Google Domains: 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.

• You'll copy a verification code 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–give me some 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 might need to switch to a different Google account

If you owned your domain before you signed up for Google Workspace, you used a different account to buy that domain. Make sure you have the email address and password for the Google account that owns your domain.

If you have any trouble finding your domain, contact Google Domains for help.

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

	Sign in to Google Domains (a) Open Google Domains and sign in with the Google account you used to buy your domain. (b) Click the domain you're setting up today. I can't find my domain If you owned your domain before you signed up for Google Workspace, you used a different account to complete that purchase. On the Google Domains page: Click the circle with your initials or profile picture in the upper right corner. Select or add the account you used to buy your domain. If you still can't find your domain, contact Google Domains for help.
	Add your verification code  (a) In the left column, select DNS. (b) Scroll to Custom records and click Manage custom records.  (c) Switch to the browser tab that has the setup tool open and copy your verification code.  (d)  Switch back to Google Domains and click Create new record.  Add your verification code: Select TXT from the drop-down menu. Paste your verification code in the Data field. Don't change any other settings. 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: Select CNAME from the drop-down menu. Paste the CNAME Label/Host value you copied from the Google Workspace setup tool into the Host name field. Paste the CNAME Destination/Target value you copied from the setup tool into the Data field. (e) Click the Save button. Your verification code is now saved and will soon be visible to other computers on the internet. Google Domains asks if I want to replace records... If you get this error, it's because your domain already has a TXT record: Click No, keep existing records. Click Manage custom records. Find your existing TXT records and click  Add more to this record. Paste your verification code into the Data field and click Save.
	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.