How Do I Update My DNS Records on Squarespace?

Updating DNS (Domain Name System) records on Squarespace is a process that involves making changes to the settings that define how your domain name is associated with various services such as your website and email. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Access Your Domain Settings

1. Log In: Start by logging into your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to Domains:
3. Click on the "Settings" tab in the home menu.
4. Select "Domains" from the list of options.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Domain

If you have multiple domains, you must choose the correct one for which you want to update the DNS records. Locate the domain you need to update and click on it.

Step 3: Access the DNS Settings

1. Manage DNS Settings:
2. Look for an option such as "DNS Settings" or "Advanced Settings" depending on the interface.
3. Click on it to open the DNS management section.

Step 4: Add or Modify DNS Records

You can now add new DNS records or modify existing ones. The types of DNS records you might deal with include:

• A Record: Points your domain to an IP address.
• CNAME Record: Points your domain to another domain name.
• MX Record: Directs email to a mail server.
• TXT Record: Provides text information to sources outside your domain, often for verification.
• SRV Record: Specifies a port for specific services.

Adding a New DNS Record

1. Click Add New Record: Look for a button or a link that says "Add Record" or similar.
2. Select Record Type: Choose the type of record (A, CNAME, MX, etc.).
3. Enter Details: Fill in the required fields such as Name (or Alias), TTL (Time To Live), and Data (IP address, domain name, etc.).
4. Save Record: Confirm the new record by clicking on a "Save" or "Add" button.

Modifying an Existing DNS Record

1. Locate the Record: Find the DNS record you wish to update from the list.
2. Edit the Record: Click on an "Edit" button or icon next to the record.
3. Update Details: Change the necessary fields.
4. Save Changes: Click on "Save" to apply the changes.

Step 5: Verify Your Changes

After updating, it’s essential to verify the changes:

1. Propagation Time: Be aware that DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally.
2. Check with DNS Tools: Use online tools such as DNS Checker or MXToolbox to ensure your updated records are propagating correctly.

Practical Considerations

1. Backup Existing Settings: Before making any changes, it’s good practice to document your current DNS settings. This will allow you to revert any changes if needed.
2. Understand TTL: Setting the TTL is important because it determines how long it will take for the changes to propagate. A lower TTL can make the changes take effect more quickly.
3. Technical Support: If you're unsure about any of the steps or the details you need to enter, consult Squarespace support or any documentation provided by the service you are trying to configure.
4. Email Services: If you are using third-party email services, ensure that your MX records are correctly configured during this process.

Limitations

1. Propagation Delay: As mentioned earlier, changes are not instant and can take a variable amount of time to fully propagate.
2. Interface Changes: The interface or options in Squarespace may change, so always refer to the latest Squarespace support articles if something seems different.
3. Domain Registrar Differences: If your domain is registered with a provider other than Squarespace, you may need to update DNS records through your domain registrar instead, but you can generally still link it to your Squarespace site.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively update your DNS records on Squarespace, ensuring that your domain points to the correct services without any interruptions.