Can You Change Squarespace Domain Name?

Yes, you can change your Squarespace domain name, although what this entails and the steps involved can vary based on whether you are using a free Squarespace subdomain, a domain purchased through Squarespace, or an external domain. Here is a comprehensive guide for each scenario:

1. Changing a Free Squarespace Subdomain

If you are using a free Squarespace subdomain (e.g., yourname.squarespace.com):

Steps:

1. Login to Squarespace: Access your Squarespace account by logging in.
2. Go to Settings:
3. Select the website you want to change the domain for.
4. Navigate to Settings in the home menu.
5. Select Domains:
6. Click on Domains.
7. Change Site Title:
8. Here, you'll see the option for the site URL. Update the subdomain to your preference.
9. It's worth noting that Squarespace subdomains are subject to availability, and you might need to try a few variations to find one that's not already taken.
10. Save Changes: Save the changes and confirm if prompted.

Considerations:

• The change is instantaneous, but it may take some time for the new URL to propagate.
• After changing the subdomain, update any links or references to your previous domain to avoid broken links.

2. Changing a Domain Purchased through Squarespace

If you purchased your domain through Squarespace:

Steps:

1. Login to Squarespace: Access your Squarespace account.
2. Go to Settings:
3. Select the website associated with the domain you want to change.
4. Navigate to Settings.
5. Select Domains:
6. Click on Domains.
7. Purchase a New Domain:
8. If you need an entirely different domain, click on Get a Domain to search for and purchase a new one.
9. Follow the prompt to buy the new domain.
10. Connect New Domain:
11. Once purchased, you need to set the new domain as your primary domain in the Domains settings by clicking Make Primary Domain.
12. Remove Old Domain:
13. If desired, you can remove the old domain from your account by selecting it and choosing the option to delete or disconnect it.

Considerations:

• Cost: Purchasing a new domain will incur additional costs.
• Email and SEO: Make sure to set up proper redirects and update your email settings (like G Suite or other email services linked to your domain) to avoid service interruptions.
• Propagation: DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate globally.

3. Changing an External Domain (Third-Party Domain)

If you purchased your domain through a third-party provider like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.:

Steps:

1. Purchase a New Domain:
2. Go to your third-party domain provider and purchase the new domain.
3. Update DNS Settings:
4. Log into your third-party provider's site.
5. Access the DNS settings for your new domain.
6. Add the necessary Squarespace DNS records to point the new domain to Squarespace. These include the A records, CNAME records, and any others as mentioned in Squarespace support documentation.
7. Save the changes.
8. Connect New Domain to Squarespace:
9. Log into your Squarespace account.
10. Select the website you want to change the domain for.
11. Navigate to Settings, then Domains.
12. Select Use a Domain I Own.
13. Enter the new domain and follow the prompts to complete the connection process.
14. Set Primary Domain:
15. In the Domains section, set the new domain as the primary domain.

Considerations:

• DNS Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.
• Registrar Policies: Be aware of your domain registrar's policies regarding domain changes and any potential costs.
• SEO and Redirects: Ensure you set up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one to maintain search engine rankings and user accessibility.

Final Remarks

Changing your domain name in Squarespace is feasible but involves careful steps to ensure a smooth transition. It's vital to keep SEO, email, and existing links in mind throughout the process. Always ensure to back up your site and any pertinent data before making significant changes.