Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) lets you use Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and other Google apps with your own domain name (for example, [email protected]).
If your domain is hosted with GreenGeeks nameservers, you’ll need to update your DNS records in GreenGeeks Zone Editor to route email through Google’s servers.
Step 1: Verify Your Domain with Google Workspace
- Sign up or log in to your Google Workspace Admin Console.
- During setup, Google will ask you to verify domain ownership.
- Copy the TXT verification record provided by Google.
- Log in to your GreenGeeks Account Manager and click Manage.
- Under the Domains section, click DNS Zone Editor.
- Click the three dots and select Manage Records next to your domain.
- Add the TXT record Google provided as a new record.
Step 2: Update MX Records for Gmail
To direct email traffic to Google, update your MX records.
- In DNS Zone Editor, click the three dots and select Manage Records next to your domain..
- Remove any existing MX records pointing to GreenGeeks mail servers.
- Add the following record:
| Type | Name | Priority | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX | @ | 1 | smtp.google.com. |
Important: Once you update your MX record to point to Google, all new incoming email for your domain will immediately begin routing to Gmail.
- Messages will no longer arrive in your GreenGeeks mailbox.
- Make sure you have set up your Google Workspace user accounts before making this change, so no emails are lost.
Step 3: Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
SPF Records
SPF helps prevent your emails from being flagged as spam.
If you plan to send email from your website in addition to Gmail, you’ll need to ensure the GreenGeeks SPF record is included, in addition to the one provided by Gmail.
Choose the option that best meets your needs, and add it from the DNS Zone Editor in your GreenGeeks Dashboard.
Option 1: Only send email from Gmail
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | @ | v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all |
Option 2: Send email from both GreenGeeks and Gmail (Recommended)
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | @ | v=spf1 include:_spf.greengeeks.net include:_spf.google.com ~all |
DMARC & DKIM Resources from Google
Before adding records for DKIM & DMARC, review the official Google guidance on how to create these records:
DKIM Record
- In Google Admin Console, go to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > Authenticate Email.
- Generate a DKIM key.
- Add it in DNS Zone Editor as a TXT record with the name and value Google provides.
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | (Google DKIM selector, e.g. google._domainkey) | (Google-provided DKIM key) |
DMARC Record (Optional but Recommended)
DMARC helps prevent email spoofing.
Although Gmail does not provide a default DMARC record; you can generate a record from your DNS Zone Editor, or use a default record like the following:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TXT | _dmarc | v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected] |
Step 4: Allow DNS to Update
DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate, though they often update faster.
Step 5: Test Your Email
- Log in to Gmail with your new domain email address.
- Send a test message to confirm delivery.
You’ve all set and have enabled Google Workspace Email with GreenGeeks.
Troubleshooting
- Still receiving email at GreenGeeks instead of Gmail? Double-check that only the Google MX record is active.
- Use Google’s CheckMX tool to confirm your setup.
- Verification failed? Confirm the TXT record matches exactly what Google provided.
Getting Help
You can search our Knowledge Base or use Live Chat. We’re always here to help, 24/7.