How to Transfer Domain from Squarespace to Shopify: 7 Easy Steps

Transfer domain from Squarespace to Shopify safely when moving your online store to a new ecommerce platform. You can move your domain registration to Shopify or connect your existing Squarespace domain without transferring ownership.

Choosing the right method can help prevent website downtime, email interruptions, and technical problems. Before starting, you’ll need to check your domain’s eligibility, prepare your DNS settings, and understand how the transfer affects your existing website.

This guide explains how to transfer a domain from Squarespace to Shopify, how to connect it without transferring registration, and how to protect your website and SEO during the transition.

Table of Contents

• Can You Transfer a Squarespace Domain to Shopify?
• Domain Transfer vs. Domain Connection
• What to Know Before You Transfer a Domain from Squarespace to Shopify
• How to Prepare Your Squarespace Domain
• How to Transfer Your Domain to Shopify: 7 Steps
• How to Connect Your Domain Without Transferring It
• How Long Does a Domain Transfer Take?
• Will Your Website or Email Be Affected?
• How to Protect Your SEO Rankings
• Common Transfer Problems and Solutions
• What to Do After the Transfer
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Transfer a Squarespace Domain to Shopify?

Yes. You can transfer an eligible Squarespace domain to Shopify and manage its registration, billing, renewals, and DNS settings through your Shopify admin.

However, transferring your domain does not automatically move your Squarespace website content, products, images, customer information, or email hosting. These services need to be handled separately.

When you transfer domain from Squarespace to Shopify, you move domain registration management to Shopify. Your existing website address can remain the same, so customers can continue using your familiar domain.

You have two options:

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• Transfer your domain: Move your domain registration from Squarespace to Shopify.
• Connect your domain: Keep your domain registered with Squarespace and update its DNS records to point to Shopify.

Both options allow visitors to access your Shopify store using your existing domain name.

Transfer Domain from Squarespace to Shopify: Transfer vs. Connection

Understanding the difference between transferring and connecting a domain helps you choose the right method for your store.

When Should You Transfer Your Domain?

Transfer your domain if you want to manage your website and domain registration in one place. This is useful if you no longer need Squarespace for domain management and prefer handling renewals and DNS settings through Shopify.

When Should You Connect Your Domain Instead?

Connect your domain if you want to keep your registration with Squarespace, maintain your existing domain management arrangement, or avoid transfer restrictions.

Tip: If your only goal is to use your existing domain for your Shopify store, transferring ownership isn’t necessary. Connecting your domain is often the simpler option.

What to Know Before You Transfer a Domain from Squarespace to Shopify

Before starting a domain transfer, check the requirements and prepare your existing settings. This can help prevent delays and protect services connected to your domain.

1. Check Your Domain’s Eligibility

Your domain must meet Shopify’s transfer requirements. Generally, you must own the domain, use a supported domain extension, and have permission to transfer its registration.

Shopify requires a waiting period of at least 60 days after certain registration events, including:

• Registering a new domain.
• Transferring your domain to another registrar.
• Changing certain domain registration information.

Some country-specific domain extensions also have additional transfer restrictions. Check your domain’s eligibility in Shopify before proceeding.

2. Prepare Your Accounts

Make sure you can access both your Squarespace and Shopify accounts. You’ll also need access to the email address associated with your domain registration because transfer authorization messages may be sent there.

3. Check Your Transfer Costs

Review Shopify’s transfer charge before approving the request. Eligible incoming domain transfers generally include an additional year of domain registration, with pricing depending on the extension.

4. Back Up Your DNS Records

DNS records control how your domain connects to websites, email providers, and other online services. Shopify doesn’t automatically copy all additional custom DNS records when a domain is transferred.

Save a copy of these records before proceeding:

• A records: Direct your domain to an IP address.
• CNAME records: Point a subdomain to another hostname.
• MX records: Direct incoming email to your email provider.
• TXT records: Support email authentication and domain verification.

Take screenshots of your current DNS configuration so you can recreate any missing records after the transfer.

How to Prepare Your Squarespace Domain for Transfer

Once your domain is eligible, prepare it through your Squarespace account.

