Add DNS Records to Squarespace

To send emails using your private domain name, you will first need to add your domain and create a subdomain within your Benchmark account. After the subdomain is added, Benchmark will generate the DNS record, which you'll add to your Squarespace account under DNS Settings.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding the Benchmark DNS record to Squarespace.


Topics Covered in This Article


Before Getting Started

  • Benchmark does not have access to your Squarespace account.
  • Your DNS record is unique to the domain and subdomain you added to Benchmark.
  • Once your record is created, find it under Email Settings > Domain.
  • Propagation can take 24 to 48 hours.
  • DNSSEC protection must be disabled before adding an NS record from another service — Squarespace will prompt you to do so if needed.
  • Your domain must be registered with Squarespace, or connected using Nameserver Connect, with the subdomain already created.

How to Add Your DNS Record to Squarespace


The instructions included in this article were developed using resources from Squarespace.


  1. Open your Squarespace domains dashboard.
  2. Click the domain you're updating.
  3. Click DNS, then DNS Settings.
  4. Scroll down to Custom Records and click Add record.
  5. Enter your current password, or reauthenticate with two-factor authentication if enabled, then click Continue.
  6. Enter the details for your new NS record, using the values provided in Benchmark:
    • Type: select NS from the dropdown.
    • Name: Squarespace automatically adds your subdomain to this field, so enter only the hostname portion provided in Benchmark (for example, enter mail to create a record for mail.yourdomain.com).
    • Nameserver: paste the value provided in Benchmark.
  1. Click Save to add the record. It can take 24 to 48 hours for the change to update.

After you have finished adding the record, you may return to your Benchmark account to complete the process. If you have navigated away from the records screen, you can still verify your work by checking your domain on the Domain page. From there, click the Retry Verification button next to the domain you are validating. This will initiate a web check to confirm whether the record was added successfully. Please note that DNS record propagation — once the record is valid on the web — can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.


If the record is not added, your domain's verification will remain pending.

Frequently Asked Questions


Will adding this record affect my existing website or email?

No. This record only applies to the subdomain you added in Benchmark — it doesn't change or remove any existing records on your root domain.


How long does it take for my record to be verified?

Most records are verified within a few hours, but DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. If your domain still shows as unverified after 48 hours, double-check that the record matches exactly what's listed on your Domain page in Benchmark.


I got a "Couldn't add nameserver" error — what does that mean?

This usually means your domain is in the middle of a transfer to another provider. Squarespace can't update DNS settings, including nameservers, during a pending domain transfer. Wait for the transfer to finish, then try again.


Can I add records for more than one subdomain?

Yes. Each subdomain you verify in Benchmark gets its own unique record. Add each subdomain in Benchmark first, then repeat the steps above for each one — note that each Squarespace subdomain manages its DNS records separately.

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