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, the contact info is updated, and DNS settings are changed before starting the transfer to prevent downtime.
- Network Solutions offers more value. You get 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 and maintains control over their domain. 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 domain from Squarespace to Network Solutions. We’ll make sure to 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, much more affordable costs, and a better user experience.
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 Domain Name System (DNS) settings and registration details are migrated to the new provider. You can then access various services and features offered by the new registrar.
Reasons why you might transfer your domain away from Squarespace
The different factors that may influence your domain transfer are:
- Pricing. Compare the pricing plans of your current and potential new registrar. Make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth and ensure that there are no hidden fees.
- Customer support. In times of domain management crises, you should have reliable, prompt, and knowledgeable customer support to provide you with assistance.
- Features, products, and services. Consider user-friendly domain management tools, security options, and scalable services such as email hosting or website building. These scalable services will come in handy if you ever want to expand your business.
- Performance. The speed and reliability of the DNS services can affect your site’s uptime and loading times. Transferring to another registrar with a better DNS infrastructure might improve your website’s performance.
- Consolidation. If you have multiple domains registered with different companies, transferring them to a single registrar can make it easier for you to manage them and reduce administrative overhead costs.
No matter what the reason may be, a seamless user experience and better domain name management are the most fundamental reasons for a domain transfer. By moving your domain to Network Solutions, you can take advantage of enhanced features, improved customer support, and streamlined domain management tools. This leads to a more efficient and user-friendly online presence.
Domain transfer vs. domain change of ownership
It’s important to recognize the difference between a domain transfer and a domain change of ownership because there are misconceptions around them. Domain transfer doesn’t automatically mean transfer of ownership. It just means you still own the domain, but you’ll be managing it from a different 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.
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
Part 1: Initiate the domain transfer from Squarespace to Network Solutions
- Sign in to your Squarespace account.
- Check the administrative email account to confirm if you have access to the domain owner’s email account. This ensures you can access the important transfer emails that will be sent to that account.
- On your dashboard, click Domains.
- Click the domain that you want to transfer.
- Clicking on the domain will open up a new navigational screen on the right side of your screen. Click on Manage Domain Settings.
- In the domain’s settings page, make sure to turn WhoIs Privacy and Lock Domain to OFF, then click the three dots in the top right of the screen and select SEND TRANSFER AUTHENTICATION CODE.
You will receive an email with the authentication code. It may take up to 24 hours to receive the code.
Part 2: Begin the transfer with Network Solutions
- Go to the Network Solutions Domain Transfer page.
- In the blank field, type in your domain name, and then click GET STARTED.
- Select your relationship to the domain name.
- Select where you want to transfer the domain.
- On the checkout page, you have the option to add additional years of registration. Once done, click CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT.
- Confirm your account information, then click SUBMIT PAYMENT.
- Check for the authorization emails from Squarespace. Typically, they send the email to the admin email address linked to your domain name.
- Log in to your Network Solutions Account Manager, then enter your authorization code. This will initiate the transfer process from Squarespace to Network Solutions.
How to manage the transition period
Initiating a domain transfer might limit some actions with regards to 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, it will propagate the records associated with the domain name based on where the name servers are pointing to in the registry’s database.
Let’s say you have a domain name that uses Squarespace’s name servers. Initiating a domain transfer without changing the Squarespace name servers to Network Solutions would result in website and email downtime.
It’s best to update the name servers and DNS settings first before initiating a domain transfer for a frictionless transition.
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 any issues immediately to shorten website downtime and guarantee a positive user experience.
Transfer your domain name to Network Solutions today
Domain transfers usually happen when you prefer to look for providers who can offer better perks than what your current provider offers. Although it’s not an easy process, this guide can help you ensure a seamless transition to maintain your website’s functionality during the transfer.
For a frictionless domain transfer from Squarespace to Network Solutions, see our domain transfer services. Simply enter your domain on our page and proceed whether you want add-ons or not. On top of our domain transfer services, we also have related products, such as hosting, business email, marketing services, and more.
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 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 settings are properly configured and DNS settings are managed correctly before transferring, your site should appear as usual. It’s best to update name servers and test everything after transferring to avoid any downtime.
Yes. If you transfer it to another registrar like 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.
