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Verify your domain with a TXT record

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.

It sounds complicated–just give me the basics

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 (also known as a TXT record 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–show me the 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!

You'll need to sign in to your registrar

Before you get started, make sure you have the account ID and password you need to sign in to your registrar. Contact your registrar if you need help with that account. 

Who is my domain registrar?

Usually your domain registrar is:

  • The company where you bought your domain.
  • The company that hosts your website. 

We can help you find your registrar

 

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.

Open the setup tool

Important: We strongly suggest you follow the instructions in the setup tool and only return to this page if you need additional information.

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.

How to add your verification code


1

Find your DNS records


(a)

Open a new tab and sign in to your registrar's website. This is usually the place where you bought your domain or where you host your web site.

(b)

Find the page on your registrar's site where you manage the domains you own. 

(c)

Select the domain you're setting up today and look for the place where you manage DNS records.

This page might be called:

  • DNS settings or DNS management
  • Advanced settings
  • Name server management
  • Control panel

Important: If you have trouble finding DNS records, contact your registrar for help.

2

Add your verification code 


(a)

In the setup tool, copy your verification code.

Image shows where to copy a verification code in the Google Workspace setup tool

(b)

Switch to the tab with your registrar's web site and create a new TXT record. 

Image shows a sample registrar web page with a the verification code inserted in a new TXT record

  • Look for a field called Name. This field might also be called HostHostname, or Alias.

    Many registrars want you to enter @ in this field. Some might want you to enter your domain name or a subdomain. Contact your registrar if you need help with this. 
     
  • Paste the verification code you copied from the setup tool into the Value field. This field might also be called DataAnswer, or Destination.

(c)

Save your new TXT record.

Your verification code will soon be visible to other computers on the internet.

Tell Google to verify your code


(a)

Return to the browser tab where you have the Google Workspace setup tool open. (You can reopen the tool if you closed it.)

(b)

On the page where you copied your verification code, scroll to the bottom and click Protect domain.

Important! Some registrars may require additional time to publish your verification code. If the Google Workspace setup tool can't find your new TXT record, wait an hour before you try again.

If you need additional help with your DNS settings, please contact your registrar. They are experts in managing your domain and are eager to help you. 


Next steps

  1. Return to the Google Workspace setup tool, where you can:
    • Add other users to your account.
    • Activate Gmail for your organization.
  2. Review the quick start guides to continue setting up Google Workspace for your organization.

Get support

If you need help with verification you can contact ​Google Workspace​ support.

Next steps (Google Workspace only)

After you verify your domain, you can set up Gmail with Google Workspace. Keep the Admin Console and your domain host site open in your browser. In a new tab or window, open detailed instructions for setting up Gmail with your host.

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