Google Domain Management: A Post-Squarespace Guide (2025)

Your Guide to Google Domain Management in 2025

If you're searching for how to handle your google domain management tasks, you've likely noticed a significant change. In 2023, Squarespace acquired all domain registrations from Google Domains. This means that while you may have originally purchased and managed your domain through Google's familiar interface, all management tasks are now handled through the Squarespace Domains platform. This transition can be confusing, especially when you need to perform critical tasks like updating DNS records for a new website or configuring email.

The Problem: You need to manage a domain previously on Google Domains, but you're now faced with the Squarespace interface. How do you connect your domain to a new high-performance website built by an agency like Vertex Web, set up professional email, or handle other technical settings? This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to navigate the new landscape and manage your domain effectively.

Accessing Your Domain Management Panel on Squarespace

Your first step is to access your domain's control panel. Even though your domain is now with Squarespace, you'll still use your Google account to log in.

1. Navigate to domains.google.com. You will be automatically redirected to the Squarespace Domains login page.
2. Click the "Sign In" or "Manage Domains" button. You will be prompted to sign in with your Google account—the same one you used for Google Domains.
3. Once authenticated, you will be taken to your Squarespace Domains dashboard. This dashboard lists all the domains that were transferred from your Google account.

[Screenshot: The Squarespace Domains dashboard showing a list of managed domains after a successful login.]

Core Domain Management Tasks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you're logged in, you can perform all the essential domain management tasks. Let's break down the most common ones.

1. Viewing and Updating DNS Records

DNS (Domain Name System) records are instructions that tell servers where to send traffic for your domain. This is the most common task you'll perform, especially when launching a new website or connecting third-party services.

• A Record: Points your domain to a specific IP address. This is the primary record for your website's hosting.
• CNAME Record: Points a subdomain (like 'www' or 'blog') to another domain name.
• MX Record: Directs your domain's email to your email provider's servers (e.g., Google Workspace or Microsoft 365).
• TXT Record: Used to verify domain ownership for services like Google Search Console or to add security policies like SPF for email.

How to Edit DNS Records:

1. From your Squarespace Domains dashboard, click on the domain you wish to manage.
2. In the domain's details page, find and click on "Manage Domain Settings" or a similarly named option.
3. Click on "Edit DNS" or "DNS Settings" to open the DNS records panel.

[Screenshot: The Squarespace DNS settings panel, showing a list of A, CNAME, and MX records.]

Example: Pointing Your Domain to a New Web Host

When Vertex Web builds you a new Next.js website, we provide you with an IP address. Here’s how you'd update your A record:

1. In the DNS editor, find the A record for your root domain (often represented by an '@' symbol in the 'Host' field).
2. Click the edit icon (often a pencil).
3. In the 'Data' or 'Points to' field, replace the old IP address with the new one provided by your host (e.g., 192.0.2.1).
4. Save your changes.

Example: Adding a TXT Record for Domain Verification

To verify your site with Google Search Console, you'll need to add a TXT record:

1. In the DNS editor, click "Add Record".
2. Set the 'Type' to TXT.
3. Leave the 'Host' field as '@' or blank (as per the service's instructions).
4. Paste the verification string provided by Google into the 'Data' field. It will look something like this:
5. google-site-verification=AbcDeFg123Hijklm_Nopqrs-tuvwxyz
6. Save the record.

2. Setting Up Custom Email (e.g., Google Workspace)

To use a professional email address like contact@yourdomain.com, you must configure your MX records.

1. Navigate to the DNS settings panel as described above.
2. Delete any existing MX records to avoid conflicts.
3. Add the following MX records for Google Workspace, one by one, using the "Add Record" button.

• Priority: 1, Host: @, Value/Points to: ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
• Priority: 5, Host: @, Value/Points to: ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
• Priority: 5, Host: @, Value/Points to: ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
• Priority: 10, Host: @, Value/Points to: ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
• Priority: 10, Host: @, Value/Points to: ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM

[Screenshot: The 'Add Record' modal in Squarespace DNS settings, showing fields for MX record type, priority, and value.]

3. Transferring Your Domain Away from Squarespace

If you prefer to consolidate your services with another provider, you can transfer your domain away from Squarespace.

1. Check Eligibility: You cannot transfer a domain within 60 days of its registration or a previous transfer.
2. Unlock the Domain: In your domain's settings, find the "Transfer Lock" or "Domain Lock" option and toggle it to "Off".
3. Get Authorization Code: Once unlocked, an option to "Get Authorization Code" (also known as an EPP code or transfer key) will become available. Click it to view or receive the code.
4. Initiate Transfer: Provide this code to your new registrar to begin the transfer process, which typically takes 5-7 days.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with a clear guide, you might run into issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Why are my DNS changes not working?

DNS changes are not instant. They need to propagate across the internet, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. If it's been over 48 hours, double-check that you entered the correct values (e.g., no typos in the IP address) and that you edited the correct record (e.g., the A record for '@' and not 'www'). You can use an online tool like dnschecker.org to see your record's propagation status globally.

I can't find the option to transfer my domain.

This is almost always due to the 60-day registrar lock. Check the registration or last transfer date of your domain in the WHOIS information. If it's within the last 60 days, you will have to wait.

My email stopped working after the Google Domains to Squarespace migration.

It's possible your MX records were not correctly migrated or have been reset. Follow the steps in the "Setting Up Custom Email" section of this guide to re-verify and re-enter the correct MX records for your email provider. This is a crucial step in post-migration google domain management.

When to Call the Experts at Vertex Web

Proper domain management is the foundation of a strong online presence. While the steps above cover the basics, integrating your domain with a complex, high-performance web application, custom e-commerce platform, or secure mobile app backend requires deep technical expertise.

At Vertex Web, we specialize in building sophisticated digital solutions using modern technologies like Next.js, React, and Node.js. We don't just build your platform; we ensure it's perfectly configured from the ground up—including seamless DNS management, SSL implementation, and SEO optimization. Let us handle the technical complexities so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to elevate your web presence? Contact Vertex Web today for a consultation on your next project.