Google Workspace Setup

Setting up Google Workspace is different from setting up a personal Gmail account. Your domain is likely registered with a provider like GoDaddy or Namecheap, and email traffic must be routed to Google’s servers.

Example scenario:

  • Domain abc.ai registered with GoDaddy
  • Cloudflare as DNS provider (optional but recommended for easier setup)
  • Goal: Create Google Workspace emails like pavan@abc.ai

Setup Steps

1. Configure DNS Provider (Optional - Cloudflare)

If using Cloudflare, update nameservers on GoDaddy domain settings to point to Cloudflare nameservers (typically elias.ns.cloudflare.com and megan.ns.cloudflare.com).

2. Sign Up and Pay

Choose your Google Workspace business plan and complete payment.

3. Verify Domain Ownership

Google verifies you own the domain. Add a TXT record to your DNS with the verification code provided (format: google-site-verification=EeKPAHUX...).

  • With Cloudflare: Automatic via Google sign-in
  • Without Cloudflare: Manually add TXT record (may take time to propagate)

4. Route Email Traffic to Google

Email uses SMTP protocol (not HTTP) and must be served by mail servers. Add MX records to your DNS pointing to Google’s mail servers. Google provides values like: aspmx.l.google.com, alt1.aspmx.l.google.com, etc.

  • With Cloudflare: Automatic
  • Without Cloudflare: Manually add all 5 MX records with correct priorities

Add these DNS records:

  • SPF: TXT record: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
  • DKIM: Generate in admin console, add provided TXT record
  • DMARC: TXT record at _dmarc: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:admin@abc.ai

6. Create Users

Go to admin.google.com → Users → Add users with desired email addresses.

Setup time: ~30 minutes active work + 2-4 hours DNS propagation