Transferring a domain away from Squarespace

You can transfer a Squarespace Domain to another provider if it's been at least 60 days since it was registered or transferred to Squarespace. The total process can take up to seven business days to complete. This guide shows you how to get a transfer authentication code (also called an EPP code, transfer key or authorization code) that you'll need to transfer the domain to a different domain host.

Tip: To transfer a domain to another Squarespace site, visit Moving a domain between sites.

Before you begin

• If you're transferring a free domain, the free offer doesn't carry over to the new provider. They may charge you for continued domain service.
• If you're transferring out a domain ending in .co.uk, .de, or .uk, review the special transfer requirements and exceptions in the linked guides before beginning the process.
• If you have G Suite by Google attached to your domain, adjust your MX records with your new domain provider after transferring to prevent an interruption of your email service. You'll keep managing your G Suite subscription through Squarespace unless you cancel it.
• Transferring your Squarespace Domain doesn't move your site hosting to your new provider or cancel your current Squarespace site. If you're leaving all Squarespace services, cancel your website subscription after transferring your domain.

Transfer your domain away from Squarespace

To transfer your domain away from Squarespace:

1. In the Home Menu, click Settings, then click Domains. You can also press the ? key while any panel is open and search domains.
2. Click the domain you want to transfer.
3. Scroll down and uncheck Lock Domain. If you don't see the Lock Domain option, your domain is already unlocked and you can skip this step. If you can't uncheck Lock Domain, this means your domain is currently locked due to either the 60-day transfer rule or the optional 60-day lock following a change to the Owner's contact information.

4. Click the Send Transfer Authentication Code button that appears at the bottom of the panel. This will send an email with a unique authentication code to the domain’s Admin Contact.

Tip: If you don’t know the domain’s Admin Contact email address or want to change it, open the domain's Registration Information. This email address may be different than the one you use to log into Squarespace.

5. Check your inbox for an email from [e-mail] with the subject line: “Auth code for [yourdomain.com]”. If you don't get this email in a few minutes, see the troubleshooting steps below.
6. Copy the transfer authentication code from this email and send it to your new domain provider.

Note: The steps to provide the transfer code vary by provider. If you need help, contact them or visit their documentation. Here's domain transfer documentation from popular providers:

• 1&1
• GoDaddy
• Hover

Confirm the transfer (optional)

After completing the steps above, you may receive an email from your new provider (via a @registrarmail.net email address) confirming the transfer is in progress. The email includes a link, which may look like it's only for cancelling, that you can use to confirm the transfer.

If you click the link and confirm, the transfer will complete as soon as your new provider accepts it. If you don't click the link, the transfer will complete within five business days.

After the domain transfers to your new provider, it will display in the Domains panel as a third-party domain. If you want to use the domain for a different site, you can disconnect it.

Cancel the transfer

If you change your mind and decide to keep your domain with us, return to the domain in your Domains panel before you send the other provider the transfer authentication code, and check Lock Domain.

After you send the code to your new provider, the transfer can't be cancelled through Squarespace. You may be able to cancel the transfer through the confirmation email you receive after completing the steps in this guide. If you didn't receive this email, or don't see an option to cancel the transfer, contact your new domain provider for help.

Troubleshooting

I didn’t get the transfer authentication code in my inbox.

If you don't receive the transfer authentication code within a few minutes, check your Spam or Junk folder.

If you don’t find the email there, check the domain’s Admin Contact email in the Registration Information panel, and update it if necessary. Click Send Transfer Authentication Code again to resend the email to the correct address.

If you still don’t receive the email, open a ticket, and we'll be happy to help.

My new provider says the transfer code is invalid or expired.

Clicking Send Transfer Authentication Code more than once may send multiple unique transfer codes. If you have multiple transfer code emails in your inbox, ensure that you send the most recent code to your new domain provider. All other codes will be invalid.

I didn't get a verification request email from my new domain provider.

Your new domain provider requires email verification to transfer your domain. If you didn't get the email, ensure that the Admin Contact email shown in your Domains panel is correct.

1. In the Home Menu, click Settings, then Domains.
2. Click the domain name you're transferring.
3. In this domain's settings, click Registration Information.
4. Ensure that the Admin Contact email address is correct. If not, click Admin Contact and update the Email Address field.

My new provider is asking me to disable WHOIS privacy.

You don't need to disable WHOIS privacy to transfer a domain, but some providers may still be using an older transfer flow that requires it. If your new provider asks you to make your WHOIS information public, you can disable privacy in your domain's settings.

In some cases, this still won't make your domain registration email address visible. If your new provider doesn't offer a way to transfer in without disabling privacy, you may need to choose a different provider.

My Squarespace Domain is expired.

You can transfer an expired Squarespace Domain, but your website may need to be active. Check with your new domain provider before transferring, as some providers can't accept transfers from expired websites.

I can't edit my Squarespace DNS settings.

After your new domain provider accepts your transfer, you can't edit the domain's DNS or nameserver settings through Squarespace. If you attempt to update anything in the domain's Advanced Settings panel, you'll see an error message. To change these, wait for the domain to fully transfer to the new provider, then follow the new provider's instructions.

My new domain provider says the domain can't be transferred.

If your new provider can't accept your domain, first ensure that you've had your domain with Squarespace for at least 60 days. Domains active for less than 60 days can't be transferred.

Next, ensure that you've unlocked the domain within Squarespace. If Lock Domain is already unchecked, check it again, then uncheck it once more.

If you're still having trouble, open a ticket, and we'll be happy to help.

My domain hasn't transferred to my new provider.

Domain transfers can take up to seven business days. This timing is out of Squarespace's control. If you followed the steps in this guide and your domain still hasn't transferred after seven business days, we recommend contacting your new domain provider for help.