Using nameserver resources for advanced domain needs.

When you register a domain with Squarespace, we automatically create nameservers to store your resource records. Resource records contain information about the underlying components of your domain, like your email provider or web host. Adding more namesevers to your DNS settings is an optional and advanced step.

Use this guide to find where you can add more DNS records to your DNS settings. You'll only need to edit these records if you're using a third-party security service, like DNSSEC, that needs access to your domain.

Follow this guide for help if:

• Your domain is registered with Squarespace, or
• Your domain is registered with a third party and connected to Squarespace using Nameserver Connect.

If your domain is connected via DNS Connect, edit your DNS settings in your account with your third-party domain provider instead of following this guide.

Tip: If you're not sure which of these applies to you, visit Nameserver Connect vs. DNS Connect for domain connections to learn if your domain is using DNS Connect or Nameserver Connect.

To reset your nameservers to Squarespace defaults, visit Making changes to nameservers.

Note: Our scope of support for DNS records is limited. We can help with showing you where to add records to your DNS settings. We can’t provide technical advice about DNS records or information about how DNS records work with other services. If you need more help, you can get peer-to-peer help in the Domains section of the Squarespace Forum or contact the service you're trying to connect, using our sample message.

Preparing your domain for custom nameservers

To prevent errors, DNNSEC protection must be disabled before adding custom nameservers to your domain. You can add third-party DNSSEC protection to your DNS settings by adding DS records or DNSKEY records.

To disable DNSSEC:

1. Open your domains dashboard.
2. Click the domain you're editing. Click DNS, then click DNSSEC.
3. Switch off the toggle beside DNS Security Extensions toggle.
4. A confirmation window will appear. Click Confirm. This removes the DNSSEC information from the domain and registry.

Adding custom nameservers using NS Records

After disabling DNSSEC, you can add additional nameservers from another provider to your DNS settings.

To add an NS record:

1. Have your NS records ready. You may need to contact your server provider for this information.
2. Open your domains dashboard.
3. Click the domain name. If you have multiple Squarespace domains, you'll manage their DNS records separately.
4. Click DNS, and then click DNS Settings.
5. Scroll down to Custom Records.
6. Click Add record.
7. In the Type dropdown menu, select NS.
8. In the Host field, enter @. Squarespace automatically adds your domain to the Host field. If your provider asks you add your domain to the Host field, like yourdomain.com, you’ll enter @. If your provider asks you to enter a specific value and your domain to the Host field, like mail.yourdomain.com, you’ll enter mail.
9. In the Data field, enter the NS record from your provider.
10. Click Save to add the record. It can take 24 to 72 hours for the changes to update.

Removing custom nameservers

If you no longer want to use custom nameservers, follow our steps below to revert your domain back to using Squarespace nameservers.

Step 1 - Disable DNSSEC

To disable DNSSEC:

1. Open your domains dashboard.
2. Click the domain name. If you have multiple Squarespace domains, you'll manage their DNS records separately.
3. Click DNS, then click DNSSEC.
4. Switch off the DNS Security Extensions toggle.
5. A confirmation window will appear. Click Confirm. This removes the DNSSEC information from the domain and registry. It can take 24 to 72 hours for the changes to update.

Step 2 - Add Squarespace nameservers

To reset your nameservers:

1. Open your domains dashboard.
2. Click the domain name. If you have multiple Squarespace domains, you'll manage them separately.
3. Click DNS, then click Nameserver settings to review or change your domain’s nameservers.
4. Click Use Squarespace nameservers to keep or add Squarespace’s default nameservers. Any records added to the domain’s DNS settings panel will apply to the domain.
5. Click Save. It can take 24 to 72 hours for the nameservers to start working properly.

Step 3 - Enable DNSSEC

To enable DNSSEC:

1. Open your domains dashboard.
2. Click the domain name. If you have multiple Squarespace domains, you'll manage their DNS records separately.
3. Click DNS, then click DNSSEC.
4. Switch on the DNS Security Extensions toggle.
5. A confirmation window will appear. Click Confirm. This removes the DNSSEC information from the domain and registry. It can take 24 to 72 hours for the changes to update.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having issues adding additional nameservers, follow the steps below to resolve any errors.

Error message: Couldn’t add nameserver

This error message can appear if you're in the process of transferring your domain to another provider. It’s not possible to edit your DNS settings from Squarespace, including your nameservers, during a pending domain transfer. To resolve this issue, wait for the domain to fully transfer to the new provider, and then follow the new provider's instructions.