Connect a 1&1 IONOS Domain to Squarespace Manually

If automatic domain connection fails, follow these steps to manually connect your IONOS domain to Squarespace.

Step 1: Set Up Squarespace Connection

1. Go to Domains menu
2. Click Use External Domain
3. Enter your domain name
4. Click Connect Domain
5. Select Other from dropdown
6. Click Connect Domain again
7. Click Next
8. Keep DNS Settings window open for reference

Step 2: Access IONOS Account

1. Log in to your IONOS account
2. Find your domain in the Domains list
3. Click Actions, then DNS

Step 3: Remove Existing Records

1. Set filter to Show All Records
2. Delete all existing AAAA and A records
3. Click Delete to confirm each removal

Step 4: Add First CNAME Record

1. Click Add Record, then CNAME
2. Enter settings:
   • Hostname: [unique code from Squarespace]
   • Points To: verify.squarespace.com
   • TTL: 1 Hour
3. Click Save

Step 5: Add Second CNAME Record

1. Click Add Record, then CNAME
2. Enter settings:
   • Hostname: www
   • Points To: ext-cust.squarespace.com
   • TTL: 1 Hour
3. Click Save

Step 6: Add A Records

Add four A records with these IP addresses:

1. 198.185.159.144
2. 198.185.159.145
3. 198.49.23.144
4. 198.49.23.145

For each record:

• Hostname: @
• TTL: 1 Hour
• Points To: [respective IP address]

Step 7: Wait for Connection

• Allow 24-72 hours for full propagation
• Monitor progress in Squarespace DNS settings
• Green labels will appear as connection establishes
• Domain shows "Connected" when complete

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Use DNS Entries Check Tool if verification fails
• Keep email-related DNS records (Mail/Email host)
• Contact IONOS support for account-specific issues
• Wait full 72 hours before troubleshooting
• Verify all DNS entries match exactly

Note: Temporary errors are normal during the first 72 hours after setup.

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