How to Transfer a Domain from Squarespace to Wix

Is your site hosted on Squarespace and you find the platform doesn’t suffice your needs anymore? It’s high time to consider switching to Wix. I’m here to help you with that right here and right now.

Why Wix? The answer is obvious: the website builder has much to offer, irrespective of the website type you run. This is a revolutionary site-building platform well-equipped with tools to satisfy even the most scrupulous clients’ requirements.

So, if you notice that your project has outgrown the capabilities suggested by Squarespace, take your time to read my in-depth guide to successfully cope with the domain transfer to Wix.

Connecting vs. Transferring a Domain

Before you start the domain transfer, it’s crucial to understand the difference between connecting and transferring a domain. Transferring a domain means moving it from one registrar to another: in our case, it is from Squarespace to Wix. Normally, this process requires five business days or simply a week.

After completing the domain transfer, all your contact information, registration payments, and DNS settings will be managed by Wix. Your domain and website management will be performed from one place.

On the other hand, connecting a domain means simply pointing it to Wix servers. In this case, the domain will remain outside of Wix at your current registrar Squarespace, while you will need to update DNS settings. This process only takes two business days at maximum.

If you still hesitate about whether you need to connect your domain or transfer it, Wix specialists are always ready to assist. In all cases, connecting and transferring a domain to Wix is possible only if you are at least a Premium account owner.

Expected Payments

When it comes to transferring the domain name between the platforms, the payments issue is one of the major user concerns. On the one hand, Wix claims that the migration process is absolutely free and they don’t charge any fees for domain names. However, that’s not altogether true. Here is why.

Two Options Explained

When moving your domain from Squarespace to Wix, the latter platform will offer two options to choose from. The first one implies the provision of the Wix Domain Voucher – a free promo gift that grants a free domain for the first year of the system use. Mind, however, that you will get a free domain only after you sign up for one of Wix Premium or Wix Studio subscriptions.

Wix Premium plans currently include:

• Lite ($17/mo)
• Core ($29/mo)
• Business ($36/mo)
• Business Elite ($159/mo)

Note: if you have a valid domain voucher already, it will be applied automatically when you pick its extension period in your Wix account settings during the transfer process.

As soon as your promo term is over (1 year), the cost of the domain name will increase to $14.95 or year. The same price is valid if you decide to purchase Wix domain right from the start, without getting a Domain Voucher. This is the second option to go for. To get a private registration, get ready to additionally invest $9.90 per year – that’s what the cost of this option is.

How to Switch a Domain from Squarespace to Wix

When you come up with a firm idea of switching from Squarespace (my review) to Wix (read review) yet not losing your already functioning website and its traffic, you can either apply to a team of web developers or do that yourself. Surely, a specialist will do the job more professionally and efficiently, but that will cost a lot. By dedicating some time and effort, you can save on your expenses.

Before introducing the detailed guide on how to switch from Squarespace to Wix, let me remind you that you can transfer only such domain names to Wix as .com, .guru, .net, .org, .email, .club, .xyz, .company, .today, .solutions, .ninja, .agency, .photos, .directory, .tips, .technology, .land, .space, .pictures, .biz, .rocks.tokyo, .photography, .info, and .tv.

Perform these steps, and soon you will get your site perfectly operating on Wix. For a start, you must enable the transfer from your current domain host.

1. Request the authorization code, otherwise referred to as the EPP code, and expect it to be sent to the email address you registered your domain with.
2. Unlock your domain by requesting it from Squarespace. Note that this is possible only if it has been at least 60 days since you registered the domain, changed the contact information, or last transferred it. If so, you’d better connect your domain to Wix and wait till 60 days pass.
3. Disable the DNSSEC. This is vital for successfully completing the domain transfer, as Wix doesn’t currently support DNSSEC. Accordingly, if it’s enabled at Squarespace, you must turn it off before proceeding.

Now, when you have the EPP code at hand, while your domain is unlocked and your DNSSEC is off, you can start the domain transfer.

1. Sign up at Wix and subscribe to the Premium plan for a free domain transfer.

2. Access your Account Settings.
3. Look at the middle of the top section to locate the “Domain: Not connected” option quicker, and click on the “Connect Domain” under it.

