Guide8 min readUpdated 7 Sept 2026

Squarespace Domains: change nameservers or add a Pages CNAME

A guide for Squarespace-managed domains, including domains migrated from Google Domains.

Use this guide for a domain registered or managed in the Squarespace domains dashboard, including many domains migrated from Google Domains.

Changing to custom nameservers disconnects Squarespace DNS records from the active domain. AlphaBlue must copy required email and service records first. Do not reset the domain to Squarespace defaults during this process.

Provider instructions last verified: 7 September 2026, against Squarespace Help Center articles updated in September 2026.

Path A: let AlphaBlue manage DNS

  1. Wait for AlphaBlue to confirm that the Cloudflare zone and copied records are ready.
  2. Open the Squarespace domains dashboard.
  3. Select the correct domain.
  4. Select DNS, then Domain Nameservers.
  5. Select Use Custom Nameservers.
  6. Reauthenticate with your password or two-factor method.
  7. If Squarespace prompts you to disable DNSSEC, stop unless AlphaBlue has confirmed this exact step and timing.
  8. Enter the two exact Cloudflare nameservers in Nameserver 1 and Nameserver 2.
  9. Select Save.
  10. Capture the saved values and send the screenshot to AlphaBlue.

Squarespace states that custom records in its DNS settings no longer apply after custom nameservers are used. Do not assume Google Workspace or another mailbox record moves automatically.

Some top-level domains have provider-specific nameserver restrictions. If Use Custom Nameservers is unavailable, stop and contact AlphaBlue.

Path B: keep Squarespace DNS and add a Pages CNAME

  1. Wait until AlphaBlue registers the subdomain in Cloudflare Pages and sends the exact setting card.
  2. Open the domains dashboard and select the domain.
  3. Select DNS, then DNS Settings.
  4. Scroll to Custom Records.
  5. Check for an existing record using the supplied name.
  6. If a record or Squarespace website preset uses it, stop and send a screenshot.
  7. Select Add record and reauthenticate if requested.
  8. Choose CNAME.
  9. Enter the supplied subdomain label in Name.
  10. Enter the exact <project>.pages.dev target in Data.
  11. Select Save, then send AlphaBlue a screenshot.

Squarespace does not allow @ as the name of a CNAME. This course’s external-DNS path therefore uses a subdomain, not the root domain.

Stop and contact AlphaBlue if

  • the domain is connected through DNS Connect and active DNS is managed elsewhere;
  • Squarespace asks to disable DNSSEC before AlphaBlue confirms readiness;
  • Use Custom Nameservers is unavailable for the domain extension;
  • the hostname already has a Squarespace default, A, ALIAS or CNAME record;
  • the domain disconnects from email or another product.

Official sources