fully.
When Should You Transfer From GoDaddy to Squarespace?
Transferring makes sense if you want:
- One dashboard for site + domain
- Simpler renewals and billing
- Fewer DNS issues
- Easier SSL and email setup
- Less technical management
You might not want to transfer if:
- Your domain was registered in the last 60 days
- You use advanced GoDaddy services tied to the domain
- The domain is part of a large portfolio you manage elsewhere
Before You Start: Transfer Requirements Checklist
Your domain must meet all of these conditions:
Registered at GoDaddy for 60+ days
Not expired (or within GoDaddy’s grace period)
Domain privacy turned off
Domain unlocked
Valid admin email access
If even one item is missed, the transfer will fail or get delayed.
Step 1: Prepare Your Domain in GoDaddy
1. Log in to GoDaddy
Go to your GoDaddy account and open My Products.
2. Open Domain Settings
Click the domain name you want to transfer.
3. Turn Off Domain Privacy
- Find Domain Privacy
- Switch it Off
- Confirm the change
This allows Squarespace to verify domain ownership.
4. Unlock the Domain
- Find Domain Lock
- Toggle it Off
Domains are locked by default to prevent unauthorized transfers.
5. Get the Authorization (EPP) Code
- Click Transfer domain away from GoDaddy
- Request the authorization code
- Check your email (sometimes takes a few minutes)
Save this code—you’ll need it soon.
Step 2: Start the Transfer in Squarespace
1. Log in to Squarespace
Open your Squarespace account dashboard.
2. Go to Domains
- Click Settings
- Select Domains
- Click Use a domain I own
- Choose Transfer domain
3. Enter Your Domain Name
Type your full domain (example: yourdomain.com) and click Continue.
Squarespace will check if the domain is eligible.
4. Enter the Authorization Code
Paste the EPP code you received from GoDaddy.
5. Review and Pay
- Confirm domain details
- Pay the transfer fee (usually equals one year of registration)
- Complete checkout
That’s it. The transfer is now in progress.
Step 3: Approve the Transfer Email
After starting the transfer, you’ll receive an email asking for approval.
- Open the email
- Click Approve Transfer
This step is critical. If you don’t approve it, the transfer can take much longer.
How Long Does the Transfer Take?
- Typical time: 3–7 days
- Sometimes faster if approved immediately
- GoDaddy may delay if approval isn’t confirmed
You can track progress inside Squarespace → Domains
Will My Website or Email Go Down?
No, if done correctly.
Website
- Your site stays live during the transfer
- DNS remains active unless you change it
- Email continues to work if DNS records stay the same
- If you use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, double-check records after transfer
After the Transfer: What to Check
Once the domain shows as Managed by Squarespace, do the following:
1. Verify DNS Records
- Go to Settings → Domains → DNS Settings
- Confirm:
- A records
- CNAME records
- MX records (for email)
2. Enable SSL
Squarespace usually activates SSL automatically.
Check:
- Settings → Security
- SSL should show as Active
3. Confirm Domain Renewal Settings
- Turn on Auto-renew
- Check expiration date (should be extended by 1 year)
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Transfer Stuck or Delayed
- Make sure you approved the email
- Confirm domain is unlocked
- Verify admin email access
Authorization Code Not Working
- Request a new code from GoDaddy
- Make sure no extra spaces were copied
Domain Shows “Ineligible”
- Domain may be:
- Less than 60 days old
- Recently transferred
- In redemption or expired state
Transfer vs Connect: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Transfer | Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar | Squarespace | GoDaddy |
| One dashboard | Yes | No |
| DNS control | Full | Limited |
| Renewal billing | Squarespace | GoDaddy |
| Complexity | Low | Medium |
Recommendation:
If Squarespace is your main platform, transferring is usually the better long-term choice.
SEO Impact: Will I Lose Rankings?
No. A domain transfer does not affect SEO when:
- Domain name stays the same
- DNS records remain correct
- No URL changes are made
Search engines do not care where your domain is registered.
Final Transfer Checklist
Before clicking “Transfer”:
- Domain privacy off
- Domain unlocked
- Authorization code ready
- Admin email accessible
After transfer:
- DNS records verified
- SSL enabled
- Email working
- Auto-renew on
Final Thoughts
Learning how to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace is about control and simplicity. Once transferred, your website becomes easier to manage, renewals are cleaner, and technical issues are reduced.
Take your time with the preparation steps, approve the emails quickly, and always double-check DNS after completion. If you follow this guide step by step, the transfer will be smooth and stress-free.
