How to Transfer Domain from Squarespace to Bluehost

On September 7, 2023, Squarespace acquired all domain registrations and accounts from Google Domains. If you previously managed your domain through Google Domains, you now manage it via Squarespace. This guide will walk you through efficiently transferring your domain from Squarespace to Bluehost.

• Before You Start: Expectations for Domain Transfers
• Step 1: Prepare the Domain for Transfer at Squarespace
• Step 2: Transfer the Domain to Bluehost
• Additional Tips
• Related Articles
• Summary

Before You Start: Expectations for Domain Transfers

Prepare Your Domain Transfer:

• Verify Ownership: Ensure you have access to your Squarespace account and the contact email linked to the domain.
• Check Domain Eligibility: Your domain should be at least 60 days old and not recently transferred or updated in the past 60 days (per ICANN Transfer Policy).
• Unlock Your Domain: You must disable the domain lock in Squarespace to allow the transfer.
• Obtain Authorization Code (EPP Code): Request this code from Squarespace, as it is mandatory for transferring domains.

Step 1: Prepare the Domain for Transfer in Squarespace

Verify Ownership

Ensure you have access to the domain registrar account (Squarespace) and the associated email address listed in the domain’s contact information.

Check Domain Eligibility

1. The domain must be at least 60 days old.
2. The domain must not have been transferred within the last 60 days.
3. No recent changes (within 60 days) to domain contact information.

Unlock the Domain

1. Log in to your Squarespace account and open the Domains Dashboard.
2. Click on the domain you wish to transfer.
3. Scroll down and switch the Domain Lock toggle to off.
4. If the Domain Lock toggle is unavailable, proceed to the next step.

Obtain the Authorization (EPP) Code

1. Click Request Transfer Authorization (EPP) Code.
2. Confirm by selecting OK.
3. Squarespace will email the Auth Code to the domain's contact email address.
4. Check your inbox for an email from [email protected] with the subject line: "Auth code for [yourdomain.ext]."
5. If you do not receive the email within 24 hours, refer to Squarespace's troubleshooting steps.
6. Copy the EPP/Auth Code and save it for use in Bluehost.

Step 2: Transfer the Domain to Bluehost

Initiate the transfer in your Bluehost account and submit the EPP Code. Follow the How to Transfer A Domain Name To Us guide carefully to complete the process.

Additional Tips for a Successful Transfer

• Do Not Cancel Your Squarespace Domain: Keep your domain active until the transfer completes to avoid service disruption.
• Check and Update DNS Settings: After transfer, verify that your DNS records point correctly to your website and email services in Bluehost.
• Keep Contact Email Active: Ensure the email linked to your domain registration can receive important transfer confirmation messages.

Related Articles

• Domain Transfer Status: What It Means & What You Should Do
• Domain WHOIS Update and Verification
• How to Obtain a Transfer Authorization (EPP) Code
• How to Transfer A Domain Name To Us
• How to Troubleshoot Common Domain Transfer Issues
• How to Update Contact Information
• The Different Types of Domain Locks

Summary

Transferring your domain from Squarespace to Bluehost is straightforward when following these key steps: prepare your domain by unlocking it and obtaining the authorization code from Squarespace, then initiate the transfer in Bluehost. Completing these actions ensures a smooth Squarespace to Bluehost domain transfer with minimal downtime.