Get started with Directory Sync

This page is for Directory Sync. If you’re using Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS), go to GCDS. Directory Sync is currently in public beta.

Use Directory Sync to synchronize user and group data from an external directory to your Google cloud directory. The sync process takes place in the cloud, so there’s no need to install a sync client or on-premises software. Directory Sync is ideal if you want to sync your Microsoft Active Directory (AD) or Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) data with your organization's Google account.

Set up Directory Sync

Follow these steps if you're using AD (if you're using Azure AD, skip to step 4):

1. Ensure you have connectivity between Google Cloud and AD

   Before you begin, ensure that the network connection is available between Google Cloud and your LDAP server.

2. Set up a VPC access connector in Google Cloud

   You need a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) access connector to allow Directory Sync to connect to AD using your existing networking setup.

3. Enable the Data Connectors API

   Using the same project where you set up your VPC access connector, enable the Data Connectors API.

4. Add your external directory to Directory Sync

   Use the Google Admin console to connect to your external directory using Directory Sync.

5. Configure your user and group sync in Directory Sync

   Decide how you want your users and groups to sync to your Google cloud directory. You set this up in the Admin console. Check your setup by running a simulated sync.

6. Run a sync

   Start syncing your data to your Google cloud directory. Track progress in the audit & investigation page of the Admin console.

Next step

Review the system requirements

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