Did Google Really Sell My Domain Name to Squarespace?

No, Google didn’t sell your individual domain name to Squarespace—they sold their entire Domains division, which is entirely different. You still own your domain, but Squarespace became your new registrar on 7 September 2023. Think of it like your bank being acquired; your account transfers to the new company, but your money remains yours. The change was automatic, and your domain ownership rights remained completely intact throughout the process—though there is more to understand about how this affects you.

What Actually Happened With Google Domains and Squarespace

Yes, Google indeed sold your domain name to Squarespace – along with approximately 10 million other domains from millions of customers who never saw it coming.

Here’s the timeline that changed everything: Google announced the deal on 15 June 2023, officially closed it on 7 September 2023, and completed the final domain migrations by 10 July 2024.

You didn’t get a choice in the matter. You automatically became a Squarespace customer whether you liked it or not.

This wasn’t some minor business transaction. Google essentially handed over their entire consumer domain registration business to focus on their core money-makers: search, advertising, and cloud services. Squarespace also secured an exclusive partnership to become the sole domains provider for Google Workspace customers for at least three years.

Your domain management simply moved from Google’s interface to Squarespace’s dashboard overnight.

The Business Acquisition That Changed Everything

You’re probably wondering if Google literally sold your specific domain name to Squarespace – but that’s not exactly what happened.

What actually occurred was a massive business acquisition where Google sold its entire Domains division to Squarespace, which automatically transferred millions of domain registrations in one sweeping move.

This wasn’t a case-by-case domain sale, but rather a complete corporate handover that moved your domain registration from Google’s system to Squarespace’s platform without requiring your permission. The acquisition allowed Squarespace to expand into the multibillion dollar market for domain registration services.

Acquisition Vs Domain Sale

When headlines screamed “Google sold your domain to Squarespace,” they weren’t technically incorrect—but they missed the crucial distinction that changes everything about what actually happened to your digital property.

Google didn’t sell your domain name—they sold their registrar business. Think of it like your local bank being acquired by another bank.

Your money doesn’t belong to the new bank; they just inherited the responsibility of managing your account. The 180 million rand transaction transferred Google’s domain registration infrastructure and customer relationships, not ownership of the 10 million domains themselves.

You still own your domain completely. Squarespace simply became your new registrar, like switching from one service provider to another. Squarespace committed to honouring existing renewal prices for a full 12 months after the transition.

This legal distinction protects your rights throughout the change.

Automatic Migration Process

On 7 September 2023, millions of domain owners awoke to discover that their Google Domains accounts had disappeared overnight—replaced by automatically created Squarespace accounts they had not registered for.

The migration occurred in sequential batches without any customer intervention required. Your domains were transferred automatically, and Google’s infrastructure was completely decommissioned afterwards.

You will need to access your new Squarespace account using your Google Domains email address.

Your auto-renewal settings have been transferred over. However, you will need to activate your Squarespace account to manage everything properly. Unlike Google Domains, domains migrated to Squarespace do not have a 60-day lock after the transfer.

Your Domain Ownership Rights Remain Intact

You still own your domain name – that’s the most important thing to understand about this entire situation.

When Squarespace acquired Google Domains, they purchased the registrar business, not your actual domain ownership rights.

Your registration remains legally yours, protected by the same ICANN transfer policies that prevented Google from selling individual domains without your explicit consent.

Ownership Never Changed Hands

Despite all the confusion surrounding Google’s sale to Squarespace, your domain ownership rights remain completely intact—you still own your domain just as much as you did before.

Think of it like switching banks. When you move your current account, you don’t lose ownership of your money—the bank just changes. The same principle applies here.

Domain transfers between registrars never automatically change who owns the domain. You’re still the registered name holder.

ICANN regulations actually protect you during these changes. Any ownership changes require your explicit authorisation through secure confirmation emails.

Without your approval within 3-15 days, ownership modifications get cancelled automatically.

Your legal rights exist independently of which company manages your domain registration services.

Registration Rights Fully Protected

Registration Rights Fully Protected

Multiple layers of legal protection shield your domain ownership from any unauthorised changes, even when registrars change hands as they did with the Google-Squarespace deal. Your registration rights remain intact through several mechanisms that work together.

The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) protect legitimate domain owners from bad-faith challenges. Anyone attempting to take your domain must prove you lack legitimate rights and acted in bad faith—that’s a high legal bar.

Federal registration offers superior protection compared to common law rights, extending beyond geographic limitations.

If you’re conducting business across provincial boundaries or internationally, federal protection becomes essential. Jurisdictional safeguards guarantee you maintain control, whether through direct lawsuits or alternative remedies when disputes arise.