Step 1: Log In to Squarespace

Sign in to Squarespace and open your account’s Domains dashboard. Select the domain you want to transfer to Shopify.

Step 2: Open Your Domain Settings

Review your domain registration information and DNS configuration. Confirm that the registrant email address is correct and that you’ve backed up your existing records.

Step 3: Unlock Your Domain

Most domains have a security lock that prevents unauthorized transfers.

1. Open your Squarespace domain settings.
2. Find the Domain Lock option.
3. Switch the domain lock off.
4. Confirm that the domain is unlocked.

Step 4: Request Your Authorization Code

Your authorization code, also called an EPP code, transfer key, or auth code, confirms that you’re authorized to transfer your domain.

1. Select the option to request a transfer code.
2. Complete any required password or two-factor authentication checks.
3. Confirm your request.
4. Check the email address associated with your domain registration.
5. Copy the latest authorization code.

Squarespace advises that the transfer authentication code should arrive within 24 hours. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive it.

Keep the code private and use the latest version if you’ve requested multiple codes.

How to Transfer Your Domain from Squarespace to Shopify: 7 Easy Steps

After preparing your domain, you can initiate the transfer through your Shopify admin.

Step 1: Connect Your Domain to Shopify First

Before transferring your domain registration, connect it to your Shopify store. This helps ensure that visitors are directed to the correct website and reduces the risk of connection errors during the transfer.

You can use Shopify’s existing domain connection process to establish the connection first.

Step 2: Open Your Shopify Domain Settings

Log in to your Shopify admin and navigate to Settings > Domains.

Find the option to add or transfer an existing domain.

Step 3: Select the Transfer Option

Choose the option to transfer your domain to Shopify. Make sure you select domain transfer rather than simply connecting an existing domain.

Step 4: Enter Your Domain Name

Enter your existing Squarespace domain, such as example.com, and continue.

Shopify will check whether your domain extension is eligible for transfer.

Step 5: Enter Your Authorization Code

Paste the EPP or authorization code you received from Squarespace when Shopify requests it.

Double-check the characters before continuing. If Shopify rejects the code, request the latest authorization code from Squarespace.

Step 6: Review and Approve the Transfer

Review your domain information, contact details, registration agreement, and transfer charge.

Once everything is correct, approve the request and check the email address associated with your domain registration for any additional confirmation instructions.

Step 7: Monitor Your Transfer Status

Return to Settings > Domains in Shopify to monitor the transfer.

Keep your domain unlocked while the transfer is processing. Follow any additional instructions from Shopify or your previous registrar.

Once the transfer is complete, Shopify will send a confirmation email and your domain settings will be available through your Shopify admin.

How to Connect Your Squarespace Domain to Shopify Without Transferring It

If you prefer to keep your domain registered with Squarespace, you can connect it to Shopify by updating your DNS records.

Step 1: Open Your Squarespace DNS Settings

Log in to Squarespace, open Domains, select your domain, and navigate to DNS.

Save your existing MX and TXT records before making changes.

Step 2: Update Your A Record

Add or update the following A record for your root domain:

Step 3: Update Your CNAME Record

Add or update the following CNAME record for your www subdomain:

Save your changes. Keep your existing email-related records unless your email provider specifically instructs you to change them.

Step 4: Connect Your Domain in Shopify

1. Open your Shopify admin.
2. Go to Settings > Domains.
3. Click Connect existing domain.
4. Enter your Squarespace domain.
5. Follow the verification instructions.

Shopify may request an additional TXT record to verify domain ownership. If so, copy the exact value displayed in your Shopify admin and add it to Squarespace DNS settings.

Step 5: Verify Your Connection

Return to Shopify and check whether your domain is marked as connected. Open your website in a browser to confirm that it directs visitors to your Shopify store.

How Long Does a Domain Transfer Take?

A domain transfer from Squarespace to Shopify can take several days, depending on the domain extension and registrar approval process.

Squarespace states that transfers away can take up to 15 days, while Shopify advises that incoming transfers can take up to 20 days.

DNS changes usually take up to 48 hours to propagate, although many updates happen sooner.

What Can Delay a Domain Transfer?

