Can I Use Bluehost Domain on Squarespace?

Yes, you can use a domain registered with Bluehost on your Squarespace site. This involves a few steps to connect your Bluehost domain to your Squarespace site. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to accomplish this:

Step 1: Prepare your Squarespace site

Ensure that your Squarespace site is ready for the domain connection. You ideally should have a website built or at least started on Squarespace before you connect the domain.

Step 2: Access your domain settings on Bluehost

1. Log in to Bluehost: Go to the Bluehost website and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to Domain Management: Once logged in, navigate to the "Domains" tab in your Bluehost dashboard.
3. Choose the Domain: Select the domain name you want to connect to Squarespace from the list of domains you have registered.

Step 3: Update DNS settings on Bluehost

1. Find DNS Settings: Look for the option to manage DNS or Domain Name System settings. This might be under “DNS Zone Editor” or a similar section.
2. Add CNAME and A Records: You will need to add specific DNS records provided by Squarespace. Here’s how:

3. A Records: Squarespace needs you to have four A records pointing to Squarespace IP addresses. In your DNS settings, add or edit A records with the following details: ``` Host: @ Points to: 198.185.159.144

   Host: @ Points to: 198.185.159.145

   Host: @ Points to: 198.49.23.144

   Host: @ Points to: 198.49.23.145 - **CNAME Record**: You also need a CNAME record for `www`. Add or edit a CNAME record with the following details: Host: www Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com ```

Step 4: Connect the domain on Squarespace

1. Go to Squarespace Settings: Log in to Squarespace and navigate to the “Settings” section of your site.
2. Domain Settings: Click on “Domains” in the menu, and then "Use a Domain I Own”.
3. Enter Domain Name: Enter your Bluehost domain name, and click “Next”.
4. Select Domain Provider: Choose Bluehost from the list of domain providers and click “Connect Domain”.
5. Verify DNS Settings: Squarespace will check if the DNS settings have been correctly configured. If the settings are correct, Squarespace will verify the connection.

Step 5: Wait for DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet. During this time, your site might not be accessible via the new domain.

Considerations and Limitations

• Propagation Time: As mentioned, DNS changes might take some time to reflect globally. Be patient during this period.
• Domain Locking: Ensure your domain is not locked for transfer in Bluehost settings, though typically DNS record changes do not require unlocking the domain.
• Technical Support: If at any point you find the process complex, both Bluehost and Squarespace offer support. Reach out to their customer service teams for assistance.
• SSL Certificates: Squarespace automatically provides SSL certificates for connected domains. Ensure that SSL is enabled on Squarespace once the domain is connected.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to connect your Bluehost domain to your Squarespace site effectively. If you encounter any issues, revisiting each step to ensure all details have been correctly entered often helps resolve common problems.