Squarespace DNS Setup Guide

Step-by-step instructions for configuring DNS records in Squarespace

Setting Up DNS Records in Squarespace

This guide will walk you through adding the necessary DNS records to your Squarespace domain to verify ownership and enable email authentication for Brew.

For official documentation from Squarespace, please visit their Managing DNS Records page.

Prerequisites

• A Squarespace account with your domain already registered or connected
• Your domain added to Brew (from the Set Sending Domain step)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to Squarespace

   Go to Squarespace.com and log in to your account.
2. Access your domain's DNS settings

   1. Click on “Settings” in the left sidebar of your Squarespace dashboard
   2. Select “Domains” from the menu
   3. Click on your domain name
   4. Scroll down to the “Custom Records” section
3. Add MX Record

   1. In the Custom Records section, click “Add”
   2. Select “MX” from the dropdown menu
   3. For the Host field, enter the subdomain you’re using with Brew (e.g., “mail” or “news”)
   4. For the Mail Server field, paste the MX value from your Brew dashboard
   5. Set Priority to 10
   6. Leave TTL as the default (4 hours)
   7. Click “Save”

   If you’re currently using Squarespace Email or G Suite for your domain, adding a new MX record may interfere with your existing email setup. Consider using a different subdomain for Brew.

4. Add SPF Record (TXT)

   1. Click “Add” again
   2. Select “TXT” from the dropdown menu
   3. For the Host field, enter the same subdomain you used for the MX record
   4. For the Text field, paste the SPF value from your Brew dashboard
   5. Leave TTL as the default (4 hours)
   6. Click “Save”

   You might need to trim any trailing periods from the record values when adding them to Squarespace.

5. Add DKIM Records (CNAME)

   For each DKIM record shown in your Brew dashboard:

   1. Click “Add”
   2. Select “CNAME” from the dropdown menu
   3. For the Host field, enter the long string ending with ._domainkey (copy exactly as shown in Brew)
   4. For the Target field, paste the DKIM value from your Brew dashboard
   5. Leave TTL as the default (4 hours)
   6. Click “Save”
6. Add DMARC Record (Optional but Recommended)

   1. Click “Add”
   2. Select “TXT” from the dropdown menu
   3. For the Host field, enter _dmarc
   4. For the Text field, enter v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[e-mail] (replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain)
   5. Leave TTL as the default (4 hours)
   6. Click “Save”
7. Verify DNS Records in Brew

   1. Return to your Brew dashboard
   2. Click the “Verify Records” button at the bottom of the DNS Records page
   3. Wait for the verification process to complete

   DNS changes in Squarespace typically take 30 minutes to several hours to propagate. If verification fails initially, wait a few hours and try again.

Common Issues with Squarespace DNS Setup

Trailing periods in record values

Squarespace sometimes has issues with trailing periods in DNS record values. If you see verification errors, try removing any trailing periods from the values.

Conflicts with email services

If you’re using Squarespace Email or G Suite with your domain, adding new MX records might interfere with your existing setup. Consider using a separate subdomain for Brew.

Record limit restrictions

Squarespace has limits on the number of custom DNS records you can add. If you’re approaching this limit, you might need to consider using a more robust DNS provider.

Slow propagation

Squarespace DNS changes can take longer to propagate than some other providers. Be patient and wait at least a few hours before troubleshooting verification issues.

Squarespace-Specific Tips

Domain Connection Status

Make sure your domain is properly connected to Squarespace before attempting to add DNS records. Check the status in the Domains section of your settings.

Third-Party Domain Management

If you purchased your domain elsewhere and connected it to Squarespace, you may need to manage DNS through your original registrar, not Squarespace.

G Suite Integration

If using G Suite with Squarespace, be careful not to disrupt your email setup. Use a separate subdomain for Brew or consult with our support team.

TTL Settings

Squarespace defaults to a 4-hour TTL for DNS records. While you can’t change this, be aware that it affects how quickly DNS changes propagate.

Google Domains Migration Note

If you previously used Google Domains and your domain was migrated to Squarespace, your DNS settings should have been transferred automatically. However, it’s a good idea to verify that all records were moved correctly before adding new ones for Brew.

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We’re more than happy to help you set up your DNS records. Ping us on Slack (we should have connected with you by now) or through one of the mechanisms above.