• Your domain is still locked.
• The authorization code is incorrect.
• Your domain is subject to a 60-day restriction.
• Your registration email address is incorrect.
• A transfer approval is still pending.
• Your domain extension has special requirements.

Check your Shopify domain status and email inbox regularly for outstanding actions.

Will Transferring Your Domain Affect Your Website or Email?

Transferring your domain doesn’t automatically delete your Squarespace website or cancel your website subscription. However, your website and email services can be affected if their DNS settings aren’t configured correctly.

Will Your Existing Website Go Offline?

Your website content doesn’t move automatically when domain registration changes. You must migrate your pages, images, and other website content separately.

Connect your domain to Shopify before transferring it where possible. This helps prevent visitors from experiencing connection errors during the transition.

Will Your Custom Email Address Still Work?

Yes, you can keep using a custom email address through an external provider such as Google Workspace. However, you need to preserve or recreate its required DNS records.

Before transferring your domain, save your:

• MX records for incoming email.
• SPF records for email authentication.
• DKIM records for email signing.
• TXT records for provider verification.

Shopify doesn’t provide email hosting. If you use Google Workspace purchased through Squarespace, your Workspace subscription may still be managed separately through Squarespace after the domain transfer.

How to Protect Your SEO Rankings When Moving from Squarespace to Shopify

Moving your website to a new platform can affect organic search visibility if you don’t manage URL changes and redirects properly.

1. Review Your Existing Website URLs

Squarespace and Shopify use different URL structures for some content types.

For example, an old Squarespace product URL might look like:

https://example.com/store/product-name

The corresponding Shopify URL might be:

https://example.com/products/product-name

Record your important URLs before migrating, especially pages that receive organic traffic or valuable backlinks.

2. Create 301 Redirects

A 301 redirect sends visitors and search engines from an old URL to its new destination.

In Shopify:

1. Open Content > Menus.
2. Find the URL redirects section.
3. Select the option to create a redirect.
4. Enter the old URL path.
5. Enter the corresponding new URL path.
6. Save your changes.

Redirect each important old URL to its most relevant new page. Avoid sending every deleted page to your homepage.

3. Preserve Your SEO Metadata

Save your existing page titles, meta descriptions, headings, and important content before migrating.

Review the metadata for your homepage, product pages, collections, and blog articles. Keep relevant keywords and search intent while improving outdated content where necessary.

4. Update Internal Links

Review your website navigation, product recommendations, and blog links. Update internal links to point directly to their new Shopify URLs rather than relying on redirects.

5. Submit Your Shopify Sitemap

Shopify automatically generates an XML sitemap at:

https://example.com/sitemap.xml

Replace example.com with your actual domain.

Open Google Search Console, select your verified website property, navigate to Sitemaps, and submit sitemap.xml.

6. Monitor Your Organic Performance

After migration, monitor Google Search Console and Google Analytics for changes in:

• Organic clicks and impressions.
• Keyword rankings.
• Indexed pages.
• 404 errors and broken links.
• Organic traffic to important landing pages.

Investigate significant or persistent changes to identify migration-related issues.

Common Squarespace to Shopify Domain Transfer Problems and Solutions

Domain Transfer Is Not Available

Cause: Your domain extension isn’t supported or the domain isn’t eligible.

Solution: Check the eligibility requirements. If transfer isn’t available, connect your domain through DNS settings instead.

Squarespace Domain Is Still Locked

Cause: Domain Lock is enabled.

Solution: Return to Squarespace and disable Domain Lock before requesting the transfer.

Authorization Code Is Incorrect

Cause: The code was copied incorrectly or an older code was used.

Solution: Request a new code and use the latest version sent by Squarespace.

Shopify Cannot Verify Your Domain

Cause: Your DNS records are incorrect or haven’t propagated.

Solution: Check your A and CNAME records and follow any additional TXT verification instructions shown in Shopify.

SSL Certificate Is Still Pending

Cause: Shopify is still validating your domain and provisioning its SSL certificate.

Solution: Check for conflicting DNS records and allow time for certificate provisioning.

Custom Email Is Not Working

Cause: Required MX or email authentication records are missing.

