Fix common domain transfer issues

If you’ve followed the steps to transfer your domain to Squarespace and the transfer was canceled, you can troubleshoot the issue using the steps in this guide. 

When your transfer fails, we’ll email you to let you know. You’ll also find a transfer canceled status or the error message, “Unknown failure - There was an error transferring your domain. Please try again later” in your domains dashboard.

This guide covers failed domain transfers when the domain is transferring into Squarespace. To troubleshoot transferring a domain out of Squarespace, visit Transferring a domain away from Squarespace.

Note: When the domain transfer is canceled, we automatically refund any payment that may have gone through. You don't have to take action to receive a refund for a canceled transfer.

Step 1 - Remove the canceled transfer

Remove the canceled domain transfer to begin troubleshooting:

1. Open your Domains dashboard. If you don’t find your canceled transfer listed there, ensure you’re logged into the account connected to your domain transfer. 
2. Click the domain.
3. In the Transfer canceled box, click Remove transfer.

You may need to refresh your browser for the domain transfer to disappear.

Step 2 - Ensure the domain is eligible to transfer

In some cases, the domain isn’t eligible to be transferred to a new host. To find out if this is the case for your domain, confirm the following with your current domain provider:

• Domain is too new - If your domain hasn’t been hosted with your current domain provider for at least 60 days, it’s not eligible to transfer.
• Registration is too long - If your domain has more than nine years left on its registration, we can’t accept the transfer. Wait until the domain has fewer than nine years to transfer it to Squarespace.
• Transfer denied - If your current domain provider has denied your transfer, contact them to ask why it was denied. You can use our suggestion for how to phrase your request when you contact them.
• Specific type of domain - If you’re trying to transfer a subdomain, registry premium domain, some ccTLDs, or a domain with the words “squarespace” or “sqsp” in it, the transfer will automatically fail. To review a complete list of ineligible domains, visit Transferring your domain to a Squarespace site.

Step 3 - Double check domain registration information

Restart the domain transfer process by following the instructions for your specific domain provider or the general instructions for transferring to a site or to an account without a site.

Ensure you’ve entered the correct information for the domain. Double check the following information:

• Authorization code - If possible, copy and paste the code from your domain provider.
• Registration details - Confirm that your contact information is correct on the registration details panel. Log into your account with your current domain provider to ensure the information matches.

Continue through the transfer steps until you reach the DNS settings review. Then proceed to troubleshoot in step four below.

Step 4 - Don't keep DNS records

During the domain transfer process, a Keep DNS records option may appear. Unselect this option before proceeding to complete the transfer process.

Your domain's DNS records may be interfering with the transfer. After completing the transfer process again, watch for error messages in your domains dashboard. If you receive an error message about your DNS settings, contact us and include the error message.

Step 5 - Don't use a 3D Secure credit card

If the credit card you entered during the payment step uses 3D secure, the transfer will fail. This is due to a restriction with our payment processor. Return to the payment step and try a different payment method.

What to do if the domain transfer is canceled again

If you’re trying to transfer a domain to a site and the steps above didn't fix your canceled transfer, you can connect the domain to your Squarespace site instead. 

If you’re not transferring your domain to a site and steps above didn't fix your canceled transfer, you may not be able to transfer your domain to Squarespace. Contact your domain provider to learn why your domain can’t transfer to Squarespace.