FAQ for multiple domains

For Google Workspace and Cloud Identity

Domain basics

What are multiple domains?

If you own multiple domains, you can add them to your Google Workspace or Cloud Identity account. Depending on how you add the domain, users can have an email address or user account at one or more domains. Learn more about multiple domains

What is a user alias domain?

A user alias domain is a domain name that can be used as an alternate name for another domain. With Google Workspace, user alias domains can give users an email address at another domain

As with any other domain you use with Google services, you must own the domain name and verify your ownership.

Learn more about adding a user alias domain.

The legacy free edition of G Suite supports user alias domains but not secondary domains.

What's the difference between a secondary domain and a user alias domain?

To give all your users an alternate email address at another domain, add the domain as a user alias domain. Adding the domain solarmora.com as an alias to example.com, gives bob@example.com another email address at bob@solarmora.com

If the domain you're adding has its own set of users, add it as a secondary domain. Users can have email addresses and accounts at their domain.

Learn more about adding domains and limitations with multiple domains.

How do multiple domains relate to organizational units used to manage user policies?

Domains and organizational units are just two different ways to organize your users: You add users to a domain to give them an email address and user account. You add users to organizational units to give them access to different features and services.

An organizational unit can include users from different domains. For example, you might have a Marketing unit containing users from two domains. Learn more about organizational units and limitations with multiple domains.

Can I add a user alias domain to a secondary domain? 

You can't use the Admin console to do this. However, someone with programming experience can use the Google Workspace Admin SDK to add user alias domains to secondary domains. 

How it works

Is it possible to change the name of my primary domain?

Yes, depending on your type of Google Workspace account. Follow these steps to change your primary domain

How do I add domains to my Google Workspace or Cloud Identity Account?

When you sign up, you provide a domain name that becomes the primary domain associated with your Google Workspace or Cloud Identity. After that, you can add your other domains using your Google Admin console. You add the domain as either a secondary domain or user alias domain. In either case, you must own the domain name and verify your ownership. For instructions, see Add multiple domains.

How many domains can I add?

Your organization's Google Workspace or Cloud Identity Premium account can have up to 600 domains. The limit includes:

  • One primary domain—Your primary domain is the domain name you provide when you sign up. In most cases, you change your primary domain, but your account has only one primary domain. 
  • 599 additional domains—This number includes your secondary domains and domain aliases. Note: You can add up to 20 domain aliases to your account.  

Learn more about secondary domains and domain aliases.

What about using multiple domains with Google Workspace for Education?

For recommendations about setting up and managing multiple domains, check the Google Workspace for Education Quickstart IT Setup Guide.

Can we use multiple domains with single sign-on (SSO)?

Yes. As long as the SSO system is configured to identify the user by email address, it works smoothly for Google Accounts with multiple domains. (Learn more about SSO.)

Can we merge domains at multiple Google Accounts into one account?

Not currently. Instead, we recommend that you choose the account that has the domain you want to use as your primary domain. Then remove the domains from your other accounts and add them to this one account. For details, see Merge domains from separate accounts.

Can I switch a user alias domain with my primary domain?

Not directly. Instead, you must remove the user alias domain from your account, then add the same domain back as a new secondary domain. You can then swap the secondary domain with your primary domain. For details, see Change your primary domain.

Can I configure service settings differently for my domains?

Your Google Admin console doesn't have separate configuration settings for each of your domains. But you can tailor settings by placing the users in their own organizational unit, then applying settings to that unit. For details, see About user and device policies.

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