To manually connect a 1&1 IONOS domain to Squarespace, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start the Connection in Squarespace

1. Open the Domains panel
2. Click "Use your domain"
3. Enter your domain name and click the arrow
4. Select "Other" from the dropdown menu
5. Click "Connect Domain" and "Continue"
6. Keep the DNS settings panel open for reference

Step 2: Access IONOS DNS Settings

1. Log in to your 1&1 IONOS account
2. Locate your domain in the list
3. Click "Actions" then "DNS"

Step 3: Remove Existing Records

1. Set filter to "Display All Records"
2. Delete all existing AAAA and A records
3. Confirm deletion

Step 4: Add First CNAME Record

1. Click "Add Record" and select "CNAME"
2. Host Name: [unique verification code from Squarespace]
3. Points to: verify.squarespace.com
4. TTL: 1 hour
5. Save

Step 5: Add Second CNAME Record

1. Click "Add Record" and select "CNAME"
2. Host Name: www
3. Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com
4. TTL: 1 hour
5. Save

Note: If you receive an error about duplicate CNAME records, delete any existing www records first.

Step 6: Add A Records

Add four A records with the following settings:

• Host Name: @ (for all records)
• TTL: 1 hour
• Points to (add one record for each):
  • 198.185.159.144
  • 198.185.159.145
  • 198.49.23.144
  • 198.49.23.145

Important: Disable additional www records for each A record

Step 7: Wait for Connection

• Allow 24-72 hours for full propagation
• Check connection status in Squarespace's DNS Settings
• Green label will appear when connected
• Temporary errors are normal during propagation

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Use DNS checker tool in DNS Settings panel
• Contact IONOS support for account-specific issues
• Check DNS records are exactly as specified
• Don't delete Mail host records to preserve email service

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