Easy Tech TutsHow to Fix Squarespace This rule is conflicting with an existing DNS record while Domain Forwarding
By Impran M N
When setting up domain forwarding in Squarespace, you may hit an error saying a forwarding rule conflicts with an existing DNS record. This happens because Squarespace won't let you forward a subdomain that still has an A record or CNAME pointing somewhere else. Here's how to clear the conflict and get forwarding working.
01Understand the cause
When you try to forward a subdomain like www, Squarespace checks for existing DNS records tied to it. If an A record, CNAME, or custom record already exists there, it blocks the new forwarding rule.
02Open your DNS settings
Go to Settings, then Domains, choose your domain, and scroll down to DNS Settings to see the full list of records.
03Find the conflicting record
Look for any CNAME or A record under the subdomain you're trying to forward — most commonly the www record.
04Delete the conflicting record
Click the trash icon next to that DNS entry to remove its current mapping.
05Re-add the forwarding rule
Go back to Forwarding settings and add the rule again — it should now save without the conflict error.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Squarespace say my forwarding rule conflicts with a DNS record?
It's because an existing A record or CNAME is already assigned to the subdomain you're trying to forward, and Squarespace won't overwrite it automatically.
Which record usually causes the conflict?
In most cases it's the www CNAME record, though root domain forwarding can also conflict with default A records.
Is it safe to delete the conflicting DNS record?
Yes — once forwarding is active, you no longer need the old A or CNAME record it was replacing.
What if I'm forwarding my root domain?
You may need to remove multiple conflicting A records, usually the default Squarespace ones, before the rule will save.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
