So, here’s the thing. A few months ago, I was deep into building my portfolio site on Squarespace. I’d picked a sleek template, filled it with some of my favorite work, and finally hit publish. But guess what? My domain was something like “bluefrog-cactus44.squarespace.com.” Yikes. Not quite the vibe I was going for. That’s when I had that burning question: Can I change my domain on Squarespace? Spoiler alert — yes, you totally can. And it’s way easier than I thought.
If you’re like me — someone who wants their online presence to actually look professional — then the domain name matters more than you think. It’s like the name on your shop sign. You want it clean, catchy, and yours.
Key Points:
- You can change both built-in and custom domains on Squarespace.
- Built-in domain edits are easy, but have limitations.
- Custom domains give you full control over branding.
Understanding Domains on Squarespace
Before we jump into how to change your domain, let’s break down the two types of domains Squarespace uses: built-in domains and custom domains. Think of the built-in one as a freebie — something Squarespace gives you when you create a site. It’s not pretty, and it usually looks like randomwords.squarespace.com. You can change it, but only the part before .squarespace.com.
The custom domain, on the other hand, is your personal branding weapon. It’s what most businesses or professionals use — like myname.com or delightfulbakery.net. You can either buy it through Squarespace or connect one you already own from somewhere else like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
I didn’t realize this at first, but knowing the difference helped me make smarter decisions later. Here’s a quick table to help you see the main contrasts:
| Feature | Built-In Domain | Custom Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Format | yoursite.squarespace.com | yourbrand.com |
| Editable | Yes (Site ID only) | Yes |
| Professional Appeal | Low | High |
| Redirect to Custom? | No | N/A |
| Use for Branding | Not Ideal | Ideal |
Can I Change My Domain on Squarespace? Yes, and Here’s How
When I found out my built-in domain could be changed, I was relieved. But I soon realized that changing my primary domain — the one people actually type into their browser — was even more important.
Changing Your Built-In Domain (Site ID)
If you’re still using the built-in domain, you can change it as long as the site isn’t a parking page or Acuity Scheduling. Just go to your Domains settings, click on the Built-In Domain, and type a new Site ID. Keep it clean and simple — no spaces or special characters.
Mine went from bluefrog-cactus44 to portfoliobyrahim, and it instantly felt better.
Quick Tip: Built-in domains don’t redirect to your custom domain. If someone types in your built-in one, they’ll still land there. So always share your custom domain instead!
Setting or Changing Your Primary Domain
Once I bought my custom domain through Squarespace, I had to set it as my primary domain. This is what visitors will see in their browser. Go to Domains, click on your custom domain, and then hit Set as Primary Domain.
Here’s why it matters: All your traffic, SEO juice, and branding are tied to this domain. If someone types in your old domain, Squarespace will auto-redirect them to the new one — no broken links or confusion.
Here’s a comparison table that made things clearer for me:
| Action | Built-In Domain | Custom Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Changeable After Setup | Yes | Yes |
| Affects Visitor View | No | Yes |
| Ideal for Long-Term Branding | No | Yes |
| Shows in Source/Login Page | Yes | Sometimes |
Connecting or Transferring a Custom Domain
If you already have a domain elsewhere, like I did with Namecheap, you’ve got two solid options:
1. Connect Your Domain
You keep the domain registered where it is but point it to Squarespace. It involves changing DNS settings — not as scary as it sounds. Squarespace gives you the exact info to plug in. Within a few hours, your domain will start showing your Squarespace site.
2. Transfer Your Domain
I did this for my client who was managing everything under one roof. You unlock the domain from your old provider, get an authorization code, and start the transfer in Squarespace. It’s free, but you pay for a one-year renewal — worth it for convenience.
Moving a Domain Between Squarespace Sites
Oh yes, you can move your domain from one Squarespace site to another. I had to do this when I rebranded my blog. You just need to be the owner or admin on both sites. From the Domains panel, choose the domain you want to move, select the other site, and hit save. Done!
It felt like moving into a new house — a bit nerve-wracking, but smoother than I imagined.
Best Practices for Domain Management
Now that I’ve played around with domains on multiple projects, here are a few hard-earned lessons:
- Pick a name that’s short and easy to remember. Avoid hyphens if possible.
- Set your preferred domain as primary so it reflects in search results and browser bars.
- Always enable SSL in domain settings for security (and SEO!).
- Redirect old domains if you switch. This protects your backlinks and keeps users happy.
Managing a domain isn’t just about looking good. It’s about being consistent and professional — and honestly, it feels so satisfying when everything just works.
FAQs
Can I change my domain name on Squarespace?
Yes, you can change both the built-in domain (site ID) and switch or connect a custom domain anytime.
Will changing my domain affect my website content?
No, your content stays the same. Only the address users type changes.
Can I use multiple domains on my Squarespace site?
Yes, you can connect multiple domains and choose one as your primary.
Can I remove my built-in domain?
No, but you can hide it by using a custom domain and sharing that link instead.
Is it better to transfer or connect a domain?
If you want everything under one platform, transfer. If you’re comfortable managing your domain elsewhere, just connect it.
How long does it take for domain changes to show?
DNS changes can take a few hours, sometimes up to 24–48 hours. Be patient!
Do I need to pay to change my domain?
Changing a built-in domain is free. Connecting is free too, but transferring a domain includes a 1-year renewal fee.
