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How to Use Your Squarespace Domain with Hostinger Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Thinking about connecting your Squarespace domain to your Hostinger hosting? You’re not alone. Whether you’re seeking more control over your website or exploring new features, knowing how to link your custom domain with another provider opens up a world of possibilities.

Getting this setup right is key to keeping your site live, professional, and easy to find. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step by step and share helpful tips to make everything smooth and hassle-free.

How to Use Your Squarespace Domain With Hostinger: A Complete Guide

If you have a domain registered through Squarespace and want to use it with Hostinger for your new website or hosting service, you’re in the right place. The process might sound daunting, but with a clear step-by-step guide, it can be smooth and straightforward. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about moving your domain from Squarespace to Hostinger or simply pointing your Squarespace domain to your new Hostinger hosting. We’ll also cover practical tips, common challenges, as well as best practices for a seamless transition.

Understanding Your Options

When moving from Squarespace to Hostinger, you generally have two options for using your domain:

  • Pointing Your Domain: Keep your domain registered with Squarespace but direct traffic to your Hostinger site.
  • Transferring Your Domain: Move your domain registration fully from Squarespace to Hostinger.

Each method has unique steps, benefits, and possible pitfalls. Let’s break both down so you can choose what works best for your needs.

Option 1: Pointing Your Squarespace Domain to Hostinger

This method involves updating your domain’s DNS settings so it directs visitors to your Hostinger-hosted website, while leaving the domain managed by Squarespace.

Why Point Instead of Transfer?

  • Faster: DNS changes can be nearly instant (though may take up to 24 hours to fully update).
  • Less Disruption: No downtime for your domain registration or impact on renewal cycles.
  • Retain Management: You continue to manage billing and domain settings through Squarespace.

Step-by-Step Guide to Point Your Squarespace Domain

  1. Find Hostinger’s Nameservers
  2. Log in to your Hostinger account.
  3. Go to “Hosting” and select your domain.

  4. Find your nameserver information (usually looks like ns1.dns-parking.com and ns2.dns-parking.com).

  5. Access Squarespace Domain Settings

  6. Log in to your Squarespace account.
  7. Go to the “Domains” section.

  8. Select your domain to modify its settings.

  9. Update Your Nameservers

  10. Locate the option to modify “Nameservers” or “DNS Settings.”
  11. Replace existing nameservers with the Hostinger nameservers.

  12. Save your changes.

  13. Wait for DNS Propagation

  14. DNS changes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours to propagate across the internet.

  15. During this period, some users may still be directed to your old site.

  16. Verify the Connection

  17. After a few hours, visit your domain and ensure it loads the content hosted on Hostinger.
  18. Use online DNS checkers if needed to confirm your new settings are active.

Option 2: Transferring Your Domain Registration to Hostinger

If you’d prefer to manage everything from one dashboard, transferring your domain’s registration to Hostinger is the best route. This process moves the domain ownership and management from Squarespace to Hostinger.

Benefits of Transferring

  • Simplified Management: Pay for and manage your hosting and domain in one place.
  • Hostinger Support: Take advantage of Hostinger’s support for both hosting and domains.
  • Potential Cost Savings: Some hosts offer discounted renewal rates for domain transfers.

Before You Begin: Prepare Your Domain

  • Make sure your domain is at least 60 days old (ICANN rule for domain transfers).
  • The domain must be unlocked and not within 60 days of expiry.
  • Confirm that your domain’s privacy protection (WHOIS privacy) is turned off.
  • Ensure your admin email on the domain is active, as it will receive important transfer notifications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Your Domain

  1. Unlock Your Domain in Squarespace
  2. In your Squarespace account, go to “Domains.”
  3. Find the domain you wish to transfer.

  4. Unlock it if it’s currently locked.

  5. Get the Auth/EPP Code

  6. In the domain settings, locate the authorization code or EPP code.

  7. Copy this code—you’ll need it for the transfer.

  8. Start the Transfer in Hostinger

  9. Log in to Hostinger and select the “Transfer Domain” option.
  10. Enter your domain name.

  11. Paste in the EPP code when prompted.

  12. Confirm via Email

  13. Check your admin email for a confirmation message.

  14. Approve the transfer.

  15. Wait for Completion

  16. Domain transfers may take anywhere from a few hours up to 7 days.
  17. You’ll receive a confirmation from Hostinger once your domain is fully moved.