How the Migration Process Worked Behind the Scenes

When Google handed over millions of domains to Squarespace on 7 September 2023, the tech giant didn’t just flick a switch and consider it done. The migration occurred in sequential batches, moving customer data systematically rather than risking a massive single cutover event.

Your domain registration data transferred to Squarespace’s backend systems alongside your account information. The process preserved your domain expiry dates, privacy settings, and billing details without alteration.

Squarespace automatically created accounts for customers who didn’t already have them. However, you needed to take separate action for domain forwarding and email forwarding functionality.

DNS record management shifted to Squarespace’s platform, though they committed to maintaining Google Cloud DNS infrastructure for reliability and performance.

Account Access and Login Changes You Need to Know

After Squarespace took over your Google Domains account, you’ll need to navigate a completely different login system that’s more complex than Google’s simplified approach.

If you’re an existing Squarespace user, you’ll find your domains waiting in your dashboard after logging in normally.

However, new users face a multi-step authentication process that can catch you off guard.

The transition catches many users unprepared for Squarespace’s lengthier verification requirements compared to Google’s streamlined process.

Here’s what changed with your account access:

• You must select “Continue with Google” during your first login attempt
• Squarespace automatically generates an account using your Google Domains email address
• A verification email arrives with the subject “Verification email for Squarespace Domains”
• You can’t create a password until you click the verification link.
• Authorisation errors trigger account recovery workflows.

The days of seamless Google login are over.

Managing Your Domains Through Squarespace’s Platform

Once you’ve successfully logged into your new Squarespace account, you’ll discover that managing domains works differently compared to Google’s straightforward approach.

The interface combines domain and website management into one consolidated billing system, which simplifies costs but requires navigating through Settings menus rather than Google’s dedicated domain dashboard.

You’ll find over 400 TLDs available for registration, with automatic DNS configuration for Squarespace sites. The platform includes WHOIS privacy protection and free SSL certificates by default.

Domain collaboration allows unlimited contributors with individual accounts, though the original owner retains the highest permissions.

For unconnected domains, Squarespace displays default parking pages automatically.

The built-in DNS management tools handle transfers within 48 hours. Complex changes may take up to 20 days to complete fully.

DNS Settings and Technical Configuration Updates

While Squarespace manages the basic domain transfer automatically, you’ll need to handle several DNS and technical configurations yourself to prevent service disruptions.

Your nameservers cannot be updated during the 5-7 day transfer period, so make any urgent DNS changes in advance. DNSSEC must be disabled at Google Domains before starting the transfer. Domain privacy settings may need to be deactivated for a successful completion.

Complete all critical DNS modifications and disable DNSSEC before initiating your domain transfer to avoid technical issues.

• Disable DNSSEC settings at your current registrar before beginning
• Make all urgent DNS record changes prior to starting the transfer
• Deactivate domain privacy if the transfer faces problems
• Avoid updating contact information that could trigger 60-day locks
• Confirm your registrant email address remains accessible throughout

After the transfer is complete, you’ll need an additional 24-48 hours for registry finalisation.

This waiting period is necessary before you can access your domain via Squarespace’s dashboard.

Billing and Renewal Process Modifications

When Google transferred your domains to Squarespace, your billing switched from Google’s payment system to Squarespace’s infrastructure on 7 September 2023.

You’ll need to update your payment methods during the ownership transfer process – there’s no getting around this step.

If you have multiple domains grouped together, adding a new payment method updates all domains in that group automatically.

Want different billing methods for individual domains? You’ll need to ungroup them after completing the transfer.

Squarespace automatically created accounts using your Google Domains email address if you didn’t already have one.

Existing Squarespace users found their migrated domains appearing in their current dashboard.

The good news? Your pricing and renewal terms stay the same for at least twelve months.

This provides stability during the transition period for South African domain owners.

Email Notifications and Communication Timeline

You’ll there,

You’ll receive several emails from Squarespace during the migration process, but don’t expect perfect timing or crystal-clear communication at every step.

The notification timeline can feel choppy, with some users getting migration notices weeks apart while others receive multiple emails in rapid succession.

Unfortunately, Google’s initial communication about the sale left many domain owners scrambling to grasp what was happening to their domains and when.

Migration Notice Delivery

Most Google Domains customers received their first migration notice via email in late June 2023, shortly after the Squarespace acquisition announcement became public.

The communication timeline stretched across several months, giving you multiple opportunities to understand what was happening to your domains.

Here’s what the delivery schedule looked like:

Initial announcement emails arrived within 48 hours of the public deal announcement.

Follow-up notices appeared monthly through summer 2023 with updated migration details.

Final migration notifications landed 30 days before your individual transfer date.

