Key takeaways:
- Transferring a domain doesn’t mean changing ownership. You’re just moving your domain management from Squarespace to Network Solutions; ownership stays with you.
- Make sure your domain is unlocked, your contact information is up to date, and you have access to your authorization code before starting the transfer. If you’re also changing hosting providers, you’d typically need to update your DNS settings to avoid downtime.
- Network Solutions gives you better pricing, stronger customer support, and helpful extras like hosting, email, and marketing tools.
Almost every online business or website owner places great value on their domain and maintains control over it. They can manage it however they want, create email addresses with that domain, transfer their domain from one provider to another, and more.
In this article, you’ll learn how to transfer a domain from Squarespace to Network Solutions. We’ll guide you through each step and make the transition as smooth as possible.
With Network Solutions, you will enjoy enhanced security, more reliable customer service, lower costs, and a better user experience.
Make your next domain move simple.
Start your transfer with Network Solutions and keep control of your domain while moving to a more complete setup.
What is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one domain registrar (the company that manages a domain) to another. When you transfer a domain, you’re essentially changing the company that’s responsible for managing your domain name.
During the transfer, the domain’s registration details are migrated to the new provider. You can then access various services and features offered by the new registrar.
Note: A domain transfer doesn’t automatically change your DNS settings. Your website will keep working as long as your nameservers stay the same. You only need to update DNS if you’re also changing hosting providers.
Reasons why you might transfer your domain away from Squarespace
The different factors that may influence your domain transfer are:
- Pricing: You may find better long-term pricing elsewhere, especially for renewal rates, bundled services, or fewer add-on costs.
- Customer support: If support is slow or limited, switching to a provider with more responsive, knowledgeable support can make managing your domain easier when issues arise.
- Features, products, and services: Some registrars offer more flexible tools, stronger security options, and additional services like business email or hosting, giving you more room to grow your setup.
- Performance: DNS speed and reliability can vary by provider. Moving to a registrar with stronger infrastructure can help improve site stability and loading performance.
- Consolidation: Managing domains across multiple platforms can get messy. Transferring them to a single provider simplifies management and reduces the risk of missed renewals or configuration errors.
No matter the reason, most domain transfers come down to gaining more control and a smoother management experience. By moving your domain to Network Solutions, you can access stronger security features, better support, and tools that make it easier to manage everything in one place.
Domain transfer vs. domain change of ownership
It’s important to recognize the difference between a domain transfer and a domain change of ownership, as there are misconceptions about them. Domain transfer doesn’t automatically mean ownership transfer. It just means you still own the domain, but you’ll manage it with a different domain service provider.
A domain transfer refers to the transfer of a domain’s management to a new provider.
On the other hand, a domain change of ownership refers to the transfer of the domain’s legal ownership from one entity to another.
Note: If you’re unfamiliar with some of these terms, our domain glossary can help clarify key domain and hosting concepts mentioned in this guide.
What you should know before starting the domain transfer process
Learning how to transfer a Squarespace domain to another website is essential if you’re moving platforms or want more control over your domain.
But first, check whether your domain is eligible for transfer. Not all domain names can be moved, so it’s important to see if yours qualifies. Usually, your domain needs to be:
- At least 60 days old
- Have not been transferred in the last 60 days
- Not in a locked status
How to transfer your domain from Squarespace to Network Solutions
Disclaimer: The process(es) described here are current at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Part 1: Initiate the domain transfer from Squarespace to Network Solutions
- Sign in to your Squarespace account.
- Check your administrative email to confirm you have access to the domain owner’s email address. This is where transfer-related emails will be sent.
- From the Home menu, go to the Domains tab.
- Select the domain you want to transfer.
- Once the domain settings panel is opened, locate the Domain Lock and Privacy settings. Turn both off to prepare your domain for transfer.
- In the same panel, scroll to the bottom and look for the REQUEST TRANSFER CODE option, then select SEND TRANSFER AUTHENTICATION CODE to request your authorization code.
You will receive an email containing the authentication code (EPP code) at the domain’s registered email address. It may take up to 24 hours to receive the code.
Note: Squarespace’s interface, process, and terminology can change over time. Please refer to their official channels for the most up-to-date instructions.
Part 2: Begin the transfer with Network Solutions
Now that you have your Squarespace authorization code, you can start the transfer process with Network Solutions.
