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What Is DNS Record Squarespace?

Squarespace, a popular web platform for building and hosting websites, employs Domain Name System (DNS) records to manage the relationships between domain names and IP addresses. DNS records are critical in directing web traffic to the correct servers and services. Here, I'll explain the types of DNS records relevant to Squarespace, how to configure them, and some considerations and limitations you might encounter.

Key Types of DNS Records for Squarespace

  1. A Record (Address Record):
  2. Function: Maps your domain name to an IP address.
  3. Usage in Squarespace: Ensures that your custom domain directs users to Squarespace’s servers.

  4. Example: example.com → 198.185.159.144

  5. CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record):

  6. Function: Alias for your domain, pointing to another domain name rather than an IP address.
  7. Usage in Squarespace: Often used for subdomains and ensuring "www" resolves correctly.

  8. Example: www.example.com → ext-cust.squarespace.com

  9. MX Record (Mail Exchange Record):

  10. Function: Directs email to your email hosting provider's mail servers.
  11. Usage in Squarespace: Required if you are setting up email hosting for your domain through services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.

  12. Example: example.com → aspmx.l.google.com

  13. TXT Record (Text Record):

  14. Function: Holds text information for various purposes.
  15. Usage in Squarespace: Used for verification purposes, such as verifying domain ownership and enabling email authentication (SPF, DKIM).

  16. Example: example.com → v=spf1 include:squarespace.com ~all

  17. AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record):

  18. Function: Maps your domain to an IPv6 address.
  19. Usage in Squarespace: Less commonly used but available for domains needing to resolve to an IPv6 address.
  20. Example: example.com → 2606:4700:4700::1111

Configuring DNS Records for Squarespace

To correctly configure your DNS records to direct your domain to a Squarespace site, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to Your Domain Registrar:

  2. Access the domain registrar where your domain name is registered (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).

  3. Locate the DNS Management Section:

  4. This section may be labeled as "DNS Settings," "DNS Management," or "Zone File Settings."

  5. Add Required DNS Records:

  6. A Records:
    • Create an A record for your root domain (e.g., example.com) pointing to the IP addresses provided by Squarespace. Repeat this for every IP address Squarespace provides (often, they use multiple for redundancy).
  7. CNAME Records:
    • For the www subdomain or any other relevant subdomains, create CNAME records pointing to ext-cust.squarespace.com.
  8. MX Records:
    • If using an external email service, input the MX records provided by your email host.
  9. TXT Records:
    • Add any verification TXT records as required by Squarespace or your email provider.

  10. AAAA Records:

    • If required, add the relevant IPv6 address for your domain.

  11. Save the Changes:

  12. Ensure that you save the changes. DNS propagations can take up to 48 hours, but changes are often visible within a few hours.

Considerations and Limitations

  • DNS Propagation Time: Changes to DNS records can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally. During this time, some users may still be directed to the old IP addresses.
  • Correct IP Addresses: Use the most up-to-date IP addresses provided by Squarespace to avoid service interruptions.
  • CNAME Restrictions: The root domain (naked domain) typically cannot be a CNAME record; it should be an A record.
  • TTL Settings: Time To Live (TTL) settings determine how long a DNS record is cached. Setting TTL too high can delay propagation; too low can increase the load on DNS servers.
  • Verification: Some services, such as email providers, might require verification records to be added to your DNS settings before they can fully activate services.

Conclusion

DNS records are essential for directing web traffic and services correctly when using Squarespace. Properly configuring A, CNAME, MX, TXT, and AAAA records ensures smooth operation of your website and associated services. Careful management and an understanding of propagation times and limitations help maintain reliable domain connections. Always refer to Squarespace and your domain registrar's provided documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.