How to Set Up Google Workspace for Your Business in 2026? 

Key highlights 

• Register a Google Workspace account by entering your company details, business needs and a current email address to begin the setup process. 
• Verify your domain to confirm domain ownership and activate Google Workspace services for your site. 
• Connect a custom domain to create a professional business email instead of using a personal Gmail or legacy G Suite account. 
• Add MX records in your domain’s DNS settings to ensure Gmail receives messages sent to your custom email address. 
• Double-check DNS records, MX values and the domain’s DNS settings before moving to the next page to avoid setup errors. 
• Access the Google Admin console to manage users, apps, passwords and organization-wide settings from one central page. 

Setting up Google Workspace for the first time can feel more complicated than it should. You sign up, enter your business details and expect things to just work. Then you’re asked to verify your domain, update DNS and MX records and wait for email to start working. That’s usually where confusion kicks in. 

This guide walks you through the complete Google Workspace setup process for businesses in 2026. It starts from the very beginning and follows the exact order you’ll see during setup, from account creation to business email activation. Nothing is skipped. Nothing is out of sequence. 

Along the way, we’ll explain what each step does, why Google asks for certain details and how to avoid common mistakes that slow things down. We’ll also cover domain verification, DNS and MX record setup and what to expect while changes are still processing. 

By the end, you’ll have Google Workspace fully set up, business email working on your domain and the confidence to manage it without second-guessing every step. 

TL;DR: Set up Google Workspace for your business

• Start by signing up for Google Workspace and entering your business details.
• Confirm your business address during setup to avoid account verification issues.
• Connect a custom domain and verify ownership using a TXT record.
• Add the correct MX records in your domain’s DNS settings to activate email.
• Access the Google Admin console to manage apps, users and permissions once the setup is complete.

What is Google Workspace and why do businesses use it?

Google Workspace is Google’s suite of tools built for business use. It combines email, file storage, calendars, video meetings and collaboration apps into one connected workspace. Instead of managing separate tools, everything is managed under one organization, with user accounts controlled in the Admin console. 

The biggest difference between Google Workspace and a personal Google account is control. Business accounts use a custom domain for email and include access to the Google Admin console. This allows teams to manage users, security settings and app access from one place. Personal accounts don’t offer this level of centralized management.

Businesses choose Google Workspace because it supports everyday work without adding complexity. Here’s why many teams rely on it:

• Professional business email: Email runs on a custom domain, which helps build trust and maintain consistent communication.
• Centralized file storage and sharing: Google Drive makes it easy to store files, control access and collaborate in real time.
• Built-in scheduling and meetings: Google Calendar and Meet work together to handle calls, events and team availability.
• Simple user and access management: The Admin console lets businesses add users, manage passwords and control app access as teams grow.
• Tools that work together by default: Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Meet are already connected, so teams spend less time switching tools.

Because everything is designed to work as one system, Google Workspace suits businesses that want reliable email, shared tools and a setup that scales without constant maintenance. To keep the setup process smooth, having a few essentials ready can prevent delays and repeated steps.

What do you need before setting up Google Workspace?

Before starting the Google Workspace setup, it helps to have a few essentials ready. While the process itself is straightforward, missing information often leads to pauses or repeated steps, slowing things down.

To begin with, Google asks for basic business details during signup. These help create your workspace account and determine how certain features are configured. Having this information ready makes the early steps easier to complete:

• Your organization’s name, which appears across Google Workspace
• Your country and region, used for setup and verification
• A current email address, where Google can send updates and alerts

Once those details are sorted, the next thing to think about is your domain name. This domain will be used for your business email address, such as you@[yourcompany.com]. If you already own a domain, you’ll connect it during setup. If not, Google lets you purchase one, but deciding in advance keeps the process moving without interruption.

