To transfer a website from Squarespace to another registrar, first release the domain and disable WHOIS privacy in the Squarespace dashboard. Verify and update the contact email in WHOIS records, then obtain the authorization (EPP) code. Confirm the domain is over 60 days old and not within a 60-day transfer lock. Initiate the transfer at the new registrar using the EPP code. If steps for troubleshooting, DNS management, or permissions are needed, extensive details are available ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Disable domain privacy and domain lock in your Squarespace domains dashboard to prepare the domain for transfer.
- Confirm your domain is at least 60 days old and that all WHOIS contact information is accurate and up to date.
- Obtain the domain’s transfer authorization (EPP) code from Squarespace.
- Initiate the transfer at your new registrar by entering your domain name and EPP code, then complete the checkout process.
- Monitor your email for transfer confirmation requests and promptly approve them to ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding Domain Transfers
A territory transfer is the process by which administrative control of a territory name is moved from one registrar to another, centralizing territory management under the new provider.
The website transfer process initiates when a registrant requests a transfer with the new registrar, requiring an authorization code obtained from the current provider. This code, also known as an EPP code, authenticates website ownership and validates the transfer request.
Before initiating, it is necessary to disable website privacy, as privacy protection can impede verification procedures. Websites are often subject to a website lock, typically enforced for 60 days after registration or contact updates, restricting transfers during this period.
Once prerequisites are met, the transfer proceeds and may take 5 to 15 business days to complete the transfer and finalize website management transition.
Key Considerations Before Starting Your Transfer
Prior to initiating a territory transfer from Squarespace, several preparatory steps must be addressed to confirm regulatory compliance and uninterrupted site management. The site transfer process requires the registrant to confirm that the site is beyond the 60-day transfer lock imposed by ICANN. It is essential to disable WHOIS privacy, ensuring visibility of site ownership details to the new registrar. Accurate WHOIS contact information, particularly the contact email, is critical for receiving the EPP code. The EPP code must be obtained from Squarespace to authorize the transfer. Additionally, no DNS settings modifications are permitted during the transfer process, which can span up to 15 business days. The following table summarizes the essential considerations:
| Consideration | Action Required |
|---|---|
| 60-day transfer lock | Verify site age and status |
| Disable WHOIS privacy | Turn off before transfer |
| WHOIS contact information | Update and confirm accuracy |
| Contact email | Confirm accessibility |
| EPP code | Obtain from Squarespace |
Checking Domain Eligibility for Transfer
Area eligibility verification is a prerequisite to initiating a transfer from Squarespace. To determine site eligibility, the site must be at least 60 days old, in compliance with ICANN regulations that restrict transfers for newly registered sites or those with recent WHOIS data changes.
The site owner must confirm that the site is not an expired site; while transfers can occur within 30 days after expiration, reactivation is required beyond this period. It is essential to release your site within the Squarespace account, as a locked site halts the transfer process.
Additionally, only the site owner or an authorized manager may initiate the transfer. Pending updates to WHOIS data or unresolved site settings may also impede eligibility, so all information should be current and accurate.
Preparing Your Squarespace Domain for Transfer
Once area eligibility has been confirmed, specific preparatory steps must be followed to guarantee a successful transfer from Squarespace.
The transfer process begins by disabling domain privacy, as this setting must be deactivated for the domain registrar to access necessary WHOIS contact details. Next, users must verify and update all WHOIS information to make certain it is accurate; this data is essential for transfer communications.
It is imperative to release the domain by switching off the domain lock toggle within the Squarespace domains dashboard, which prepares the domain for transfer. Additionally, the transfer authorization code (also known as the EPP code) must be obtained, as it is required by the receiving registrar to initiate the transfer.
Confirming that the domain registration meets ICANN regulations regarding age is also critical.
Unlocking Your Domain and Disabling Privacy
Accessing the Squarespace website management dashboard is the initial step to access a website and disable privacy settings in preparation for transfer.
Within the Squarespace domains dashboard, users must switch off the domain lock—a security feature preventing unauthorized changes—to begin releasing your domain.
If the new registrar requires it, disable WHOIS privacy, which temporarily exposes registrant details to facilitate the transfer process.
Confirm the website has been registered for at least 60 days; otherwise, the transfer cannot proceed.
It is vital to verify the accuracy of the contact email, as all important transfer communications, including the transfer authorization code, will be sent there.
Proceeding systematically guarantees a smooth process when you initiate the transfer.
- Releasing your website removes transfer barriers.
- Disabling WHOIS privacy guarantees transparency.
- Correct contact email prevents missed notifications.
Requesting and Retrieving the Authorization Code
Initiate the authorization process by steering to the Squarespace website dashboard and toggling off the Site Lock feature.
With the site lock disabled, proceed by requesting a transfer code directly through the site’s dashboard interface. Squarespace will dispatch the transfer authentication code—also referred to as the authorization code—to the site’s contact email on file.
Request your transfer code from the dashboard; Squarespace will email the authorization code to your site’s contact address for secure processing.
This communication will originate from customercare@squarespace.com and should arrive within 24 hours. For ideal transfer process continuity, users must monitor both their inbox and check the Spam folder to avoid missing critical correspondence.
If multiple requests are submitted, only the most recent transfer code remains valid, as prior codes may be rendered obsolete. Retain the authorization code securely for subsequent use, ensuring it matches the code received at the site’s contact email.
Initiating the Transfer With Your New Registrar
Many registrants encounter a standardized process when transferring a website from Squarespace to a new registrar.