Comparing Pointing Vs. Transferring

Feature Pointing Your Domain Transferring Your Domain
Speed Typically within 24 hours 2-7 days
Management Domain stays at Squarespace Domain moves to Hostinger
Billing Paid through Squarespace Paid through Hostinger
Technical Complexity Mild (edit DNS) Moderate (codes + emails)
Best For Quick launch, minimal fuss Full integration, one-stop shop

Key Tips and Best Practices

Thoroughly Backup Your Website and Data

Before making any changes, ensure you have a complete backup of your site, emails, and DNS settings. Even when only pointing your domain, it is wise to keep a record in case you need to revert.

Monitor Email Services

If you use email tied to your domain (like [email protected]), confirm how your email will be affected. Update MX records as needed or set up email hosting with Hostinger to ensure continued access.

Plan for Downtime

While both processes can be close to seamless, plan your changes for off-peak hours just in case there’s temporary downtime, especially if your domain is crucial for business.

Double-Check Nameserver Accuracy

Typos in nameserver addresses can break your website’s connection. Double- and triple-check for accuracy before saving changes.

Use Hostinger’s Support

Don’t hesitate to contact Hostinger’s support team if you face any issues—they are well-versed in domain pointing and transfers, and usually respond quickly.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

  • DNS Propagation Delays: Sometimes, changes take up to 48 hours to take full effect worldwide. Don’t panic if your site doesn’t update instantly!
  • Lost Emails: Modifying DNS records can disrupt email service if not handled properly. Remember to reconfigure or move your MX records if your mail is domain-based.
  • Transfer Locks or Failures: Domains may be locked by default, or ineligible for transfer if too new or close to expiry. Ensure all prerequisites are met before initiating a transfer.
  • Unexpected Costs: Some registrars may have transfer fees, or require you to pay for an additional year during transfer. Review terms before proceeding.
  • Confusion Over DNS Records: Pointing to Hostinger requires precision in editing A records or nameservers. If unsure, ask for help—incorrect settings can make your site unreachable.

Cost Tips and Considerations

  • Pointing Your Domain: Usually no cost involved—simply update settings.
  • Transferring Your Domain: Most registrars, including Hostinger, require you to renew your domain for an extra year during transfer (this fee is applied to your expiration date, not as a penalty).
  • Email Services: If you need continued access to custom email addresses, factor in possible email hosting costs with Hostinger or other third-party providers.
  • Domain Privacy: Domain privacy protection may lapse or need to be re-enabled after transfer—check if Hostinger provides this feature and the associated cost.

Maintaining Your Website During the Transition

  • Keep your original Squarespace site live until you confirm the Hostinger site is working and your domain points correctly.
  • Use the “Preview” or temporary Hostinger URL to review your site’s functionality before switching DNS.
  • Communicate with your users about potential changes or downtime, if necessary, through social media or email lists.

Summary

Using your Squarespace domain with Hostinger is absolutely possible, whether you want to keep your domain registered with Squarespace and “point” it to Hostinger, or move your registration fully over. Both options have their unique advantages, with the pointing method being simpler and the transfer method offering consolidation of services for easier management.

Before starting, back up your data and plan for possible short-term disruptions. Carefully follow the steps to update nameservers or transfer your domain, and always double-check important settings—especially those affecting your website’s connectivity and email.

With some preparation and patience, you can make the move successfully, opening up new possibilities for website speed, customization, and value with Hostinger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use my Squarespace domain with Hostinger without transferring it?
Yes! You can simply point your domain to Hostinger by updating your domain’s nameservers or DNS A records in Squarespace. This way, your domain remains registered with Squarespace but directs visitors to your Hostinger site.

How long does it take for my Squarespace domain to work with Hostinger?
If you point your domain, changes may take up to 24–48 hours to propagate globally, though it’s often faster. If you’re transferring the domain, it can take anywhere from a few hours up to 7 days.

Will switching my domain affect my email addresses?
Possibly. If your email is managed through Squarespace or depends on your domain’s DNS, you’ll need to update your MX records to prevent disruption. Always double-check your email setup after making DNS changes.

Are there any costs involved in pointing or transferring my domain?
Pointing your domain is typically free. For transfers, most registrars charge a renewal fee covering an extra year of registration, but you’re not paying twice—your expiration is extended.

What happens if I make a mistake updating DNS settings?
Incorrect DNS changes may cause your website or email to stop working temporarily. The good news: you can correct mistakes anytime by updating the records again. Take screenshots or save your original settings before making changes for peace of mind.

With these strategies, your migration from Squarespace to Hostinger should be efficient, effective, and stress-free!

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