A third-party domain can connect to your Squarespace website in two ways: Nameserver Connection and DNS Connect. Each method has specific use cases and setup processes.

When to Use Nameserver Connect

Use Nameserver Connect for GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Network Solutions domains unless you have:

• Custom DNS records
• Multiple subdomains
• DNSSEC enabled
• Complex domain registration (glue records or domain forwarding)
• Security or traffic services requiring specific nameservers
• No nameserver connection option in your domains menu

When to Use DNS Connect

Use DNS Connect if:

• Your domain provider isn't GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Network Solutions
• Any of the above exceptions apply to your domain

Key Differences

DNS Record Storage

• Nameserver Connection: DNS records stored with Squarespace
• DNS Connect: DNS records stored with third-party provider

Setup Process

• Nameserver Connect: Guided process, add two nameserver entries
• DNS Connect: Manual setup, add two CNAME records and four A records

Editing DNS Records

Nameserver Connection

1. Select domain in dashboard
2. Click Edit in DNS Settings section

DNS Connection

1. Sign in to domain provider account
2. Follow provider's instructions to edit entries

Disabling Nameserver Connect

Follow these steps if you need to switch to DNS Connect:

1. Open Domains menu
2. Click Use External Domain
3. Enter domain name
4. Click Connect Domain
5. Select "No, Use DNS Records"
6. Click Connect Domain
7. Select domain provider
8. Sign in to provider account
9. Click Connect
10. Click Continue

This setup ensures custom DNS entries and features remain functional while maintaining your domain connection to Squarespace.

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