How to Change DNS Settings on Squarespace?

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Changing DNS settings on Squarespace is an essential task for managing your domain, whether you're connecting a third-party domain, setting up email services, or forwarding your domain.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to access and modify your DNS settings on Squarespace effectively.

What is DNS?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is a system that translates human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. DNS settings control how your domain interacts with web browsers, email servers, and other online services.

Quick Fix

Why Change DNS Settings?

You might need to change your DNS settings for several reasons:

1. Connecting a third-party domain: If you purchased a domain from a different provider and want to link it to your Squarespace site.

2. Setting up email services: Configuring MX records for email services like Google Workspace or Zoho Mail.

3. Domain forwarding: Redirecting your domain to another URL.

4. Customizing records: Adding or modifying DNS records for various services.

Accessing Your DNS Settings

To change your DNS settings on Squarespace, follow these steps:

1. Open Your Squarespace Dashboard:

   • Log in to your Squarespace account and navigate to the Home Menu.

2. Go to Settings:

   • Click on Settings, then select Domains.

3. Select Your Domain:

   • In the Domains panel, find the domain you want to edit. If you have multiple domains, ensure you select the correct one.

4. Access DNS Settings:

   • Click on the domain name to open its settings. From here, you can select the DNS option to access the DNS records.

Modifying DNS Records

Once you are in the DNS settings, you can add, edit, or remove DNS records. Here’s how to do it:

1. Adding Custom DNS Records

• Click on "Add Record": In the DNS settings panel, look for the Custom Records section and click on Add Record.

• Choose the Record Type: Select the type of DNS record you want to add (e.g., A, CNAME, MX).

• Enter the Required Information:

  • For A Records: Enter the host (usually @ for the root domain) and the IP address provided by your service.

  • For CNAME Records: Enter the alias (e.g., www) and the target domain (e.g., ext-cust.squarespace.com).

  • For MX Records: Enter the mail server details provided by your email service.

• Save Changes: After entering the necessary information, click Save to apply the changes.

2. Using Preset DNS Records

Squarespace offers preset records for common tasks, which can simplify the process:

• Select from Presets: In the DNS settings, use the Add Presets drop-down menu to choose options like Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, or Forward Domain.

• Follow Prompts: After selecting a preset, follow the prompts to automatically fill in the required fields for that service.

3. Restoring Default DNS Settings

If you need to revert any changes or restore default settings:

• Click on "Squarespace Defaults": In the DNS settings, select the Squarespace Defaults option from the Add Presets menu.

• Add Defaults: Click Add to restore the default DNS records for your Squarespace domain.

Troubleshooting DNS Issues

After making changes to your DNS settings, it may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Check for Errors: If you see a “Record not found” message, ensure that the records were entered correctly.

• Wait for Propagation: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours to take effect. If you encounter issues, wait and check again later.

• Use DNS Check Tools: Utilize online DNS check tools to verify that your records are set up correctly.

Conclusion

Changing DNS settings on Squarespace is a straightforward process that can significantly impact how your domain functions online.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can manage your domain effectively, ensuring it connects properly to your Squarespace site and any third-party services you use.

Whether you're setting up email, forwarding domains, or connecting third-party domains, understanding how to navigate and modify your DNS settings is essential for maintaining a robust online presence.