1. Enter your domain name
Go to the Network Solutions Domain Transfer page and enter your domain name in the search field. If you’re transferring multiple domains, you can add them all at once by separating each with a comma.
Find the perfect domain
Ready to register a domain name? Check domain availability and get started with Network Solutions today.
2. Review your order and complete your purchase
After entering your domain, you’ll see a summary of your transfer. The standard transfer fee is $10.99*, which typically includes a one-year renewal.
At this stage, you can:
- Add additional years to your registration using the dropdown.
- Review any automatic discounts applied to your order.
- See the ICANN fee (usually around $0.40*) included in your total.
Once everything looks correct, click Continue to checkout to proceed.
3. Enter your account and billing details
On the checkout page, you’ll need to provide your account and payment information.
This includes:
- Selecting whether the account is for an individual or business
- Entering your contact details (name, address, email, and phone number)
- Creating or signing in to your Network Solutions account
- Adding your payment details
You’ll also see a full order summary, including the transfer fee, ICANN fee, and any additional years you selected.
When you’re ready, click Submit payment to finalize your order and initiate the transfer request.
Disclaimer: Price is current as of the time of writing. Please refer to domain transfers for up-to-date pricing and terms and conditions.
Once you submit your request, the transfer process will begin. It may take a few days to complete, so it’s a good idea to keep your existing website and domain settings accessible during this time. For a better sense of timelines, refer to our guide on how long a domain transfer takes.
How to manage the transition period
Initiating a domain transfer may limit certain actions regarding your domain name during the transfer period. Before proceeding, it’s important to do the following:
Update DNS settings and name servers, if necessary
Once the domain transfer is complete, your domain will continue using its existing DNS settings based on where your nameservers are currently pointing.
If you’re only transferring your domain to a new registrar and keeping the same hosting provider, you usually don’t need to make any changes. Your website and email should continue to work as expected.
However, if you’re also switching hosting providers, you’ll need to update your nameservers or DNS settings to point to your new host. It’s best to make these changes before or after the transfer, carefully to avoid downtime.
Test website functionality after the transfer
After the transfer, test your website’s functionality, including all webpages, forms, and interactive elements. Don’t forget to test the contact forms, functionality, and any third-party integrations on your website after the transfer.
Testing ensures that everything is working properly, and your website is fully operational. Address issues immediately to reduce website downtime and ensure a positive user experience.
Frequently asked questions
Before initiating a transfer, make sure your domain is unlocked, you have the correct authorization code (also called a transfer code or transfer key), and that your domain contact information is up to date in your Squarespace site’s Domains panel. You’ll also need access to your domain’s expiration date and payment information panel.
Transfer status error messages often appear when there’s a mismatch in the domain’s contact info, the domain is still locked, or the correct authorization code hasn’t been entered. Make sure your domain’s top-level domain (TLD) is eligible for transfer, and your domain registration hasn’t recently expired or been transferred.
Yes, domains purchased through Squarespace Domains LLC can be transferred to a new domain provider. Just retrieve your transfer code from the Squarespace site’s Domains panel and ensure the domain is not within 60 days of initial registration or previous transfer.
You can’t transfer an expired domain until it’s renewed. Renew your domain through Squarespace or your domain provider first, then proceed with the transfer.
If your domain and DNS settings are properly configured and managed correctly before the transfer, your site should appear as usual. It’s best to check whether the name servers and DNS records are pointed to your website hosting provider to avoid downtime.
Yes. If you transfer it to another registrar, such as Network Solutions, you retain ownership and control.
Squarespace itself doesn’t charge a fee to unlock your domain, but your new registrar (like Network Solutions) may charge a standard transfer or renewal fee, which typically includes a one-year extension.
Transfer your domain name to Network Solutions today
Domain transfers usually come down to one thing: finding a setup that gives you more control and fewer limitations. While the process has a few steps, it’s straightforward when you know what to expect. With the right preparation, you can transfer your domain without disrupting your website or email.
If you’re ready for a setup that’s easier to manage and built to support what comes next, Network Solutions gives you that foundation. You can transfer your domain in a few steps, with built-in security features and the option to connect hosting, business email, and marketing tools in one place.
Enter your domain, review your options, and set it up as needed.
Get more from the domain you already own.
Manage your domain, update DNS records, create subdomains, and protect against unauthorized transfers with tools designed to keep your domain working for you.
