DreamHost: Verify your domain

Make sure no one else can use your domain with Google Workspace

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

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.
After your domain registrar publishes your verification code, we'll know you are the owner of your domain.

Note: We may ask you to verify your domain using TXT, MX, or CNAME records. Follow the instructions in our setup tool to complete these steps.

Explain this more

Watch a video (3 minutes)

A Beginner's Guide to Signing up for Google Workspace

I'm an advanced user—show me technical details & alternatives

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 later on this page.
If your domain doesn't have MX records used by 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 that 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.

To complete this task, open two tabs in your web browser, like this:

You'll need to sign in to DreamHost

Before you get started, make sure you have the account ID and password you need to sign in to DreamHost. If you have trouble signing in to this account, you can contact DreamHost support.

Tab 2: Open the Google Workspace setup tool

You get instructions and complete this task using the setup tool. You must use the setup tool to complete this task.

If you don't already have the setup tool open in another tab, click the following button to open it.

Open the setup tool

I'm stuck and need help

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.

Follow these instructions to add your verification code

Work across the two tabs you opened, as follows:

Find your DNS records

Open DreamHost and sign in with the account you used to buy your domain.

If you need help, contact DreamHost for support:

Add your verification code

(a)	Click WebsitesManage Websites, then next to the domain you want to verify with your Google service, click MoreDNS Settings.
(b)	Click Add Record, then for TXT, click Add.
(c)	Switch to the browser tab that has the setup tool open and copy your verification code.
(d)	Leave the Host field empty and, for TXT Value, paste the verification code and click Add Record. 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 previously in Step 2. Click WebsitesManage Websites, then next to the domain you want to verify with your Google service, click MoreDNS Settings. Click Add Record, then for CNAME, click Add. Paste the CNAME Label/Host value you copied from the Google Workspace setup tool into the Host field. Paste the CNAME Destination/Target value you copied from the setup tool into the Points to field then click Add Record.

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, contact your registrar. They are experts in managing your domain and are eager to help you.

Next steps

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

_{Google, Google Workspace, and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company and product names are trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.}

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