To transfer a domain to Squarespace, turn off its domain lock at your current provider, get its authorization code, then open your site's Domains panel, click Use a domain I own, choose Transfer Domain and paste the code. Squarespace becomes your domain host, and the move can take up to 15 days because your old provider has to release it.
The thing that blocks most transfers is the 60-day rule. A domain has to have been with its current provider for at least 60 days, and changing the registration or contact details can lock it for another 60 days. So don't tidy up your contact info right before a transfer without asking your provider first. A domain that's just moved to Squarespace is also locked for 60 days before it can move out again.
Transfer or connect: which one you need
| Transfer to Squarespace | Connect (domain mapping) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who hosts the domain | Squarespace | Your current provider |
| Where you edit DNS | Your Squarespace domains dashboard | At your provider, not in Squarespace |
| Billing | Through Squarespace, plus one extra year of registration | Stays with your provider |
| Extras | Free SSL and free Whois privacy | Free SSL once it points to Squarespace |
| Use it when | The domain meets the transfer requirements | It doesn't, or you have a complex registration setup |
Squarespace recommends transferring when you can, so the site and domain sit in one account and its support team can help with the domain directly. Connecting is the fallback, and it means your website is split across two companies. If your domain was with Google Domains, it's already moved to Squarespace and you don't need to do either.
Domains Squarespace won't accept
- Registry premium domains.
- Some country domains, such as .au, .com.au, .jp, .nz and .co.nz.
- Domains with nine or more years left on their current registration.
- Subdomains; Squarespace will try to transfer the root domain instead.
- Any domain containing the words squarespace or sqsp.
The domain also has to be active. If it's past due or could expire mid-transfer, ask your provider before you start. If it doesn't qualify, connect it instead.
What to do before you start
This is the bit that saves you a broken inbox. If you use a custom email address, ask your email provider whether the transfer affects it, because some require the domain to stay with them to keep your email active. Back up important emails and contacts first. Delete any DNSSEC records, since they can make the transfer fail, and take a screenshot of your current DNS records so you can add back anything that's missing afterwards. Add billing details to the Squarespace site too.
Moving a domain to Squarespace
- Turn off the domain lock at your current provider. Some country domains can't be locked, so they don't need unlocking.
- Request the authorization code, also called an EPP code or transfer key. Some providers take a day or two, so ask as soon as you've unlocked.
- In Squarespace, open the Domains panel, click Use a domain I own, enter the full domain and click Transfer Domain.
- Paste the authorization code and click Save and Continue.
- Check the registration details, especially the email address, because that's where the completion notice goes.
- Review payment, confirm the charge for one year of registration and the new expiry date, then click Confirm and Purchase.
- Watch for Transfer in progress in the Domains dashboard and click Refresh status to check on it.
No site yet? You can transfer first from domains.squarespace.com and Squarespace parks the domain on a parking page until you build one. If you're moving from GoDaddy, the help centre adds two extra steps there: turn off Ownership Protection if you bought it, and you can accept the transfer request in your GoDaddy account to speed it up.
Two error messages are common. Domain is locked means the lock came back on, so switch it off again at your provider. Authorization code needed means the code was rejected; paste it again rather than typing it. While you wait, leave your MX records alone and don't add a Google Workspace account until the transfer's finished. When it's done you'll get a thank-you email from Squarespace and a green label in the dashboard, and the domain can take up to 48 hours to connect to your site.
Moving a domain away from Squarespace
Open the domains dashboard, click the domain, switch the Domain Lock toggle off and click Request transfer code. The code is emailed to the domain's registrant contact, which may not be the email you log in with, and should arrive within 24 hours. Give that code to your new provider.
| Situation | What Squarespace says, as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Code says invalid or expired | Only the most recent code works if you requested more than one |
| Squarespace Domains LLC registrar | You get a 5-day window to reject the transfer by email |
| Tucows registrar | Confirm by email to start now, or it starts after five business days |
| Expired domain | Can transfer if it expired in the past 30 days and isn't locked |
| Still not moved | Contact the new provider after seven business days; it can take up to 15 days |
Transferring the domain doesn't move your website or cancel your Squarespace site. If you're leaving altogether, cancel the site subscription after the domain has gone. A free domain's offer doesn't carry over, and if you use Google Workspace, update your MX records at the new provider to avoid an email gap.
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My verdict on transferring a domain to Squarespace
I'd transfer if your site lives on Squarespace and the domain is eligible, because one dashboard for DNS, billing and support is easier than two. I'd connect it instead if you've got under 60 days with your provider, a premium or unsupported country domain, or email that depends on your current host. Check Squarespace pricing for the extra registration year, and if you only want a different address on your site, it's simpler to change your Squarespace domain. For the bigger picture, here's my guide to Squarespace domains.
Domain moves are a one-off, but the admin around them is a good test of which setup tasks you could automate. I run AI training and workshops for teams, and help businesses with AI enablement and workflow automation, so the busywork runs itself and people get time back. Most of that work is with SaaS marketing teams and small businesses. Here's how we can work together.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Squarespace domain transfer take?
Some domains transfer in one day, while others take closer to 15 days. Contact your current provider if it's still pending after 15 days.
Is it free to transfer a domain to Squarespace?
The transfer itself is free, but you pay for one extra year of domain registration, priced by the domain's TLD.
Why can't I transfer my domain to Squarespace?
Common reasons are that it's been with your provider for under 60 days, it's locked, it's a premium or unsupported country domain, or it has nine or more years left on its registration.
Will my email stop working if I transfer my domain to Squarespace?
Usually not, because MX records move with the domain, but some email hosts require the domain to stay with them, so check first.
Does transferring my domain away cancel my Squarespace site?
No. The site stays active, so cancel the website subscription separately if you're leaving Squarespace.