DNS propagation warnings came 24-48 hours before actual domain transfers began.

Post-migration confirmation emails confirmed successful Squarespace account creation.

You’ll want to check spam folders, since some notices got filtered incorrectly during this transition period.

Timeline Communication Gaps

Despite Google’s efforts to communicate the Squarespace changeover timeline, significant gaps emerged that left many domain owners confused about their transfer status.

Several communication delays create uncertainty throughout the process for South African users.

Authorisation code requests can take up to two days. Domain transfer confirmation emails often land in spam folders, causing additional delays.

The verification and approval phase creates the longest delay—anywhere from one to seven days—with multiple steps required between providers. Your domain release confirmation can take up to five days.

Most transfers complete within a week but may extend to fifteen days. Contact information verification must occur before proceeding, and auth code delivery depends entirely on your original provider’s response speed.

Communication gaps exist between transfer initiation and provider confirmation.

Common Migration Issues and Their Solutions

When your domain transfers from Google to Squarespace, you’re likely to encounter several technical obstacles that can interfere with your website’s functionality and user experience.

• Broken links and 404 errors – Missing 301 redirects cause routing failures and search ranking drops. This directly impacts your site’s visibility on search engines like Google.
• DNS propagation delays – Website content inconsistency occurs during the typical 24-48 hour global propagation period. South African users may experience different loading times compared to international visitors.
• Email service interruptions – MX records haven’t fully propagated, interrupting business communications. This can severely affect customer correspondence and internal company communications.
• File corruption issues – Database connection errors and imperfect page rendering affect large files during transfer. Media-heavy websites are particularly vulnerable to these complications.
• Domain configuration problems – DNS record mismatches between old and new hosting servers cause delivery failures. These issues can persist until proper reconciliation occurs.

You’ll need to verify backup integrity before transferring.

Update your sitemap.xml file and resubmit to Google Search Console for optimal indexing.

Monitor propagation using global DNS checker tools while avoiding major configuration changes during this critical period.

Regular website maintenance prevents many of these migration complications by ensuring your site’s structure and databases remain optimised before initiating any domain transfer.

Focus on maintaining consistent user experience throughout the transition process.

Google Workspace Services After the Domain Transfer

After Google transfers your domain to Squarespace, your Google Workspace services won’t automatically vanish – but they’ll require significant attention to keep operating smoothly.

Your Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Meet services will retain full functionality if you’ve correctly configured your DNS records. The crucial factor is ensuring your MX records still direct to Google’s mail servers (ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM and others).

Without accurate DNS settings, you’ll encounter “Domain verification failed” warnings in your Google Admin console within 48 hours.

You’ll need to recreate essential records such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC on Squarespace’s platform. Google Groups, Chat, and Vault will continue to function normally with proper DNS configuration.

Your Google Workspace subscription billing remains separate from domain registration fees. This ensures services won’t be disrupted due to payment issues.

What This Means for Your Website and Online Presence

Your website won’t magically disappear because Google sold its domain business to Squarespace – but you’ll definitely notice some changes in how you manage your online presence.

The shift affects how you’ll handle domain administration moving forward, though your actual website functionality remains intact. Squarespace committed to maintaining Google’s DNS infrastructure, so your site’s performance shouldn’t skip a beat.

Here’s what’s actually changing for your online presence:

• Domain management moves from Google’s interface to Squarespace’s platform
• DNS settings and email forwarding capabilities remain the same
• SSL certificates transfer seamlessly without requiring reconfiguration
• Renewal notifications now come from Squarespace instead of Google
• You’ll likely receive marketing offers for Squarespace’s website building services

Your domain ownership stays yours. Only the registrar changed hands. While this transition handles the technical aspects smoothly, maintaining SSL certificates remains crucial for building trust with your visitors and ensuring secure connections to your website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Refund for My Remaining Google Domains Subscription Time?

You can’t get a refund for remaining Google Domains subscription time. Google didn’t offer prorated refunds after their five-day purchase window, and Squarespace hasn’t provided special refunds for transferred subscriptions.

Will My Domain’s SEO Rankings Be Affected by This Registrar Change?

Your domain’s SEO rankings will not be affected by the registrar change from Google Domains to Squarespace. Google does not use registrar information as a ranking factor, so you will maintain your current search positions.

Can I Still Use My Domain With Non-Squarespace Website Builders?

Yes, you can absolutely use your domain with any website builder. You’ll either transfer it to another registrar or keep it with Squarespace whilst pointing the DNS to your preferred platform.

What Happens if I Don’t Log Into My Migrated Account?

Your domain remains registered and operational even if you don’t log in. DNS settings, auto-renewal, and configurations stay unchanged. However, you will need account access for any future modifications or management tasks.