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Can You Connect a Google Domain to Squarespace?

Yes, you can connect a Google Domain to Squarespace. This process requires updating your domain's DNS settings to point to your Squarespace site. Below, I will provide a step-by-step guide, considerations, and potential issues you might encounter.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Your Google Domains Management

  1. Log in to your Google Domains account: Visit Google Domains and log in using your Google account credentials.
  2. Select Your Domain: Once logged in, click on the domain you wish to connect to Squarespace.

Step 2: Configure Custom Resource Records

  1. Navigate to DNS Settings:
  2. In the Google Domains dashboard, click on the "DNS" tab for your selected domain.
  3. Scroll to Custom Resource Records: In the DNS settings, scroll down until you see the heading “Custom resource records”.

Step 3: Add Squarespace DNS Records

You'll need to add specific DNS records to Google Domains. Here's what you typically need to enter:

  1. CNAME Records: These records help direct web traffic from your domain to Squarespace.
  2. Name (Host): www
  3. Type: CNAME
  4. TTL: 3600 (or default)

  5. Data: ext-cust.squarespace.com

  6. A Records: These records map your domain to Squarespace’s IP addresses.

  7. Name (Host): @
  8. Type: A
  9. TTL: 3600 (or default)
  10. Data: Enter the IP addresses provided by Squarespace, typically:
    • 198.185.159.144
    • 198.185.159.145
    • 198.49.23.144
    • 198.49.23.145

Step 4: Connect the Domain in Squarespace

  1. Log in to Squarespace: Go to Squarespace and log in to your account.
  2. Navigate to the Domains Panel:
  3. In the Home Menu, click “Settings”, then click “Domains”.
  4. Connect an Existing Domain:
  5. Click the "Use a Domain I Own" button.
  6. Enter your Google domain (e.g., www.yourdomain.com) and click "Continue".
  7. Verify Your Domain:
  8. Squarespace will prompt you to enter the verification code; this step is automatically managed if DNS settings are correctly configured.
  9. Follow any additional instructions provided by Squarespace to complete the verification.

Considerations

  • Propagation Time: DNS changes can take some time to propagate across the internet. It might take up to 48 hours for your site to be fully functional using your custom domain.
  • Google Domain's DNS Interface: Google Domains has a user-friendly DNS management interface, but always double-check that all entries are correct.
  • Squarespace Guidance: Squarespace provides detailed help articles and support for connecting domains. It may be beneficial to follow their guidelines closely.

Potential Issues

  • DNS Record Errors: If DNS records are incorrect, your domain won't properly connect. Make sure there are no typos.
  • Propagation Delays: If changes aren’t visible immediately, give it time before assuming there's an error.
  • Domain Services Interruption: If your domain has other services tied (like email), ensure those services remain unaffected by the DNS changes.

By following these steps and considerations, you should be able to connect your Google domain to your Squarespace website proficiently. If you encounter issues, utilizing the support resources from both Google Domains and Squarespace will be advantageous.