After releasing your web address within the Squarespace domains dashboard, the next step is to utilize the authorization code provided by Squarespace.
Enter both the web address and authorization code in the designated transfer field at your new registrar to initiate the transfer process.
The checkout process typically follows, requiring payment for a one-year web address registration extension.
It is crucial to monitor your email for a confirmation request and complete any additional verification steps the new registrar may require to prevent delays.
- Verify you release your web address and keep the authorization code ready—mistakes here can halt your transfer.
- Completing the checkout process promptly secures your web address registration extension.
- Monitor your email vigilantly; missing a confirmation request can jeopardize your transfer.
Confirming and Approving the Transfer Request
Upon submission of the transfer request, registrants should promptly monitor their inbox for a confirmation email from the current registrar.
This email, often originating from noreply@opensrs.email for Tucows or Squarespace Domains LLC, contains a unique link to confirm the transfer. Clicking this link within the five-day grace period accelerates authorization, allowing the new provider to accept the namespace for a smoother conversion to the new domain registrar.
Failure to confirm the transfer within the grace period will trigger automatic initiation after five business days.
Should the registrant decide to cancel the transfer, a cancellation link is provided in the confirmation email and is valid only within the designated cancellation period.
Proactive confirmation or cancellation guarantees seamless namespace management and mitigates transfer-related complications.
Maintaining Email and DNS Settings During Transfer
Once the transfer request has been confirmed, attention shifts to preserving uninterrupted email and DNS functionality throughout the area relocation process.
During a transfer domain operation, DNS settings—including MX records essential to maintain email—cannot be modified until the transfer completes. Users utilizing Google Workspace through Squarespace must update MX records with the new domain provider post-transfer; failure to do so may disrupt email routing.
To guarantee a seamless process:
- Monitor the contact email for delivery of the transfer authentication code; check Spam folders to avoid missing codes.
- Comply if the domain provider requests Whois privacy disabling for authentication; re-enable after transfer.
- Always use the latest transfer authentication code from Squarespace, as expired or invalid codes from previous requests will impede transfer completion.
Careful execution secures DNS and email continuity.
Troubleshooting Common Domain Transfer Issues
Although territory transfers from Squarespace are typically straightforward, technical complications can arise that impede progress. Common issues include failure to receive the transfer authentication code—often due to an incorrect contact email or messages being filtered to Spam. An expired or invalid transfer code will halt the transfer process; always request and use the most recent code. Site locking or a 60-day transfer lock following site registration or changes can also prevent transfers. Additionally, WHOIS privacy protection should be disabled so registrant details are visible. Sites within 30 days of expiration remain eligible for transfer; otherwise, reactivation is necessary. To resolve these issues, release the site and verify criteria before proceeding.
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Missing transfer code | Confirm contact email is correct, check Spam |
| Expired/invalid transfer code | Request a new code |
| Site locking | Release the site |
| WHOIS privacy protection enabled | Disable WHOIS privacy during transfer process |
| Expired site | Reactivate or transfer within 30-day window |
Next Steps After Completing Your Domain Transfer
After resolving common area transfer obstacles, attention shifts to configuring area settings with the new registrar.
Once you transfer your website, immediate DNS management is critical to restore website and email functionality. Update DNS records with your new service provider, ensuring all resource records, especially MX records, are accurate if maintaining a Google Workspace subscription.
After transferring your website, promptly update DNS—especially MX records—to quickly restore website and email functionality, particularly if using Google Workspace.
Confirm your WHOIS contact information is current to avoid administrative disruptions and enable prompt communication. Re-enable WHOIS privacy protection, as it is often disabled during the website transfer process for verification purposes.
Monitor your website and email functionality for 24–48 hours post-transfer to detect and resolve issues promptly.
- Verify and update DNS and MX records for seamless service.
- Confirm and secure WHOIS contact information and privacy.
- Proactively monitor your website and email for errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer My Domain From Squarespace to Another Host?
A user may initiate the area transfer process from Squarespace by following area releasing steps in Squarespace area management. Choosing a new registrar, addressing area registration fees, adjusting DNS settings, and monitoring post transfer tasks mitigate potential transfer issues.
Can I Transfer My Domain to Another Registrar?
A namespace transfer process to another registrar involves registrar comparison, addressing namespace locking issues, and understanding transfer fees explained. DNS settings adjustment, email forwarding setup, namespace privacy concerns, expiration dates impact, namespace management tools, and post transfer support are critical.
How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Squarespace Domain?
To transfer territory ownership, users access Squarespace settings, release the domain, and obtain an authorization code. The transfer process requires DNS management, email services adjustments, consideration of timing, domain privacy settings, and awareness of potential transfer fees.
How Long Does Squarespace Domain Transfer Take?
Transfer duration from Squarespace varies, typically 5-15 business days. Transfer process steps include checking domain lock status, fulfilling registrar requirements checklist, addressing common transfer issues, updating DNS settings, configuring email forwarding, evaluating transfer cost factors, utilizing customer support tips, and performing post transfer verification.
Conclusion
Transferring a namespace from Squarespace to another registrar requires methodical preparation and strict adherence to established protocols. By verifying domain eligibility, releasing the namespace, disabling privacy, and obtaining the authorization code, users facilitate a seamless handoff. Maintaining accurate DNS and email settings guarantees uninterrupted service during the shift. Addressing common transfer issues expedites resolution. Upon completion, the namespace is fully managed at the new registrar, ready for further configuration or integration as organizational needs dictate.