Squarespace Website Not Working

Site Completely Down (Not Loading at All)

Check Squarespace Platform Status

Go to status.squarespace.com. If there is an active incident, the platform is experiencing issues affecting all sites. Wait for resolution - there is nothing you can do during a platform outage. Subscribe to status updates for notification when the issue is resolved. For detailed outage guidance, our guide to checking if Squarespace is down covers every diagnostic step.

Check Your Domain

If Squarespace is operational but your site does not load, try accessing it through the Squarespace subdomain (yoursite.squarespace.com). If the subdomain works but your custom domain does not, the issue is DNS configuration. Check your domain's A record and CNAME record. Use whatsmydns.com to verify DNS propagation. If you recently changed domain settings, allow up to 48 hours for propagation.

Check Your Subscription

If your payment method failed, Squarespace may have suspended your site. Log in to your account at account.squarespace.com and check billing status. Update your payment method if the subscription lapsed. Squarespace sends warning emails before suspension - check your email for billing notifications.

Check Site Visibility

If your site was accidentally set to Private or Password Protected, visitors see a blank page or password prompt. Go to Settings > Site Visibility and verify the site is set to Public.

Site Loads but Looks Broken

Clear Browser Cache

The most common cause of a site that loads but looks wrong is a cached old version. Clear your browser cache completely and reload. Test in an incognito window. If the site looks correct in incognito, the issue is local caching - not your site.

Check Custom CSS

If you recently added or modified Custom CSS, a syntax error (unclosed bracket, missing semicolon) can break the visual layout across your entire site. Go to Design > Custom CSS and review recent changes. Comment out recent additions to test. For CSS debugging, our guide to Squarespace custom CSS covers troubleshooting techniques.

Check Code Injection

A broken JavaScript in Code Injection can prevent pages from rendering, break navigation, or cause blank white screens. Temporarily remove all Code Injection content (save it to a text file first) and test. If the site works without Code Injection, re-add scripts one at a time to identify the problematic one. For script management, our guide to custom code injection on Squarespace covers safe implementation.

Check Extensions

A recently installed or updated extension may be causing issues. Go to Extensions in your dashboard and disconnect extensions one at a time to test. If the site works after disconnecting a specific extension, that extension is the cause - contact the extension provider for support.

Editor Not Working

Browser Compatibility

The Squarespace editor works best in Chrome and Safari. If the editor freezes, does not load, or behaves unexpectedly, try a different browser. Update your browser to the latest version. Close unnecessary tabs to free memory.

Browser Extensions Interfering

Ad blockers, Grammarly, password managers, and privacy tools can interfere with the Squarespace editor. Test in incognito mode (which disables extensions). If the editor works in incognito, an extension is the cause - disable extensions one at a time to identify it. For editor troubleshooting, our guide to fixing Squarespace glitches covers browser-related issues.

Internet Connection

The Squarespace editor requires a stable internet connection. Slow or intermittent connections cause saving failures, loading issues, and editor freezes. Test your connection speed. Switch to a different network if available.

Specific Features Not Working

Forms Not Submitting

Check form storage settings - verify a notification email is configured. Check for JavaScript errors in the browser console that may prevent submission. Test in incognito mode. For form fixes, our guide to Squarespace form customization covers troubleshooting.

Commerce/Checkout Not Working

Verify your payment processor (Stripe or PayPal) is connected under Commerce > Payments. Check your Stripe dashboard for account restrictions. Verify your plan supports commerce features (Commerce Basic or Advanced). For checkout issues, our guide to Squarespace e-commerce customization covers payment configuration.

Mobile Layout Broken

Custom CSS without mobile media queries is the most common cause of broken mobile layouts. Check for fixed-width elements in Code Blocks. Test on actual mobile devices. For mobile fixes, our guide to Squarespace mobile view not working covers every common issue.

Instagram Feed Not Updating

Disconnect and reconnect your Instagram account under Settings > Connected Accounts. For detailed Instagram fixes, our guide to refreshing the Instagram feed covers every solution.

Systematic Troubleshooting Process

1. Check status.squarespace.com - is the platform down?

2. Try the Squarespace subdomain - does yoursite.squarespace.com work? If yes, it is a domain issue.

3. Test in incognito - does the issue appear without cache and extensions?

4. Test in a different browser - is it browser-specific?

5. Remove custom code - does the issue disappear without Custom CSS and Code Injection?

6. Check account status - is your subscription active?

7. Contact support - if none of the above resolves it, contact Squarespace with your site URL, screenshots, and steps tried. For support options, our guide to Squarespace website help covers every channel. For design maintenance, our Squarespace design tips guide covers ongoing site management.

Diagnose First, Fix Second

A Squarespace website that is not working always has a specific cause - and finding that cause takes less than five minutes with the right diagnostic process. Platform outage, domain issue, browser problem, code conflict, or account status - each has a clear fix once identified.

Follow the systematic process, start with the simplest checks, and do not contact support until you have eliminated the common causes. Most issues resolve without support involvement.