How to Remove Domain from Squarespace: A Step-by-Step Guide [2024]

Disconnecting a domain from Squarespace is a straightforward process. This may be necessary for various reasons, such as transferring to a different platform or changing your brand's online identity.

Before beginning the disconnection process, it's essential to understand the relationship between your domain and Squarespace. You should recognize Squarespace not just as a website builder, but also as a platform that can manage domain hosting.

By comprehending this, you can ensure that disconnection is managed carefully to avoid any downtime or loss of service.

The initial step is preparing to disconnect your domain from Squarespace. This includes checking that no services are reliant on your Squarespace website and ensuring access to your domain's account.

Once prepared, the actual disconnection involves a series of steps to remove the domain from Squarespace's control. This may require changing settings within your Squarespace account as well as with your domain provider.

After the disconnection, it is critical to confirm that the domain is functioning as expected to prevent any disruption to your web presence.

Key Takeaways

• A methodical approach is needed for disconnection to avoid service disruption.

• Access to your domain account and an understanding of Squarespace's role are prerequisites.

• Post-disconnection, verifying the domain's functionality ensures continuity of service.

Understanding Domains and Squarespace

Before disconnecting a domain from Squarespace, it’s essential to understand how domains operate within the Squarespace ecosystem and the types of domains that can be connected to a Squarespace website.

Domains in Squarespace Context

A domain is an address that visitors use to find a website online. Within the context of Squarespace, domains play a critical role as they represent the online identity of a user's website.

They offer a branded touchpoint that directs users to the website content hosted on Squarespace's platform. Users have the option to either purchase a domain directly through Squarespace, known as a Squarespace domain, or they can connect a domain from a third-party provider.

Types of Domains Connected to Squarespace

Squarespace Domains:

• Registered directly with Squarespace: These domains are purchased and managed entirely within the Squarespace platform, making setup and maintenance straightforward for users.

Third-Party Domains:

• Connected to Squarespace: Users can link domains purchased through other registrars to their Squarespace website. This requires altering DNS settings to point the domain to Squarespace's servers.

• Transferred to Squarespace: An option exists to transfer management of a third-party domain to Squarespace for centralized domain management.

Connecting either type of domain to a Squarespace website involves specific steps and settings within the platform's domain management area. Disconnecting them also follows a particular process to ensure that the website's accessibility is not inadvertently compromised.

Preparing to Disconnect Your Domain

When preparing to disconnect a domain from Squarespace, attention must be given to navigating the correct settings for disconnection and ensuring that backups are complete to avoid data loss.

Accessing the Right Settings

To disconnect a domain from Squarespace, you need to locate the domain management settings. This can be achieved by accessing the Home Menu, selecting Settings, and then clicking on Domains. Here, you will find a list of domains associated with your Squarespace account.

Backup Considerations Before Disconnecting

Content Backup: Before proceeding with the disconnection, back up any relevant content to avoid data loss. Make sure all important data from the domain has been saved externally.

Domain Records Backup: Additionally, take note of any custom domain records. The following list outlines the minimum to consider backing up:

• A Records

• CNAME Records

• MX Records

• TXT Records

You can access and review your domain records by navigating to the domain settings found within the Home Menu.

Steps to Disconnect a Domain from Squarespace

Disconnecting a domain from your Squarespace site operates in a few controlled steps. Users should carefully follow the procedures to ensure proper domain detachment.

Initiating the Disconnection Process

1. Log In: Log into your Squarespace account with the correct credentials to initiate the disconnection process.

2. Access Settings: Go to the Settings menu from the main dashboard.

3. Select Domains: Within Settings, select the Domains section to view all connected domains.

4. Choose Domain: Identify and click on the domain to be disconnected.

5. Begin Disconnection: You will find an option to disconnect the domain; select this to proceed.

Confirming the Disconnection

1. Review Warning: Squarespace will present a warning highlighting the consequences of disconnecting the domain. Read this carefully.

2. Confirmation: If you wish to proceed, confirm the disconnection by clicking on Confirm.

3. Email Confirmation: Squarespace may send an email to you as a final verification step or to confirm that the disconnection has been processed.

4. Support: Should there be any issues or concerns during this process, you can consult the Squarespace Help Center for additional guidance.

After Disconnecting Your Domain

Once a domain is disconnected from a Squarespace website, it is no longer linked to that specific site. The user may need to make adjustments to the domain's DNS settings and explore alternative uses or hosting options for the domain.

Alternatives After Domain Disconnection

After disconnecting a domain from a Squarespace site, the user has several options. They may transfer the domain to another provider, connect it to a new site, or maintain the domain to be reconnected at a later date.

• Transfer to a New Provider: The domain can be transferred to another registrar or hosting service. Make sure that the new provider supports the domain's TLD and prepare to update the DNS settings accordingly.

• Link to a New Site: If you wish to keep the domain within Squarespace, you can connect it to a different Squarespace website by adding it as a new domain under the site's domain settings.

• Hold the Domain: In some cases, a user may choose to keep the domain without linking it to a site immediately. They can renew the registration with Squarespace to retain ownership.

Canceling Services: The user may also consider whether they wish to cancel any Squarespace subscriptions associated with the domain, which should be done separately through their Squarespace account settings.

Contacting Squarespace Customer Care

Issues might arise during or after the process of disconnecting a domain. Squarespace Customer Care is available to assist with challenges such as:

• Troubleshooting DNS Settings: They can provide specific guidance on managing DNS settings post-disconnection to ensure the domain functions correctly with a new site or service.

• Account Management: If you have any questions about the implications for your Squarespace account, support can clarify and guide on next steps, including how to manage or cancel any remaining services.

• Permanent Actions: They'll advise on consequences of permanent actions, like domain deletion, and assist with recovery should you experience any mishaps.

To contact Customer Care, you can use the email support service through your Squarespace account dashboard or access live chat support during available hours for immediate assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating domain management on Squarespace can be straightforward. Below are answers to commonly asked questions regarding the disconnection and management of domains on the Squarespace platform.

What are the steps to remove a domain from a Squarespace account?

To remove a domain from a Squarespace account, users must log in, go to the Domains panel, click on the domain to remove, and select 'Cancel Domain' to initiate the process.

Can I cancel my Squarespace subscription but retain ownership of my domain?

Yes, cancelling a Squarespace subscription doesn't affect domain ownership. Users can maintain their domain and transfer it to another provider if they wish to.

What is the process for unlinking a GoDaddy domain from a Squarespace site?

Users should log into their Squarespace account, navigate to the Domains panel, click on the GoDaddy domain, and choose 'Disconnect' to unlink it from their site.

How do I cancel domain renewal for a domain purchased through Squarespace?

To cancel a domain renewal, users must go to the Domains panel within Squarespace, select their domain, and turn off 'Auto-renew' before the renewal date.

Is it possible to get a refund for a domain purchased from Squarespace?

Squarespace may issue a refund for a domain based on their refund policy. Typically, refunds are only available within a short window after purchase.

After disconnecting my domain, what happens to my Squarespace site?

The Squarespace site remains active and accessible via its Squarespace subdomain. The custom domain will no longer direct to the site after disconnection.