To transfer a domain from Squarespace (which acquired Google Domains), log into your Squarespace Domains dashboard. Click on your domain and toggle off the Domain Lock. Then click 'Request Transfer Code' and re-authenticate your account. Squarespace emails your EPP code to the domain's registrant contact within 24 hours. Submit this code at your new registrar to initiate the transfer.
What Happened to Google Domains?
On September 7, 2023, Squarespace acquired all Google Domains assets, approximately 10 million registered domains. Google shut down its registrar entirely.
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Google Domains (pre-2023) | |
Squarespace (Sept 2023 – Sept 2024) | ~$12/year (price lock honored) |
Squarespace (after Sept 7, 2024) | ~$20/year (standard rate) |
The 12-month grace period ended. Domains renewing after September 7, 2024 pay Squarespace's standard rate, 67% more than Google Domains.
For users who registered with Google Domains for its transparent pricing, this wasn't a choice, it was a forced migration followed by a price hike.
Why It Matters: Recapture Wholesale Pricing
- 10 domains at Squarespace for 10 years: ~$2,000
- 10 domains at NameSilo (Discount Program, $11.05/year): ~$1,105
~$900 difference, purely renewal fees. Same domain, same DNS, lower bill.
Decision Framework: Transfer vs Point DNS
| | |
| Registration moves to new registrar | Leaving Squarespace entirely |
| Hosting moves, registration stays | Keeping domain at Squarespace |
Transfer (this guide): Moves registration and the renewal bill to a cheaper registrar. The website stays intact.
Change nameservers: Routes traffic elsewhere but registration, and fees, stay at Squarespace.
If the goal is escaping the price hike, only a full transfer achieves it.
Implementation Steps: Transfer from Squarespace
Step 1: Check Eligibility Domain must be 60+ days old since last registration or transfer. Remove DNSSEC first if enabled.
Step 2: Log In to Squarespace Go to Squarespace account → Domains panel.
Step 3: Select Your Domain Click the domain you want to transfer.
Step 4: Disable Domain Lock Toggle off Domain Lock. If the toggle isn't visible, proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Request Transfer Code Click "Request Transfer Code." Re-authenticate with your password (or 2FA) and click Continue → OK. The EPP code is emailed to the registrant contact within 24 hours from [email protected] (subject: "Auth code for [yourdomain.com]"). This may differ from your Squarespace login, check Registration Information if unsure. Step 6: Initiate at NameSilo Go to NameSilo's domain transfer page → Enter your domain and EPP code. Step 7: Watch for Confirmation Email After initiating the transfer at NameSilo, you'll receive an email from [email protected] (subject: "New domain transfer request"). You have 5 days to cancel via this email. If you take no action, Squarespace accepts the transfer automatically and the process completes within 15 days. Common Mistakes
Clicking "Request Transfer Code" multiple times: Each click generates a new code and invalidates previous ones. Use only the most recent email.
Wrong registrant email: Auth code goes to the registrant contact, not your login. Verify in Registration Information first.
Assuming standard pricing only applies to new registrations: All migrated Google Domains have been at Squarespace rates since September 7, 2024.
Missing confirmation emails: Auth codes from [email protected]. You'll also receive a "New domain transfer request" email with a 5-day cancellation window. Check spam for both. What This Means for You
NameSilo offers the low, transparent pricing Google Domains users originally signed up for, .com renewals at $11.05/year with the Discount Program. Use the domain transfer tool to migrate an entire portfolio at once and lock in wholesale rates. Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Google Domain move to Squarespace?
Google sold its Domains business to Squarespace in September 2023.
How much does Squarespace charge for domain renewals?
~$20/year for .com, up from $12 at Google Domains.
How do I transfer away from Squarespace?
Domains panel → disable Domain Lock → Request Transfer Code → re-authenticate.
How long does a Squarespace domain transfer take?
Where do I find my Squarespace Auth Code?
Domains panel → domain → Request Transfer Code → re-authenticate.
Can I transfer my domain to NameSilo?
Yes. Enter EPP code at the NameSilo transfer page.
Why is my Squarespace domain locked?
Default security. Disable it in the Domains panel before transferring.
Do I lose remaining domain time if I transfer?
No. Time carries over plus one year is added as long as the domain was not renewed within the last 45 days.
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