How do I use my own personal domain on Square Online?

[CherylR]

Hey all,

My friend has started a site on Square and we need to move her domain. I helped her set it up and we currently have a WordPress website. I tried to use the instructions to point the domain to Square but it isn't working. Normally I just point sites to a new DNS server which is what the domain hosting company said needed to be done. Is there something I am missing or maybe a video to walk me through the steps?
Thanks,
Dennis

[JTPets · Accepted solution]

Hey Dennis,

It sounds like you're trying to move your friend's WordPress domain to Square Online, but the usual method of pointing DNS to new name servers isn't working. Square Online doesn’t use traditional name server changes for third-party domains. Instead, you need to manually update your domain’s A record and CNAME record to point to Square’s servers.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Log into your domain registrar (where you originally purchased the domain).
2. Find the DNS settings or Manage DNS section.
3. Update the following records:
   • A record: Point it to Square’s IP address (you can find this in your Square Dashboard under Sales Channels > Online > Website > Domains).
   • CNAME record: If you’re using a custom subdomain (like "store.mybusiness.com"), create or update the CNAME to point to Square’s provided address.
4. Save the changes and wait—DNS updates can take 24-48 hours to fully propagate.

Since you're used to changing name servers, this method might feel different, but Square requires specific DNS settings rather than full name server transfers.

If you're still having trouble, Square's support may have a step-by-step video or guide available. Let me know if you need help with the exact DNS values!

[hikeikimuseum]

Aloha all, the reply by JTPets is correct but realize one thing: square won't hide their domain. They refuse to pass the SSL redirect into a frame so that you keep your own domain in the address bar, meaning customers _will_ see the square URL. She can still print out business cards with her own URL and the redirect from her DNS will work to get them to her homepage, but after that customers will see the Square URLS - unless you pay them $16/month for the upgraded website service.

[JTPets]

While Square isnt perfect, I am fully integrated in their system for my website, pos & payments along with loyalty and other add ons. Square fees are a part of business, $16/mth website fees are not uncommon and hosting isnt free, nor is the development of the ever evolving features of the platform. I wish everything was free but socialism is frowned upon by too many 🙂

[Summer2024]

Thanks @JTPets for providing the best answer and insight here. I have marked your answer as the best answer for fellow sellers to find easily if they happen upon this thread. 😁