Solution: Contact your email provider for the correct DNS configuration and recreate the missing records.

What to Do After Transferring Your Domain to Shopify

Once your transfer is complete, check that your store and connected services are working correctly.

1. Set your primary domain: Go to Shopify Settings > Domains and select your preferred website address.
2. Check HTTPS: Confirm that your SSL certificate is active and your website loads securely.
3. Test your website: Review your homepage, product pages, collections, and blog articles.
4. Test checkout: Confirm that customers can add products to their carts and complete the checkout process.
5. Check email: Send and receive test messages using your custom business email address.
6. Test redirects: Confirm that important old URLs lead to the correct Shopify pages.
7. Monitor performance: Review traffic, indexing, and conversion data after migration.

Improve Your Shopify Store Experience After Migration

After moving your domain and launching your Shopify store, the next step is improving the shopping experience.

Customers need reasons to trust your business before making a purchase. Customer reviews, recent purchase notifications, and genuine social proof can help build confidence.

Nudgify helps Shopify merchants display social proof and trust notifications, including customer activity and reviews.

These notifications can make your product pages more engaging and help reduce purchase hesitation. Once your new Shopify store is running smoothly, consider using social proof to encourage visitors to become customers.

Key Takeaways: Transfer Domain from Squarespace to Shopify

• You can transfer an eligible Squarespace domain to Shopify or connect it without moving registration.
• Check your domain’s eligibility and the 60-day transfer restriction before starting.
• Unlock your Squarespace domain and obtain the latest EPP authorization code.
• Back up your DNS records, especially MX and TXT records used by email services.
• Connect your domain to Shopify before transferring registration where possible.
• Allow sufficient time for the transfer and DNS propagation.
• Use 301 redirects to preserve important URLs and protect organic search visibility.
• Test your website, checkout, email, and SSL certificate after migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Squarespace domain to Shopify for free?

No. An incoming domain transfer generally includes an additional year of registration, with the cost depending on your domain extension. Review Shopify’s transfer charge before approving the request.

How long does it take to transfer a Squarespace domain to Shopify?

Squarespace advises that transfers away can take up to 15 days, while Shopify allows up to 20 days for incoming transfers. The actual time depends on your domain extension and required approvals.

Do I need to cancel Squarespace before transferring my domain?

No. Domain registration and website subscriptions are separate services. You can transfer your domain without immediately cancelling your Squarespace website subscription.

Can I transfer a recently purchased Squarespace domain?

Generally, you must wait at least 60 days after registering or transferring a domain before moving it to another registrar. You can usually connect the domain to Shopify while waiting.

Will I lose my website if I transfer my domain?

No. Transferring registration does not automatically delete your Squarespace website or move its content. However, incorrect DNS settings can cause temporary website interruptions.

Can I keep my custom email address after transferring my domain?

Yes. You can continue using an external email provider, but you must preserve or recreate the required MX and TXT records. Shopify does not provide email hosting.

Can I connect my Squarespace domain without transferring it?

Yes. Update your Squarespace DNS records to point to Shopify. Your domain registration and renewal will remain managed through Squarespace.

Does transferring a domain affect SEO?

Transferring registration alone doesn’t automatically cause an SEO ranking loss. However, moving your website can change URLs and internal links. Use relevant 301 redirects and monitor indexing through Google Search Console.

What happens if my domain transfer fails?

Check whether your domain is locked, whether the authorization code is correct, and whether it meets Shopify’s eligibility requirements. If the transfer is unsuccessful, Shopify refunds the one-year renewal charge. You can also connect the domain instead.

Can I transfer my domain without having an active Squarespace website?

Yes. You can transfer an eligible domain without maintaining a Squarespace website subscription, provided you can access the account managing the domain and obtain its authorization code.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to transfer domain from Squarespace to Shopify can make your ecommerce migration easier when you prepare your domain settings properly.

Whether you transfer your registration or simply connect your existing domain, check eligibility, protect your DNS and email records, and test your Shopify store after the transition.

Once your new store is live, focus on improving your product pages, building customer trust, and creating a smooth shopping experience that supports your business growth.