How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Google Domain to Squarespace?

Transferring a Google Domain to Squarespace can take some time and involves several steps to ensure that everything is transferred correctly. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process, along with estimated timeframes for each step:

1. Preparation (1-2 Days)

Before initiating the transfer, there are a few preparatory steps you need to take:

1. Unlock the Domain: Google Domains provide an option to lock and unlock domains for security. You need to unlock your domain so that it can be transferred.
2. Obtain Auth Code: You’ll need an authorization code (also known as an EPP code) from Google Domains to give to Squarespace. This code is required to authorize the transfer.
3. Verify Your Contact Information: Ensure that the contact information for your domain is up to date. This is important for the verification steps that follow.

Steps:

1. Log in to your Google Domains account.
2. Select the domain you want to transfer.
3. Go to the "Registration Settings" section and toggle the Domain Lock to off.
4. Request your Auth Code (EPP code), typically found in the “Transfer out” or similar section.

2. Initiating the Transfer (1 Day)

Once you have unlocked the domain and obtained the Auth Code, you can initiate the transfer process through Squarespace.

Steps:

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to the "Domains" section.
3. Select "Use a domain I own" and type in your domain name.
4. Enter the Auth Code obtained from Google Domains.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the transfer initiation in Squarespace.

3. Verification and Approval (1-7 Days)

This third step is where most of the time is spent. After initiating the transfer, both Squarespace and Google Domains will need to verify the transfer request.

1. Email Verification: You will likely receive an email from Google Domains asking you to verify that you want to transfer your domain.
2. Approval: After verification, the domain transfer request will be approved by Google Domains.

Typically, this verification and approval process can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days, although it is often completed within 3-5 days.

4. DNS Propagation (Immediate - 48 Hours)

Once the transfer is complete, the final step is DNS propagation. This is the process by which the internet's DNS servers update their records to reflect your domain's new registrar.

1. Setting Up DNS: Ensure that your DNS settings are correctly configured in Squarespace. During the transfer, your DNS settings should be preserved, but it's always a good idea to double-check.
2. Propagation Time: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully across the internet, but this is usually done in much less time.

Potential Considerations:

• Downtime: If the DNS settings are not correctly transferred or updated, this could lead to some downtime for your website. It’s critical to double-check the DNS records post-transfer.
• Renewal: Ensure that your domain is not close to its expiration date, as domains that are about to expire might face additional complications.
• Timing: Consider doing the transfer during a low-traffic period to minimize any potential impact on your site’s availability.

Summary

In total, transferring a Google Domain to Squarespace can take anywhere between 3 to 10 days, depending on the speed of each step. Here’s a consolidated timeline:

• Preparation: 1-2 days
• Initiating Transfer: 1 day
• Verification and Approval: 1-7 days
• DNS Propagation: Immediate to 48 hours

By carefully following these steps and considering these factors, you can facilitate a smooth and efficient domain transfer between Google Domains and Squarespace.