Every step below is from an official source
Switch from Squarespace Domains to Namecheap
What to do at Squarespace Domains before you leave, what Namecheap 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
The rules that apply: ICANN
These apply whichever domain registrar you're moving between.
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. ReviewedCheck 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. ReviewedAsk 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. ReviewedExpect 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. ReviewedNote 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. ReviewedExpect 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.
At Squarespace Domains, before you leave
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. ReviewedTurn 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. ReviewedAllow up to 15 days for the transferDuring
Squarespace says the transfer process can take up to 15 days.
Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. ReviewedUpdate 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 Namecheap, when you join
Log in and start the transfer with your EPP codeBefore
Log in to your Namecheap account and start from the transfer page, which is also under the Domains menu. You will be asked to provide the Auth/EPP code.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. ReviewedUnlock the domain and check the 60-day ruleBefore
The domain must be unlocked at the current registrar, with a Whois status of OK or Active. It must have been registered or transferred at least 60 days ago.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. ReviewedSet up DNS first, nameservers stay the sameBefore
Your nameservers stay the same after the transfer and are not switched to Namecheap DNS. If you use your old registrar's default DNS, it will delete your DNS zone soon after the transfer, which can take down your website or email, and you cannot change nameservers once the transfer starts.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. ReviewedAllow up to 8 days for the transferDuring
Namecheap says transfers can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 days.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. Reviewed
Then: everything else the switch affects
The steps above are what Squarespace Domains and Namecheap 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.