ChangeChecklist

Every step below is from an official source

Switch from Squarespace Domains to Cloudflare

What to do at Squarespace Domains before you leave, what Cloudflare needs when you join, and everything else the switch touches. Your full plan is built in your browser and stays there.

Official sources reviewed . How we review sources

Read the domain registrar guide

The rules that apply: ICANN

These apply whichever domain registrar you're moving between.

  1. Get the authorization (AuthInfo) code from your registrarBefore

    You need an Auth-Code, also called an AuthInfo or transfer code, to move a domain to another registrar. Your registrar must give it to you within five calendar days of your request, or may let you generate it yourself online.

    FAQs for registrants: transferring your domain nameICANN. Reviewed

  2. Check the 60-day limits before you request a transferBefore

    Under the current Transfer Policy, your registrar may deny a transfer within 60 days of the domain's creation or within 60 days after a previous transfer. After a change of registrant it must apply a 60-day transfer lock, but it may let you opt out beforehand.

    Transfer PolicyICANN. Reviewed

  3. Ask your current registrar to remove the transfer lockBefore

    When you ask, your current registrar must remove the lock, or give you a reasonable way to remove it yourself, within five calendar days. It may deny a transfer only in specific cases listed in the policy, such as evidence of fraud.

    Transfer PolicyICANN. Reviewed

  4. Expect one year added to your registrationAfter

    A completed transfer adds one year to the existing registration. The total unexpired term can never be more than ten years.

    Transfer PolicyICANN. Reviewed

  5. Note ICANN has adopted new transfer rulesBefore

    On 7 June 2026 the ICANN Board adopted the Transfer Policy Review recommendations and directed ICANN to implement them, subject to prioritization. The resolution does not give an effective date.

    Approved ResolutionsICANN. Reviewed

  6. Expect the post-registration and post-transfer lock to become 30 daysBefore

    The new recommendations require registrars to block transfers to a new registrar for 720 hours (30 days) after initial registration and after a completed transfer. They also remove the 60-day lock after a change of registrant.

    ICANN Board Briefing Materials, 7 June 2026: Transfer Policy RecommendationsICANN. Reviewed

At Squarespace Domains, before you leave

  1. Record your DNS settings before transferringBefore

    Squarespace says most domain hosts cannot keep your settings in place during a transfer. Record your current DNS settings, for example with a screenshot, before you start.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

  2. Turn off Domain Lock and get the emailed codeBefore

    Switch the Domain Lock toggle off, then request the code. Squarespace emails it to the domain's contact email, which may differ from your Squarespace login, and you do not need to turn off Whois privacy.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

  3. Allow up to 15 days for the transferDuring

    Squarespace says the transfer process can take up to 15 days.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

  4. Update MX records at your new providerAfter

    If Google Workspace is attached to the domain, update your MX records with the new provider after the transfer so email keeps working. You keep managing the Google Workspace subscription through Squarespace unless you cancel it.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

At Cloudflare, when you join

  1. Make the domain active on Cloudflare DNS firstBefore

    Your domain must be active on Cloudflare before you can transfer the registration. Cloudflare Registrar requires Cloudflare as the authoritative DNS (full setup), and you cannot use another DNS provider while registered there.

    Transfer your domain to CloudflareCloudflare Registrar docs. Reviewed

  2. Check the domain meets the 60-day ruleBefore

    The domain must have been registered at least 60 days ago and not transferred in the last 60 days.

    Transfer your domain to CloudflareCloudflare Registrar docs. Reviewed

  3. Remove every lock and request the authorization codeBefore

    Remove the lock at your current registrar and request an authorization code. Some registrars have several lock types that must each be turned off separately.

    Transfer your domain to CloudflareCloudflare Registrar docs. Reviewed

  4. Allow up to 10 days for the transferDuring

    Cloudflare says the total time is up to 10 days, depending on your registrar. Most transfers add one year from your current expiration date.

    Transfer your domain to CloudflareCloudflare Registrar docs. Reviewed

Then: everything else the switch affects

The steps above are what Squarespace Domains and Cloudflare say. Your full checklist adds the accounts, codes, payments and devices that depend on your domain registrar, in a safe order. It's built from your answers, in your browser.