How to Transfer a Domain Away From Squarespace
Transferring a domain name from one registrar to another is simple.
If you want to move your domain from Squarespace, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started.
What is a domain transfer?
As the name suggests, a domain transfer is the process of moving your domain registration to a different domain provider, also known as a registrar. Once complete, all domain-related details are moved to the new registrar. The process involves four essential steps, which we’ll explore in detail.
How to prepare your Squarespace domain for transfer
Step 1: Prepare for the domain transfer
It’s necessary to prepare for a domain transfer to ensure a seamless move. You don’t want to encounter issues during the process, do you? So, prepare to transfer the domain by doing the following:
- Disable domain privacy.
- Unlock the domain name. Ensure your Squarespace domain is at least 60 days old to unlock it.
- Check your domain’s contact details in WHOIS and update when necessary.
- Get the authorization code ready.
Step 2: Initiate the domain transfer
After completing the first step, you may now initiate the transfer. It’s a good idea to reach out to your new domain provider for the exact guidelines, but here are the must-dos:
- Access your new provider’s account dashboard.
- Initiate the move through their dashboard. The steps here may vary from one provider to another.
- Submit your authorization code.
- Execute further validation steps required by the new registrar.
Step 3: Approve the domain transfer
A verification email will be sent to the registrant’s email address—which is the address connected to your domain name. This is necessary to confirm that you authorize the transfer request. Follow the instructions in the email to approve the transfer.
Domain transfers usually take 5-7 business days. However, it’s good to note that some cases may take longer and require further verification.
Step 4: Verify domain transfer status
After authorizing the transfer, you need to:
- Log in to your Squarespace Account Manager.
- Go to the DOMAINS section.
- In the domain management page, click TRANSFER A DOMAIN. Then, find the website name you want to transfer.
- After clicking this, a pop-up screen will appear on the right. Select MANAGE DOMAIN SETTINGS.
- At this point, you should see the transfer status notification.
What influences a domain transfer
Service and product features
When people transfer their domains, they often look for registrars that offer better features. Strong security is important, so look for DNSSEC, which helps protect your domain from hackers.
Other useful features include privacy protection to keep your personal information private, domain parking to hold onto a domain you’re not using, and auctions for buying or selling domains.
DNS performance
Domain Name System, DNS, converts website names into IP addresses. When you enter a website name, like ‘example.com,’ into your browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates it into the correct IP address. This lets users easily find websites online. Choosing a domain registrar that includes powerful DNS hosting is key to ensuring your site loads quickly and runs smoothly. A good registrar will offer top-notch DNS services that boost your site’s performance.
Streamline domain management
Consolidating your domains into one place can make managing them more accessible and more efficient.
Lower fees
Pricing is a crucial factor when transferring your domain. Registrars like Domain.com don’t just offer affordable domain names but also provide valuable complimentary services, including email service forwarding, transfer lock, and comprehensive DNS management. This makes the move cost-effective.
Customer support
Good customer service is essential, especially if you have any problems. Look for a registrar with 24/7 support and knowledgeable staff.
Domain.com offers all these and more. With robust DNS management, including DNSSEC, streamlined domain management tools, excellent customer support, and additional features like privacy protection and domain parking, we provide a comprehensive solution for all your domain needs.
How a domain transfer differs from changing domain ownership
Before transferring a domain registration, it’s necessary to understand the difference between domain transfer and domain ownership change. Remember, switching domain providers doesn’t equate to transferring ownership. It simply means moving your domain from a current provider to a new registrar.
Think of it this way:
Domain transfers don’t change ownership. However, the domain management will move to the new provider. This is often done for personal reasons or for better and cheaper services.
A domain ownership change means a new owner now has the rights and control of the custom domain. This change also entails modifications to the WHOIS database. It can happen because of:
- Corporate sale. Domain ownership typically changes when a business is sold because assets tied to the company, such as the domain or website address, usually go along with the sale to retain control of the brand’s online identity.
