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How to Transfer a Domain from your Squarespace to HostGator

There were changes that occurred on September 7, 2023, Squarespace acquired all domain registrations, and it is associated with customer accounts from Google Domains. If you have previously managed a domain with Google Domains, you would now manage your domains with Squarespace. You can Transfer a Domain from your Squarespace to HostGator. With this guide it helps you with the step-by-step instructions how to transfer a domain from your Squarespace to HostGator account.

What to Expect for Domain Transfers​

Prep Your Domain Transfer:​

  • What to Expect for Domain Transfers
  • Step 1: Prepare a Domain for Transfer at Squarespace
  • Step 2: Transfer a Domain Name to your HostGator Account
  • Additional Tips
  • Summary

Transfer Timeline:​

  • Domain transfers only begin when the Authorization Code(Auth Code)/EPP Code has been entered in the HostGator account, plus the transfer fee must be paid.
  • Domain transfers can and may take up to 15 days to complete.

Below will help you prepare before you initiate the move of a domain name for the Squarespace Domain Transfer process.

Step 1: Prepare a Domain for Transfer at Squarespace​

Verification​

Please make sure you can access both items. First, the domain registrar account (Squarespace), and second, access the associated email address used in the domain’s contact information.

Check Domain Eligibility​

  • Domains must be at least 60 days old.
  • Domains must not have been transferred within the last 60 days.
  • No recent changes (within the last 60 days) to domain contact information. For more details, you can refer to ICANN Transfer Policy.

Unlock the Domain Name​

  1. Log in to your Squarespace account and open the Domains Dashboard. If your domain is locked, it can hinder the transfer process.
  2. Click on the domain you wish to transfer.
  3. Scroll down and switch the Domain Lock toggle to off.
  4. If the Domain Lock toggle is unavailable, proceed to the next step.

Acquire the Authorization (EPP) Code​

  1. Click Request Transfer Authorization (EPP) Code.
  2. Confirm by selecting OK.
  3. Squarespace will send an email with the Auth Code to the domain's contact email address.
  4. Check your inbox for an email from 'customercare@squarespace.com' with the subject line: "Auth code for [your-HostGator]."
  5. If you do not receive the email within 24 hours, refer to Squarespace's troubleshooting steps. Reminder: Just in case, please check your junk or spam for the email you are expecting.
  6. Copy the Auth Code/EPP and save it for use in your HostGator account.

Step 2: Transfer a Domain name to your HostGator account​

  1. Log in to Your HostGator Account. First, go to Customer Portal and log in to your account or the website and click the login button.
  2. Access the Domain Transfer Section. Next, on the left, click Domains section in your Portal. Click on Transfer Domain or select the Transfer option.
  3. Enter the Domain Name. Enter the domain name you want to transfer to your HostGator account. Next, click Submit.
  4. Once you enter your Domain name you want to transfer, you will be redirected to the Order Summary Page where you can process the domain transfer fee and one year renewal of the domain name.
  5. Once payment is processed, you will see an order complete screen.
  6. An email will be sent to your email account that is connected to your account to complete your transfer process with HostGator.

Note: Remember, always checking your email inbox and your spam or junk folder is best practice. Sometimes, emails, even important ones, may route into your spam or junk folder.

Confirm the Transfer​

  1. Log into your HostGator Account to complete the domain transfer by entering the EPP/Authorization code you received from Squarespace.
  2. Click the prompt to enter the EPP/Auth Code obtained from Squarespace.
  3. Verify all details, including the domain name and ownership information.
  4. Pay any applicable transfer fee (typically a 1-year renewal charge and also applicable one year domain renewal).

Approve the Transfer via Email​

  1. HostGator will send a confirmation email to the domain’s admin contact email.
  2. Open the email and click the approval link to authorize the transfer.

Remember: Always check your email inbox and your spam or junk folder is best practice. Sometimes, emails, even important ones, may route into your spam or junk folder.

Domain Transfer Timeframe to Complete​

How long does the domain transfer process take from Squarespace to HostGator? Domain transfers may take about 5-7 days to complete, but this is only when the EPP/Auth Code(s)/transfer code are entered and the domain transfer fees are paid. A confirmation email from HostGator will be delivered to your email once the transfer is successful. In the HostGator Portal, the Domain Transfer Status will show "Current Status" as "Completed."

Additional Tips​

  • Do Not Cancel Your Current Registrar: Keep the domain active in Squarespace until the transfer is fully complete.
  • Check DNS Settings: If your domain is linked to special DNS records (for example, special DNS for a specific website or email), update the settings in your HostGator Account Manager's DNS Section. For more information on how to update DNS, read our DNS Management guide.
  • Keep Your Contact Email Active: Please make sure your WHOIS email address is active and accessible so you can receive important transfer confirmation emails.

Summary​

Learn to move your domain name. With this guide, learn how to transfer a domain from Squarespace to your HostGator account using these steps to prep the domain name, unlock the domain name, and obtain the domain's authorization code or EPP code from Squarespace to push and transfer a domain from your Squarespace to HostGator account. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.