Why do I need to do this?
We don't want someone else to use your domain to sign up for Google Workspace. You can help us keep your domain safe by showing us that you are the owner.
How this works
A Beginner's Guide to Signing up for Google Workspace
Every domain (like your-company.com) has a set of DNS records that can be viewed by anyone on the internet. DNS records tell computers how to find your website and where to deliver your company's email messages.
- You'll copy a verification code from the Google Workspace setup tool.
- You'll sign in to your domain registrar and paste the verification code in to the DNS records for your domain.
- Once your domain registrar publishes your verification code, we'll know you are the owner of your domain.
I'm an advanced user–give me some technical details
You're about to add a TXT record to the DNS settings at your domain registrar. This is the easiest method for most new Google Workspace administrators.
If you prefer a different verification method, you can also use the setup tool to:
- add a CNAME record at your domain registrar. This is similar to the TXT verification method described below.
- If your domain doesn't have MX records for an existing email provider, you might be able to use an MX record to confirm your domain ownership. Note: The setup tool only offers this option if it determines your domain is eligible for this verification method.
To use one of these other verification methods, click Switch verification methods when you open the setup tool.
Before you begin
This won't be easy, but we're here to help.
DNS records have been around since the beginning of the internet. This can be a challenging task, and the steps are different for each domain. We've tried to make this chore as easy as possible, but you may get frustrated.
Please read carefully, and we'll help you get through this!
Important:
- If you bought your domain from a Google partner when you signed up for Google Workspace, your domain has already been verified.
- If you're using Google Workspace Essentials edition, go here instead.
How to protect your domain
We have step-by-step instructions for many popular domain registrars.
FIND INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR DOMAIN REGISTRAR
If you aren’t sure who your domain registrar is—You can get help identifying your domain host or find generic steps if your registrar isn't listed. These options will lead you to the same outcome.
If you purchased your domain through Google—Your domain will be automatically verified and there are no further steps needed.
FAQ
Open the Google Workspace setup tool
You must use the Google Workspace setup tool to complete this task. If you don't already have it open in another tab, click below to open it.
Important: We strongly suggest you follow the instructions in the setup tool and only return to this page if you need additional information.
I'm stuck and need help
I get an error when I click the blue button
The setup tool is for Google Workspace and Cloud Identity administrators only. It doesn't work with any other Google product.
Make sure you're signing in with an admin account.
It says "You're all set to use Google Workspace"
Your domain is already verified! You don't need to do anything else.
We won't let anyone else use this domain to sign up for Google Workspace.
I'm not sure what to do next
If you’re not sure where you bought your domain, see Identify your domain host.
Why does Google make me update my DNS records?
To check if a secondary domain is verified, follow these steps:
-
Sign in to your Google Admin console.
Sign in using your administrator account (does not end in @gmail.com).
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From the Admin console Home page, go to Domains
Manage domains.
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The Status column shows the current state of your domain.
- Verify your domain or secondary domain as soon as possible to use Google Workspace services. Verifying your domain doesn’t affect your email or website.
- You must verify your domain within the first 9 days of your free trial period. A Google Workspace account with an unverified primary domain is subject to automatic cancellation.
Important: if you've already set up billing, your account can't be automatically cancelled. Learn more about how to cancel Google Workspace.
Adding your Google Workspace verification record takes about 10 minutes. The time it takes for your verification record to become active depends on your domain host. After your records are active, it can take up to one hour for us to confirm you added the record, but it usually happens quickly.