Squarespace DNS settings live in your domains dashboard: click the domain, then DNS, and edit or add records there. That only works if the domain is registered with Squarespace or connected through Nameserver Connect; if you used DNS Connect, you edit the records at your domain provider instead.
Here's the trap I see most. If your domain uses custom nameservers rather than Squarespace's defaults, any record you add in Squarespace simply won't apply, even though it saves. And if you log in to Squarespace with an email address at the same domain, change your login email before you delete its MX records. Otherwise password resets and verification emails stop arriving and you can lock yourself out.
Where your DNS records are managed
| How the domain is set up | Where you edit DNS, as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Registered through Squarespace | Squarespace domains dashboard |
| Third-party domain, Nameserver Connect | Squarespace, but only A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, SRV and TXT records |
| Third-party domain, DNS Connect | Your domain provider's account |
| Custom nameservers on a Squarespace domain | Wherever those nameservers point; Squarespace records won't apply |
Not sure which connection you used? Click the domain in your domains dashboard. If the only option is to view DNS settings, it's DNS Connect. If Other tools shows an option to edit DNS settings, it's Nameserver Connect.
Nameserver Connect or DNS Connect
Nameserver Connect is the guided route: you add two nameserver records at your provider and Squarespace stores the DNS. DNS Connect is manual: you add two CNAME records and four A records at your provider and the DNS stays there. Squarespace offers Nameserver Connect for GoDaddy, Namecheap and Network Solutions domains, but says to use DNS Connect if your domain has custom DNS records, several subdomains, DNSSEC, glue records or forwarding, or a service such as Cloudflare or AWS that needs its own nameservers.
The warning that matters: Nameserver Connect removes all CNAME records and some A records. If a custom email address or another feature depends on those, it can break. In that case choose No, use DNS records when you connect, so your custom records carry over.
The records DNS Connect needs
| Record | What to enter at your provider |
|---|---|
| Verification CNAME | Name: the unique code from your DNS Settings panel. Points to: verify.squarespace.com |
| www CNAME | Name: www. Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com |
| A records, for the version without www | 198.185.159.144, 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144 and 198.49.23.145 |
Some providers only let you add one A record. If you can't add all four, use the first one. A Record not found message straight after adding them is normal; give it up to 48 hours. After that, the DNS record checker in the Domains panel lists any CNAME or A record that still needs fixing.
How to edit a record in Squarespace
- Open your domains dashboard and click the domain. Each Squarespace domain has its own records.
- Click DNS in the side panel.
- Hover over a record and click the pencil, or click Add record under Custom Records to add one.
- Enter your password or confirm with two-factor authentication.
- Fill in Type, Name, Priority, TTL and Data, then save. To delete, click the red trash can and confirm.
Custom records get a 4-hour TTL by default, and you can set your own in seconds. If you've made a subdomain, Squarespace recommends the same TTL on all its records, and changing one updates the rest. Allow 24 to 48 hours for changes to take effect.
Why a DNS record won't save
| What you see | The fix |
|---|---|
| Record won't save at all | Replace the grey example text in the Name and Data fields; they're only format hints |
| Wrong Name format | Enter only the prefix, such as mail; Squarespace adds your domain. Use @ for the root, but never on a CNAME |
| This name record is already in use | Two records share a Name, such as www on a CNAME and a TXT; change one |
| Invalid IP address or Name error | Check the Data field and remove any full stop at the end |
| Not a valid IPv6 address | Use the full expanded IPv6 address, not the shortened double-colon version |
| Enter valid data | The record is over 255 characters or has a stray character at the end |
| Priority field won't click | It's only editable on MX and SRV records |
TXT and DMARC records have a 255 character limit, so long ones need splitting into shorter strings added one by one. DKIM and SPF records can be longer without splitting. A, AAAA and ALIAS records can't share the same Name either.
Conflicts with forwarding and defaults
Squarespace won't let you add records that clash with what's already there. You can't have MX records for two different email services, or two CNAMEs with the same name. When there's a clash, the error gives you a choice: Replace record swaps in your new record and deletes the old one, or Cancel keeps what's in place. If the clash is with a domain forwarding rule, click Manage rules, delete the rule, then add your record again.
Squarespace default records are what point the domain at your site. They're added automatically when you register, transfer or use Nameserver Connect. If your site won't load and they're missing, click Add preset and choose Squarespace defaults. Removing them disconnects the domain, and any PayPal Payment Links stop working too.
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One limit to know: Squarespace's support for DNS is about showing you where records go. It won't give technical advice on how records work with other services, so for that you'll need the service you're connecting or the community forum.
My verdict on Squarespace DNS settings
I'd keep DNS in Squarespace with Nameserver Connect or a Squarespace-registered domain if your site's the main thing on the domain, because records and defaults sit in one place. I'd use DNS Connect if you've got email or other services relying on custom CNAME records, since nameserver connect strips them. Either way, screenshot your records before you change anything. For the wider picture, see my guide to Squarespace domains, and if you're swapping addresses, here's how to change your Squarespace domain.
DNS changes are rare, but the checking and documenting around them is easy to make routine. 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
Why can't I edit DNS settings in Squarespace?
Your domain needs to be registered with Squarespace or connected through Nameserver Connect. If you used DNS Connect, you edit records at your domain provider.
How long do Squarespace DNS changes take?
It can take 24 to 48 hours for changes to your records to update.
What are the Squarespace A record IP addresses?
198.185.159.144, 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144 and 198.49.23.145. If your provider allows only one, use the first.
Can I add a CNAME with @ in Squarespace?
No. It isn't possible to add a CNAME with @ in the Name field.
Why does my Squarespace DNS record say it conflicts?
Another record or a forwarding rule already uses that name or value. Click Replace record, or delete the forwarding rule, then add your record again.
