How to Transfer a Domain from Squarespace to Bluehost

On September 7, 2023, Squarespace acquired all domain registrations and associated customer accounts from Google Domains. If you previously managed a domain with Google Domains, you would now manage your domain through Squarespace.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for transferring a domain name 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
• Summary

Before You Start: Expectations for Domain Transfers

• Prepare Your Domain Transfer:
  • Verify Ownership
  • Check Domain Eligibility
  • Unlock Your Domain
  • Disable Privacy Protection
  • Obtain the Authorization Code/EPP Code
• Transfer Timeline:
  • Domain transfers start once the Authorization Code/EPP Code has been entered in the Bluehost account, and the transfer fee has been paid.
  • Domain transfers can take up to 15 days to complete.

Let's begin with this section to help you prep to move the domain name for the Squarespace Domain Transfer Process.

Step 1: Prepare the Domain for Transfer at Squarespace

1. Verify Ownership
   • Ensure you have access to the domain registrar account (Squarespace) and the associated email address listed in the domain’s contact information.
2. Check Domain Eligibility
   • The domain must be at least 60 days old.
   • The domain must not have been transferred within the last 60 days.
   • No recent changes (within 60 days) to domain contact information. For more details, refer to ICANN Transfer Policy.
3. Unlock the Domain
   • Log in to your Squarespace account and open the Domains Dashboard.
   • Click on the domain you wish to transfer.
   • Scroll down and switch the Domain Lock toggle to off.
   • If the Domain Lock toggle is unavailable, proceed to the next step.
4. Disable Privacy Protection
   • If WHOIS privacy protection is enabled, disable it. This ensures Bluehost can verify ownership during the transfer process.
5. Obtain the Authorization (EPP) Code
   • Click Request Transfer Authorization (EPP) Code.
   • Confirm by selecting OK.
   • Squarespace will send an email with the Auth Code to the domain's contact email address.
   • Check your inbox for an email from [email protected] with the subject line: "Auth code for [yourdomain.ext]."
   • If you do not receive the email within 24 hours, refer to Squarespace troubleshooting steps.
   • Copy the EPP/Auth Code and save it for use in Bluehost.

This section will show you how to migrate a domain to Bluehost from Squarespace.:

Step 2: Transfer the Domain to Bluehost

1. Log in to Your Bluehost Account
   • Go to Bluehost.com and log in to your account or Bluehost Account Manager


2. Access the Domain Transfer Section
   • Navigate to the Domains section in your Bluehost dashboard.
   • Click on Transfer Domain or select the Transfer option.

     

3. Enter the Domain Name
   • Input the domain name you want to transfer.

     

   • Once you enter your Domain name you want to transfer, you will be redirected to the Order Summary Page where you can process the domain transfer fee and one year renewal of the domain name.

     

   • Once the payment is processed, you will see an order complete screen.

     

      
     An email will be sent out to your email account associated with your account to complete your transfer with Bluehost.
     Note: Remember, always checking your email inbox and your spam or junk folder is best practice. Sometimes, emails, even important ones, may route into your spam or junk folder.

     Example of complete your domain transfer.:

     

4. Confirm the Transfer
   • Log into your Bluehost Account to complete the domain transfer by entering the EPP/Authorization code you received from Squarespace.

     

   • Click the prompt to enter the EPP/Auth Code obtained from Squarespace.

     

   • Verify all details, including the domain name and ownership information.
   • Pay any applicable transfer fee (typically a 1-year renewal charge and also applicable one year domain renewal).


5. Approve the Transfer via Email
   • Bluehost will send a confirmation email to the domain’s admin contact email.
   • Open the email and click the approval link to authorize the transfer.
      
     Remember: Always check your email inbox and your spam or junk folder is best practice. Sometimes, emails, even important ones, may route into your spam or junk folder.
      

     This is the updated status for your domain in the Account Manager.

     

6. Wait for the Transfer to Complete
   • How long does it take to transfer a domain from Squarespace to Bluehost? Domain transfers typically take 5-7 days to complete once the EPP/Authorization codes are entered and the domain transfer fees are paid.
   • You will receive a confirmation email from Bluehost once the transfer is successful.

     In the Domain's section of your Account Manager the Domain Transfer Status will be complete.

     

Additional Tips

Here is Squarespace to Bluehost transfer tips if you want to transfer your domain name.

• Do Not Cancel Your Current Registrar: Keep the domain active in Squarespace until the transfer is fully complete.
•  Check DNS Settings: If your domain is linked to specific DNS records (e.g., pointing to a website or email), ensure you update these settings in your Bluehost DNS Section. For more information on how to update DNS read our DNS Management guide.
• Keep Your Contact Email Active: Ensure your WHOIS email address is active and accessible so you can receive important transfer confirmation emails.

Summary

Following these steps ensures you can successfully transfer your domain from Squarespace to Bluehost. The process involves steps from Squrespace to Bluehost to have a smooth transition to transfer a domain. If you encounter any issues during the process, contact Bluehost support for assistance.