- Rebranding. When your brand is outdated and loses impact online, rebranding is essential. Your domain name must follow along as your business evolves. Your site address must align with your business vision to ensure brand consistency and customer recognition.
Must-dos before and after the domain transfer
Now that you have understood how the transfer process goes, pay attention to the necessary pre-transfer and post-transfer actions to ensure a smooth transition.
Pre-transfer actions and considerations
Decide if you’re transferring just the domain or both the domain and hosting services.
If you’re moving your web hosting or other services linked to your domain, it’s necessary to update your details in the DNS settings and name servers before the transfer begins. Your DNS records will be locked during the transfer process and can only be modified once the transfer is complete. Not updating your settings in advance may cause significant downtime, which can result in lost revenue, especially for eCommerce sites.
Note: If you’re only considering a domain transfer to a new registrar, no changes to your records are necessary.
Confirm website performance
To prevent disruptions to your website while the process is ongoing, test your site’s functionality and all the other services associated with your domain. Doing this will ensure an uncompromised user experience even during migration.
Post-transfer actions
Evaluate your website’s post-transfer performance
Check your website’s usability after the transfer, just like you did before the move. Test how well your site runs and verify its loading time. Make sure all related services, such as email hosting and forwarding, are working correctly.
Keep track of your website’s traffic
Check your web analytics from time to time to ensure the domain transfer hasn’t compromised SEO performance. With that in mind, observe the traffic flow by keeping track of the number of visitors in your page views. Also, keep tabs on bounce rates if there are any.
Potential challenges during the transfer process
After the transfer is complete, the domain records will update to reflect the name servers in the registry’s database. However, if it’s still connected to Squarespace during the move, it may cause issues. That said, make sure to update your settings right before initiating the transfer.
Anyhow, missed updates aren’t the only reason for a failed transfer. Here are some common issues that can arise during the process and the solutions to address them.
Inability to receive an email for the transfer authentication code
Should this happen, it’s likely due to outdated mail exchange or MX records. Be sure to update them. Also, double-check that your contact email is correct, and check your spam folder in case important emails are being misrouted.
Expired EPP code
Transfers will not start with invalid codes. This applies whether you transfer your domain to Squarespace or the other way around. If such is the case, locate the most recent code. If you don’t have it, request a new one.
WHOIS data privacy
Since you need to turn off the WHOIS privacy protection during the migration, your registrant details will be public Remember to enable it once the transfer is complete.
Invalid domain registration
If your registration from a current provider has expired, the new registrar can’t migrate the domain unless it’s within the 30-day grace period after expiration. Otherwise, it’s best to contact your provider first. Or reactivate it from your Squarespace site before proceeding.
Ready to make a move? Make Domain.com your new domain provider today!
Domain.com has been a trusted web domain market player since 1998. It’s known for its reliable service offerings, including but not limited to domain registration, DNS management, and privacy protection. It is equipped with advanced management tools and strong security features that enable you to manage all your domains conveniently and confidently.
More than just being a registrar, Domain.com guarantees fast and reliable domain service that come with useful features like automatic email and domain forwarding. With the enhanced control it provides through its robust DNS tools, you can be sure to keep your domain safe from any unauthorized transfers.
In case you need immediate assistance, Domain.com also boasts an expert support team that can easily help you—whether you’re transferring a domain or troubleshooting a new website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes. You can do this by transferring a domain to a new registrar, like Domain.com.
Yes. To transfer ownership of your Squarespace domain, first invite the new owner as a contributor to your website. Once they accept the invitation, go to the “Permissions & Ownership” panel in your Squarespace account. Select the current site owner’s name under “Owner,” and then choose “Transfer Ownership.” Verify your account and select the new owner from the dropdown menu. Finally, click “Continue” and “Confirm” to complete the transfer. If your domain is not attached to a website, you’ll need to move it to a free trial site before transferring ownership.
With Domain.com, this is referred to as Change of Registrant (CoR), which only involves the transfer of domain rights from one Domain.com account to another.
Transferring a domain can take about 5-7 business days to complete. However, there are instances that can make the process last up to 15 days.
