Squarespace DNS Setup Guide

How to Set Up DNS Records on Squarespace

Squarespace is a popular website builder that also offers domain registration and DNS management. This guide covers how to configure DNS records for domains registered through Squarespace or connected to a Squarespace site.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Access Squarespace Domain Settings Navigate to DNS settings in your Squarespace account.
   • Log into your Squarespace account at squarespace.com
   • Click 'Settings' in the left sidebar of your site dashboard
   • Select 'Domains' from the settings menu
   • Click on your domain name to open domain settings
2. Open DNS Settings Panel Access the DNS records editor.
   • Click 'DNS' or 'DNS Settings' in the domain panel
   • Squarespace shows existing DNS records organized by type
   • You'll see default records for Squarespace hosting
   • Click 'Add Record' to create custom DNS entries
3. Add Custom DNS Record Create a new DNS record.
   • Select record type (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, AAAA)
   • Enter the Host field (@ for root domain or subdomain name)
   • Enter the Data/Value field (IP address, hostname, or text)
   • Set Priority for MX records
   • Click 'Add' or 'Save' to create the record
4. Verify DNS Propagation Confirm changes have propagated globally.
   • Squarespace DNS changes typically take 1-4 hours to propagate
   • Check domain status in Squarespace Settings > Domains
   • Use ReviewMyDNS to verify propagation across global servers
   • Some ISPs may cache old records for up to 48 hours

Common DNS Record Types on Squarespace

• A Record: Points domain to an IPv4 address. Squarespace uses specific IP addresses (198.185.159.144 and others) for their hosting. Custom A records can point to external servers. Type: A, Host: @, Data: 198.185.159.144, TTL: Auto
• CNAME Record: Creates alias to another domain. Squarespace uses ext-cust.squarespace.com for www subdomain pointing. Custom CNAMEs available for other subdomains. Type: CNAME, Host: www, Data: ext-cust.squarespace.com, TTL: Auto
• MX Record: Routes email to mail server. Squarespace doesn't provide email hosting - use Google Workspace or another email provider's MX records. Type: MX, Host: @, Data: mx.google.com, Priority: 1, TTL: Auto
• TXT Record: Stores text for domain verification, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Used for Google verification, email authentication, and third-party service connections. Type: TXT, Host: @, Data: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all, TTL: Auto

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Domain not connecting to Squarespace site: Ensure you've added Squarespace's required A records (198.185.159.144, 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144, 198.49.23.145) and CNAME record (www pointing to ext-cust.squarespace.com). Verify these in Settings > Domains. Allow 24-72 hours for full connection.
• SSL certificate not generating: Squarespace provides free SSL for connected domains. SSL generation requires DNS to fully propagate first (24-72 hours). Ensure all 4 A records and the www CNAME are correctly configured. Contact Squarespace support if SSL doesn't appear after 72 hours.
• Email not working with Squarespace domain: Squarespace doesn't provide email hosting. Set up a third-party email service (Google Workspace recommended by Squarespace). Add the email provider's MX, SPF, and DKIM records in Squarespace DNS settings. Remove any conflicting default MX records.
• Custom subdomain not resolving: Add a CNAME or A record for your subdomain in Squarespace DNS settings. If pointing to an external service, use the CNAME value they provide. Ensure the subdomain doesn't conflict with existing records. Allow 1-4 hours for propagation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Squarespace's nameservers? Squarespace uses nameservers like ns1.squarespace.com through ns4.squarespace.com for domains registered through them. If you registered your domain elsewhere, you can either change nameservers to Squarespace's or add individual DNS records at your registrar.
• How long does Squarespace DNS propagation take? Squarespace DNS changes typically propagate within 1-4 hours for record changes. Initial domain connection can take 24-72 hours. SSL certificate generation happens after DNS propagation. Monitor status in Squarespace Settings > Domains or use ReviewMyDNS.
• Can I use Squarespace DNS without a Squarespace site? If your domain is registered through Squarespace, you can manage DNS records even without an active Squarespace website. Point A records to any external hosting provider. However, Squarespace's DNS features are optimized for their own hosting.
• Does Squarespace support all DNS record types? Squarespace supports A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, and TXT records. Some advanced record types (SRV, CAA, NAPTR) are not supported. If you need unsupported record types, consider transferring DNS management to a provider like Cloudflare.