Before connecting your DreamHost domain to Squarespace, ensure you meet all third-party domain requirements. Follow these steps for a successful connection:

Step 1: Initialize Connection in Squarespace

1. Go to Domains panel
2. Click "Use a domain I own"
3. Enter your domain name and click the arrow
4. Click "Connect Domain"
5. Select DreamHost from dropdown
6. Click "Connect Domain" again
7. Click "Continue" in the displayed message
8. Keep the DNS records panel open for reference

Step 2: Configure DreamHost Settings

1. Log into DreamHost account
2. Navigate to Domains > Manage Domains
3. Switch to DNS Only Hosting
4. Ensure HTTPS shows as "Not Secure"
5. Remove any existing SSL certificate
6. Click "Remove" under Web Hosting

Step 3: Add First CNAME Record

• Host: [unique code from Squarespace]
• Type: CNAME
• Points to: verify.squarespace.com

Step 4: Add Second CNAME Record

• Host: www
• Type: CNAME
• Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com

Step 5: Add Four A Records

Create these records with @ as Host:

1. 198.185.159.144
2. 198.185.159.145
3. 198.49.23.144
4. 198.49.23.145

Important Notes:

• Don't delete Mail or Email host records
• Keep empty host records only if they match this guide
• Connection takes 24-72 hours to complete
• Check progress through Squarespace DNS settings
• Green checkmarks indicate successful connections

Troubleshooting:

• Use DNS Record Verification tool if "Unable to Verify Domain Ownership" appears
• Contact DreamHost support for account-specific issues
• Wait 72 hours before troubleshooting connection errors

The domain is successfully connected when it appears as "Connected" in your Domains panel.

Related Articles

Previous Articles