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Can I Connect My GoDaddy Domain to Squarespace?

Yes, you can connect your GoDaddy domain to your Squarespace website. This process can be relatively straightforward, but it does require following specific steps to ensure that your domain is properly configured to point to your Squarespace site. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Prerequisites

  1. Active Squarespace Account: Ensure you have an active Squarespace website set up.
  2. Registered Domain with GoDaddy: Ensure your domain is registered and active with GoDaddy.
  3. Domain Connectivity: Make sure you have access to your GoDaddy account to manage your DNS settings.

Steps to Connect Your GoDaddy Domain to Squarespace

1. Prepare Your Squarespace Settings

  • Log in to Squarespace: Go to your Squarespace account and log in.
  • Navigate to Settings: From your home dashboard, go to Settings > Domains.
  • Add a Domain: Click on Use a Domain I Own, then enter your GoDaddy domain name and click Continue.
  • Select a Connection Method: Squarespace will offer two connection methods:
  • Connect from provider: This allows Squarespace to automatically configure the domain connection for you. Choose GoDaddy from the list and log in to your GoDaddy account when prompted.
  • Use manual DNS settings: If you prefer or need to manually configure DNS (Domain Name System) settings, follow the steps provided by Squarespace.

2. Connecting Automatically

  • Authorize Access: If you selected automatic configuration, authorize Squarespace to manage your domain settings on GoDaddy.
  • Confirm Connection: Once authorized, Squarespace will automatically update the necessary DNS settings. This can take a few minutes to propagate.

3. Manual Configuration (If chosen)

  • Locate DNS Settings on GoDaddy:
  • Log in to your GoDaddy account.
  • Go to your My Products page.
  • Find your domain and click on Manage DNS.
  • Add DNS Records:
  • CNAME Record: Add a CNAME record with the following settings:
    • Name: www
    • Value: ext-cust.squarespace.com
    • TTL: 1 Hour (or the default setting)
  • A Records: Add four A records with the following settings:
    • Name: @
    • Point to: 198.185.159.144
    • TTL: 1 Hour
    • Repeat the above steps for the IP addresses: 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144, and 198.49.23.145
  • Save Changes: Ensure to save your DNS settings after adding the required records.

4. Verify Connection on Squarespace

  • Confirm Connection: Return to your Squarespace Domain settings. Select Refresh to check if the system has detected the correct DNS settings.
  • Wait for Propagation: It might take up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate fully across the internet.

5. Test Your Domain

  • Check Website: Once the DNS changes have propagated, your GoDaddy domain should be pointing to your Squarespace site.
  • Troubleshoot Issues: If you encounter any errors, check the DNS records for typos or incorrect values and ensure they've been saved properly.

Additional Considerations

  • SSL/TLS Certificates: Squarespace provides free SSL certificates, and these will be applied automatically once your domain is connected and the DNS settings have propagated.
  • Redirections: If you have an existing site, make sure you set up 301 redirects if necessary to maintain search engine rankings and avoid broken links.
  • Support: If you run into issues, both Squarespace and GoDaddy offer support that can assist with domain settings and troubleshooting.

By following these steps and considerations, you should be able to successfully connect your GoDaddy domain to your Squarespace website.