After choosing a domain, access to its DNS settings becomes important. Google needs to confirm that you own the domain and can manage its email. For that, you’ll need login access to your hosting provider or domain registrar, where you may be asked to:

• Verify domain ownership using a TXT record
• Add or update MX records so Gmail can receive email

Finally, it’s useful to be prepared for a few light technical steps. These don’t require advanced knowledge, but they do require accuracy and patience. During setup, you may need to:

• Add DNS records exactly as provided
• Double-check values before saving changes
• Allow a few hours for DNS updates to fully apply

Once these details are in place, the setup process flows much more smoothly. From here, you can start creating your Google Workspace account and work through the signup steps without stopping to fill in gaps.

Also read: What Are DNS Records? Types, How They Work & How to Update Them

How to create a Google Workspace account?

We’ll now walk through the Google Workspace signup wizard exactly as it appears on screen. Each step builds on the last, so following the sequence helps you complete the setup without confusion.

1. Step 1: Start the Google Workspace signup process

Head to the Google Workspace signup page and click on the Start Free Trial button. This opens the setup window and begins the account creation process.

2. Step 2: Enter your business or organization details

In this step, you’ll add your basic business information. Google uses this to create your workspace account and tailor the setup experience.

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Business name
• Number of employees
• Region

Once these fields are filled, click Next to continue.

3. Step 3: Add the admin’s name and current email address

Next, Google asks for the contact details of the account manager. This information connects the workspace to a real administrator.

Here, you’ll enter:

• First and last name
• A current email address you already use

This email is not your new business email. Google uses it to send setup updates, verification notices and account-related alerts during the signup process.

4. Step 4: Choose how you want to set up your domain

At this stage, Google asks whether you already own a domain name.

You’ll typically see two options:

• Use an existing domain if you already own one
• Get a new custom domain if you don’t have one yet

Select the option that matches your situation and proceed.

5. Step 5: Enter the domain name (if we’re using an existing one)

If you choose to use an existing domain, enter the domain name you want for your business email (for example, [yourcompany].com).

After entering it, click Next to continue.

6. Step 6: Create your first Google Workspace login

Now you’ll create the first user for your workspace. This is usually the admin account and becomes your first business email once the setup is complete.

You’ll be asked to set:

• A username (such as your name or “admin”)
• A secure password

After reviewing the details, accept the prompts and click on “Agree and continue”.

7. Step 7: Confirm setup progress and continue to the next stage

Once the login credentials are created, your Google Workspace account creation process is completed. The setup wizard will guide you through the next steps, including business address verification and domain ownership verification.

Before moving on, make sure:

• Your admin login is created successfully
• The workspace account is active
• Your domain choice is confirmed

With the account in place, you’re ready to move into the verification steps that allow Gmail and other services to work properly.

Also read: How to Set Up Google Workspace: Initial Setup Guide

How to verify your business address during Google Workspace setup?

During Google Workspace account creation, you may be asked to verify your business address. This step helps Google confirm that your account represents a real business and ensures the setup process can continue without interruptions.

At this stage, accuracy matters more than speed. Even small mistakes in address details can cause validation errors or force you to repeat parts of the signup process. Entering the correct information upfront makes the rest of the setup smoother.

Address requirements Google checks during signup

When Google asks for your business address, it expects the information to be complete and properly formatted. Each field plays a role in verification, so it’s important not to skip or approximate details.

You’ll need to provide:

• Full street address, including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable
• Postal or ZIP code for your location
• Country code, using the standard two-letter format
• Locality, such as your city or town
• Region, meaning your state, province or territory

These details help Google match your address to trusted location data. If any part is missing or entered incorrectly, verification may fail or require correction before you can continue.

Once you understand what Google expects, the next step is avoiding the common mistakes that often cause this verification to fail.

What are the common address verification mistakes to avoid?

Address verification issues are usually caused by minor formatting or data-entry mistakes. Knowing what to check in advance helps keep the setup process moving.

Common problems include:

• Leaving the postal code field blank or entering an incorrect code
• Forgetting unit, suite or apartment numbers in shared buildings
• Using the wrong country code for your location
• Entering partial or abbreviated addresses that don’t match official records

In regions where postal codes aren’t used, Google may still require a placeholder value. Following the on-screen instructions closely helps prevent setup blocks.

