Namecheap: Protect 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!

You'll need to sign in to Namecheap

Before you get started, make sure you have the account ID and password you need to sign in to Namecheap. If you have trouble signing in to this account, find out how to change your Namecheap password.

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

	Find your DNS records (a) Sign in to your account at Namecheap. (b) Scroll to your list of domains and click the Manage button next to the domain you're setting up today. (c) Click Advanced DNS. I'm stuck and need help My Namecheap account doesn't match these screenshots You might be using cPanel to manage your domain. Learn how to use cPanel to activate Gmail. I can't sign in to my Namecheap account You can recover Namecheap your password. I can't find my DNS records  Contact Namecheap supportfor help.
	Add your verification code  (a) Click the Add new record button. I don't see an "Add new record" button This button is available only if your domain uses Namecheap domain servers. Please contact Namecheap support for help. (b) Fill out the form. Select TXT Record from the Type drop-down list.  Enter @ for the Host.  Paste the verification code you copied from the setup tool in to the Value field.  Verify with CNAME instead of TXT (DNS experts only) Important: Adding a TXT record is the easiest way to do this. We recommend you follow the example shown above in Step (b). If you want to add a CNAME record: Click Add new record. Select CNAME from the Type drop-down menu. For Host, paste the CNAME Label/Host value you copied from the Google Workspace setup tool. For Value, paste the CNAME Destination/Target value you copied from the setup tool.   (c) Click the Save all changes button. Your verification code is now saved as a TXT record and 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.