How to Transfer a Domain From Squarespace Domains to Dynadot
The exact, ICANN-compliant steps — unlock at Squarespace Domains, grab the authorization code, and bring the domain into Dynadot. Mechanics grounded in each registrar's own documentation.
To move a domain from Squarespace Domains to Dynadot: unlock it at Squarespace Domains, request the authorization (auth/EPP) code, then start the transfer at Dynadot and pay — for most gTLDs the fee adds a year to your registration. The domain must be at least 60 days old (ICANN rule), and the move typically takes 5–7 days. On our scoring, Dynadot rates higher for better developer/API tooling and cheaper renewals.
Step 1 — At Squarespace Domains: unlock and get the auth code
First, clear the prerequisites: turn off domain lock in your squarespace domains dashboard, confirm the registrant contact email is current — the auth code is emailed there.
- Open the domains dashboard and select the domain
- Request the transfer authentication code — Squarespace emails it from no-reply@squarespace.com with the subject "Auth code for [yourdomain.com]", usually within 24 hours
- Copy the code from that email and give it to your new registrar
Step 2 — At Dynadot: start the transfer
- •Registered at least 60 days ago and not transferred in the last 60 days (ICANN rule)
- •Unlock the domain and have its authorization (auth/EPP) code ready
A transfer renews the domain for one year at Dynadot's price. Dynadot's pricing is verified on this site — see its profile and the cheapest-renewals tracker.
The transfer adds one year to your registration (standard for most gTLDs), so you don't lose remaining time.
Source: Dynadot transfer documentation.
The full transfer process, step by step
These steps apply to every gTLD transfer between ICANN-accredited registrars, including Squarespace Domains → Dynadot.
- 1. Confirm the domain is eligible
Under ICANN's Transfer Policy a domain can only move once it has been registered for at least 60 days and has not been transferred in the previous 60 days. A change of registrant can also start a fresh 60-day lock. A domain that recently expired and was renewed may need to wait ~45 days.
- 2. Unlock the domain
Remove the registrar/transfer lock in your current registrar's dashboard. While locked, the gaining registrar cannot pull the domain.
- 3. Disable WHOIS privacy if needed
Some registrars route the auth code or the transfer-approval email to the registrant address. If privacy masks that address, turn it off until the transfer completes.
- 4. Get the authorization code
Request the authorization code (also called the auth code, EPP code, authInfo code, or transfer code) from your current registrar. These codes are time-limited, so use one promptly.
- 5. Start the transfer at the new registrar and pay
Begin the transfer at the gaining registrar and enter the code. For most gTLDs the transfer includes a one-year renewal, so the fee is essentially one year at the new registrar's price.
- 6. Approve and wait
Approve the transfer from the confirmation email (or in-dashboard) to speed it up; otherwise it auto-completes. Transfers typically take about 5–7 days.
What you gain by moving to Dynadot
| Category | Squarespace Domains | Dynadot |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| renewals | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| DNS | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| pricing | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| WHOIS privacy | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| developer/API tooling | 6.0 | 9.0 |
| support | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Moving to Dynadot mainly buys you better developer/API tooling, cheaper renewals, better DNS. The trade-off: Squarespace Domains still rates higher for WHOIS privacy. Scores use the same methodology applied site-wide.
FAQ
How long does transferring from Squarespace Domains to Dynadot take?+
Will I lose the time left on my registration?+
Can I transfer a domain I just registered at Squarespace Domains?+
Is WHOIS privacy included after I move to Dynadot?+
Sources
- ICANN Transfer Policy (60-day lock, authorization code, gaining-registrar initiation, one-year add)
- GoDaddy — Transfer my domain away from GoDaddy
- Cloudflare Registrar — Transfer a domain to Cloudflare
See other moves on the switch-registrar hub.