Verify your domain

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!

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 verify 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

How do I get my verification code from Google Workspace?

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.

Who is my domain host?

If you’re not sure where you bought your domain, see Identify your domain host.

Why does Google make me update my DNS records?

DNS records are the best way to ensure that the owner of a domain is the one who's signing up for Google Workspace. Other verification methods, such as HTML strings or meta tags, can be used by malicious actors to create fraudulent Google Workspace accounts.

Is my domain verified?

If you haven't verified your primary domain, you'll see a Set up Admin Console prompt at the top of the Admin console dashboard that will walk you through the steps to verify.

To check if a secondary domain is verified, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Admin console.

   Sign in using your administrator account (does not end in @gmail.com).

2. In the Admin console, go to Menu  AccountDomainsManage domains.
3. The Status column shows the current state of your domain. 

When should I verify my 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.

How long does verification take?

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.