4. Search for the “Advanced: Transfer your domain registration to Wix” option and click the blue hyperlink while ignoring any big button nearby.
5. Take your time to read the instructions, as Wix is pretty straightforward when it comes to guiding its user on the platform. Choose “Start Transfer.”

6. Submit the currently operating domain that you want to transfer.

7. You will spot a drop-down menu. Open it, find your Squarespace name, and choose it. Wix must know where the target domain was purchased from. Click “Continue.”

8. Now log into your Squarespace account from a new tab in the browser. All the steps ahead must be performed with two tabs opened.

9. Go back to your Wix account and tap “I logged in.” Also, if you have successfully unlocked the domain, click “I unlocked it,” too.
10. Enter the authorization code you have obtained from Squarespace in the respective field and click “Continue.”
11. Choose the extension period (the minimum is one year) and click “Continue” again.

12. Check the contact information you have provided and update any if necessary. Here again, opt for “Continue.”
13. Choose either Private or Public registration before you hit “Continue.”
    1. The Private Registration allows keeping all your personal information in WHOIS completely private. Instead, once you choose this option, Wix substitutes your personal data with its details. As a result, you are safeguarded against identity theft, unwanted solicitations, and domain hijacking.
    2. Public Registration, on the other hand, displays your personal information on WHOIS. When registering, Wix will automatically list an alternative email address and phone number, referring to any person who tries to contact you, yet to a dedicated online form. This intends to minimize spam, yet it isn’t as secure as Private Registration.
14. The final step implies choosing the payment means. To confirm it, click “Submit Purchase.”

This is all on your part. The rest is left to Wix tech specialists. The company will contact you to confirm your Squarespace domain transfer initiation and start the process. Your domain will be connected to your Wix account in a week or five business days.

FAQ

1. What is EPP Code?

An EPP Code is a security key provided by a domain registrar. It’s essential when transferring a domain to a new registrar, acting as a password to authorize the transfer and ensure domain ownership.

2. What is DNSSEC?

DNSSEC stands for Domain Name System Security Extensions. It adds an extra layer of security to domains, protecting the internet’s naming system through authentication, thereby preventing certain cyber attacks like data tampering.

3. Private domain registration in Wix – worth it?

Opting for private domain registration on Wix can be beneficial. It hides your personal contact information from public WHOIS databases, providing privacy and potentially reducing spam.

4. How long does it take to transfer a domain name from Squarespace to Wix?

Transferring a domain from Squarespace to Wix (read the comparison here) generally takes several days to a week. In most cases, this term lasts for 2-3 days. The exact time frame depends on various factors, including the completion of required transfer procedures and both parties’ response time.

5. Can I use a Squarespace domain on Wix?

Yes, it is possible to use a Squarespace domain on Wix in one of 2 ways: either by connecting or transferring it. If you decide to keep your domain registered with Squarespace, you can connect it to Wix as described above. Alternatively, you can completely transfer the domain to Wix by unlocking it on Squarespace, obtaining an authorization code and completing the transfer process through Wix (watch the detailed guidelines above).

6. Connect Squarespace domain to Wix or transfer it – what’s the difference?

There is a notable distinction between connecting and transferring a domain. Connecting keeps your domain registered with Squarespace while pointing it to your Wix website through DNS settings. This is a smart solution if you’ve decided not to move your domain entirely. Transferring a domain, in its turn, means providing its full ownership and management from Squarespace to Wix. The latter will handle your domain’s renewals, billing and settings when the transfer is over.

Concluding Thoughts

I can’t say that the domain name transfer procedure from Squarespace to Wix is simple and straightforward. In fact, it is time-consuming and pretty challenging, especially for users who are not familiar with all the nuances.

Hopefully, you won’t encounter any mistakes or problems, if you follow all the steps I described above. This is a surefire way to make your site hosted by Wix.

There is one more thing I’d like to remind you of, however. Although the domain transfer is not charged, you must buy at least one extra year of domain registration. An additional fee will also be applied when choosing Private Registration.