Can I Register a Domain With Squarespace?

How to Register a Domain Through Squarespace

The registration process takes about 5 minutes and requires no technical knowledge.

Step 1: Search for Your Domain

In your Squarespace dashboard, go to Settings > Domains > Get a Domain. Enter the domain name you want. Squarespace searches availability across supported TLDs and shows pricing for each option. If your first choice is taken, Squarespace suggests alternatives with different extensions (.net, .co, .org, etc.).

Step 2: Choose and Purchase

Select your preferred domain. Review the annual price. If you are on an annual Squarespace website plan and have not used your free domain credit, it applies automatically - your first year is free. Complete the purchase with your payment information on file.

Step 3: Automatic Configuration

This is the biggest advantage of registering through Squarespace. Your domain is automatically connected to your website - DNS records, SSL certificate, and domain settings are configured instantly. No manual pointing, no nameserver changes, no waiting for DNS propagation. Your site is live on your new domain within minutes.

What Is Included with a Squarespace Domain?

Free WHOIS privacy. Your personal information (name, address, phone number) is hidden from public WHOIS lookups. Other registrars often charge $10-15/year for this - Squarespace includes it free.

Free SSL certificate. HTTPS is automatically enabled, securing your site and satisfying Google's ranking preference for encrypted sites.

Automatic DNS management. Squarespace configures all DNS records for your website. If you need custom records (for email, subdomains, or verification), add them in Settings > Domains > DNS Settings.

Domain management dashboard. Renew, transfer, or configure your domain from the same dashboard where you manage your website. No separate registrar account needed.

How Much Does a Squarespace Domain Cost?

Domain pricing varies by TLD. Common examples:

.com domains: Typically $20/year after the free first year on annual plans.
.net, .org: Similar pricing to .com.
Specialty TLDs (.design, .studio, .io): Range from $30-70/year depending on the extension.

Annual website plan subscribers receive one free domain for the first year. After the first year, the domain renews at the standard annual rate. Monthly plan subscribers do not receive the free domain - they pay the full price from day one. For a full pricing breakdown, see our guide on how much Squarespace costs.

When Should You Register Through Squarespace vs Elsewhere?

Register Through Squarespace When

You want the simplest possible setup - automatic DNS, no technical configuration. You are building a new site and do not have a domain yet. You value having domain, website, and billing in one dashboard. You want free WHOIS privacy and SSL included without extra cost.

Register Elsewhere When

You want the cheapest possible domain price - dedicated registrars like Namecheap or Cloudflare often have lower renewal rates. You need advanced DNS features not available in Squarespace's DNS panel. You plan to use the domain across multiple platforms and want registrar independence. You need a TLD that Squarespace does not support. For connecting an externally registered domain, our guide on domain transfer eligibility covers the process.

Tips for Choosing Your Domain Name

Keep it short and memorable. Shorter domains are easier to type, remember, and share. Avoid hyphens and numbers - they create confusion when spoken aloud.

Match your brand name. Your domain should be your business name or as close to it as possible. Consistency between your brand name and domain builds trust and recognition.

Choose .com first. If the .com is available, take it. It is the most recognized and trusted extension. Only use alternatives (.co, .io, .net) if the .com is genuinely unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

Check social media availability. Before committing, verify that matching usernames are available on your key social platforms. Consistent naming across web and social strengthens your brand. For building a complete brand presence, our guide to site creation and branding on Squarespace covers aligning your domain, site design, and brand identity.

What Happens to Your Domain If You Leave Squarespace?

Squarespace does not own your domain - you do. If you cancel your Squarespace website plan, your domain registration remains active until its renewal date. You can transfer the domain to another registrar at any time. Squarespace cannot hold your domain hostage or prevent a transfer.

To transfer, unlock the domain in Settings > Domains, request an authorization code, and initiate the transfer at your new registrar. The process typically takes 1-7 days. For email setup on your domain, our guide on getting email for your domain on Squarespace covers all options.

Register Your Domain and Start Building

Squarespace makes domain registration simple - search, purchase, and your domain is automatically connected to your site. Annual plan subscribers get the first year free. Every domain includes WHOIS privacy and SSL at no extra cost. For most Squarespace users, registering through the platform is the fastest path to a live site.