What are Squarespace Nameservers? (Quick 2024 Guide)
Ever wondered how your computer knows which website to show when you type in a web address? It’s all down to nameservers.
Here’s everything you need to know about Squarespace nameservers and how to change them.
What is a Squarespace nameserver?
A nameserver is a server in the domain name system (DNS) which connects a website’s domain name with the relevant IP address.
All websites are identified by an IP address (or multiple IP addresses), a string of unique numbers which allows the site to send and receive data from other devices.
The issue is that these IP addresses are hard to remember, so we use domain names (like www.sparkplugin.com) to access websites.
A nameserver automatically translates domain names into IP addresses. This means you don’t have to recall thousands of different combinations of numbers each time you want to visit your favorite sites!
Nameservers have other purposes too. For example, they handle email routing and allow you to manage your website’s DNS records.
How to change nameservers on Squarespace in two steps
You get a default nameserver when you buy a domain name.
However, there might be circumstances where you need to change your nameserver provider, for example, if you’re switching web hosts or you want to improve your website performance.
(You can find your new Squarespace nameserver by going to your web provider and logging in. There will be a section called Domain Name Servers that you can copy the nameservers from.)
Here’s how to change nameservers on Squarespace in two simple steps.
Step 1: Go to your domain settings
Go to the Squarespace website you want to change the nameserver for. Click the Cog in the bottom left-hand corner and choose Domains & Email from the settings menu.
Then, choose Domains.
Step 2: Amend your nameserver
In the domains menu, under Domains Managed by Squarespace, click on the domain.
Go to Nameservers Settings and click Edit.
In the menu, toggle from Use Squarespace nameservers to Use custom nameservers.
Click ADD NAMESERVER.
Add your nameservers. You can click the red trash can to delete a nameserver or click ADD NAMESERVER again to add more.
When you’re done, click Save.
It can take between 24 and 72 hours for the changes to take effect.
I can’t amend my Squarespace nameserver
If you can’t see your domain in the Squarespace settings, it might be because you have your website domain with another service. In this case, you need to edit your nameserver through your service provider instead.
If you’re not sure, drop Squarespace Customer Support an email and they will take a look for you.
Now you know what a nameserver is and if you’re on Squarespace, how to change nameservers!
Want to know more about how to enhance your Squarespace site? Check out the Spark’s Palette blog.
