Hostgator: Protect 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.

  • 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, clickSwitch verification methodswhen 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 Hostgator

Before you get started, make sure you have the account ID and password you need to sign in to Hostgator. If you have trouble signing in to this account, you can get help from Hostgator.

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'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.

It says "You're all set to use Google Workspace"

Your domain is already verified! You don't need to do anything else.

We won't let anyone else use this domain to sign up for Google Workspace.

I'm not sure what to do next

When you click the blue button above, it opens a page like this one:

Make sure you see TXT verification, and then click Continue.

At the top of the next page, you'll see your code and a Copy button.

How to add your verification code

1

Find your DNS records

2

Add your verification code

(a)
Click the down arrow next toAdd record, and then select Add TXT record.

The add TXT record is option is highlighted

(b)
Fill out the form.

The Google verification code is highlighted in a new TXT record

  • In theName field, enter your full domain.
  • In the Record field, paste the verification code you copied from the Google Workspace setup tool.
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:
  1. ClickAdd record, and then selectAdd CNAME record from the drop-down menu.
  2. ForName, paste the CNAME Label/Host value you copied from the Google Workspace setup tool.
  3. For Record,paste the CNAME Destination/Target value you copied from the setup tool.

A CNAME record is added to the Add a Record section.

(c)
ClickAdd record.

Your verification code is now saved as a TXT record and will soon be visible to other computers the internet.

Tell Google Workspace 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 Verify my 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.


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.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?