This article is for people who manage Google services or devices for a company, school, or group. If you're using a personal (@gmail.com) account, go instead to the Google Account Help Center .
If you know who your domain registrar is, go instead to Activate Gmail (registrar-specific steps) . If you don't know your domain registrar, that's ok. Keep reading and we'll help you out!
Why do I need to do this?
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Before you begin
Make sure now is a good time to make this change. It can take time for the rest of the internet to learn about your new MX records. You might keep receiving mail with your old email provider during this time.
To complete this task, open two separate tabs in your web browser, like this:
Tab 1: Sign in to your domain registrar
You update your domain settings at your domain registrar's website, not at Google. To get started, make sure you have the account ID and password needed to sign in to your domain registrar.
Google can't sign in to your domain registrar—only a domain's owner can do that. So please contact your registrar if you need help accessing this account.
Who is my domain registrar?
Usually your domain registrar is:
- The company where you bought your domain.
- The company that hosts your website.
Tip:The setup tool in the next step might also be able to identify your domain registrar.
Tab 2: Open the Google Workspace setup tool
You get instructions and complete this task using the setup tool. You also use the tool to add any remaining email accounts—every existing address in your company must be associated with a Google Workspace account. You must use the setup tool to complete this task.
If you don't already have the setup tool open in another tab, click below to open it.
To continue, follow the instructions in the setup tool and return to this page only if you need more 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 Gmail is activated for my domain
Your MX records are already set up.
If you're reading this article because your company is having trouble receiving email:
- Check these troubleshooting steps .
- Review some additional problems that can interrupt email delivery.
My email address ends in @gmail.com
What you'll do at the setup tool
Activate Gmail (generic steps)
Before you begin: we have custom instructions for many popular domain registrars. Look for yours here .
(a)
In a new tab, sign into your domain registrar with the account and password you used to buy your domain or to manage your website.
(b)
Go to the section where you can update your domain's MX records. This section should have one of the following labels:
- DNS settings or DNS management
- Mail settings
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Advanced settings
Important:If you have trouble finding MX records, contact your domain registrar for help.
(a)
Review your existing DNS records and delete any non-Google MX records you see.
(b)
Create a new record.
(c)
Fill in the fields for thew new MX record.
- Choose MX for the type of record.
- Look for a field labeled Name, Host, or Alias. Enter @. (If @ causes an error leave this field blank).
- Copy the MX record from the setup tool. Paste it into the field labeled Value, Answer, Destination, or Server.
- Enter 1 hour in the TTLfield, or you can leave the default value.
- Enter 1 in the priorityfield.
Note: if your registrar rejects a Google MX record, try adding a period after the .COM.
Add MX records for a subdomain (existing customers only)
(d)
Continue using the setup tool to add any other MX records required for your domain.
Where do I copy the Google MX records?
Tell Google Workspace to activate Gmail
| (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) |
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Activate Gmail. Important: Some registrars may require additional time to publish your MX records. If the Google Workspace setup tool can't find your new records, 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. |
You might have to wait and try again
Some registrars take longer than others to let the world know that you have a new email provider:
- If Google Workspace can't find your new MX records, come back in a couple of hours and click the Activate button again.
- After you activate Gmail, updates can take up to 48 hours. Until the rest of the internet notices your new MX records, you'll still get email messages in your old email client.
Still need help?
After 72 hours, if you still need help or if you can't access your domain's DNS settings:
- Contact your domain host directly for assistance.
- Go to Troubleshoot MX records to troubleshoot the issue yourself.
After you activate Gmail
Start using Gmail
- Sign in to admin.google.com with your Google Workspace user name and password.
- In the top right corner, click the App Launcher Mail .
Set up more Gmail security
To help prevent spam and other security risks, we strongly recommendyou enable email authentication and security methods for Gmail.
For detailed steps, go to Help prevent spoofing, phishing, and spam .
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.