After checking for these common issues, it’s worth taking a moment to confirm that your address format matches what Google expects.

How to double-check your address using Google Maps?

Before moving to the next step, it’s a good idea to confirm your address format. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using Google Maps.

You can do this by:

• Typing your full address into Google Maps
• Checking whether the location appears correctly
• Using the exact address format suggested by Google Maps

If Google Maps recognizes and corrects your address, copying that format into the setup form can improve verification success. If issues persist, checking with a local postal service or a trusted map provider can help ensure accuracy.

Once your address is accepted, you can continue with the remaining setup steps, including domain and email configuration, without revisiting this step.

Also read: How to Verify Address When Setting Up Google Workspace

How to choose or connect a custom domain?

Once your Google Workspace account is created, the next step is to decide how you want to handle your domain. This domain will be used for your business email and plays a key role in verification and email delivery later.

At this stage, you’re not changing DNS records yet. You’re simply deciding whether to use a domain you already own or get a new one before moving forward.

Using an existing domain vs buying a new domain

Google Workspace gives you flexibility when it comes to domains and the right choice depends on your current setup.

If you already own a domain, it typically makes sense to use it because: 

• Your business already uses that domain publicly
• Email addresses stay consistent with your brand
• No additional domain purchase is required

On the other hand, buying a new domain during setup can be a better option if: 

• You’re starting a new business or project and don’t have a domain already 
• You want to avoid managing a separate domain registrar 
• You prefer Google to handle the domain purchase and initial setup 

Once you make this choice, Google moves you toward connecting to the domain so it can be verified and used for email. After choosing a domain, the next question is where it is managed and how it connects to Google Workspace. 

Connecting your domain through your hosting provider

In most cases, your domain is managed by a hosting provider or domain registrar. This is where DNS records live and where ownership verification and email setup happen.

Regardless of the provider, the process usually involves:

• Logging into your hosting or domain management dashboard
• Locating DNS or domain management settings
• Adding or updating records when Google provides instructions

The exact steps vary slightly depending on where your domain is hosted. To make this more concrete, let’s look at how this works when your domain is hosted with Bluehost.

Connecting a custom domain hosted on Bluehost

If your domain is hosted with us, you can connect it directly through the Bluehost Account Manager. We handle domain connections on the hosting side, making it easier to manage DNS records when setting up Google Workspace.

To connect a domain in Bluehost, you:

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager
2. Open the Hosting section from the left-hand menu

3. Select the website you want to associate with the domain
4. Choose Connect Domain if it’s your first domain or Add Domain if you’re connecting another one
5. Enter the domain name and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection

If the domain is registered with us, the connection is usually straightforward. If the domain is registered elsewhere, you may be asked to point nameservers or confirm DNS settings before finalizing the connection. In either case, it’s normal for changes to take some time to propagate.

If you want a more detailed, screen-by-screen walkthrough, you can check Bluehost’s official help guide, which explains how to connect a domain from the hosting tab.

Overall, once the domain is connected, it’s ready for the next steps inside Google Workspace, including domain ownership verification and email configuration.

How to verify your Google Workspace domain?

After choosing and connecting your domain, Google needs to confirm that you actually own it. This step is called domain ownership verification and it’s required before Gmail and other Google Workspace services can be fully activated.

At this stage, Google isn’t checking your business details. Instead, it’s confirming that you have control over the domain’s DNS settings. Once verification is complete, the setup can move forward without restrictions.

Verifying your domain using a TXT record

The most common way to verify a Google Workspace domain is by adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS settings. In simple terms, a TXT record is a small piece of text added to your domain that proves ownership.

Google provides a unique verification code and adding it to your DNS records shows that you control the domain.

Here’s how the process works at a high level:

• You copy a unique TXT record value from the Google Admin console
• You paste that value into your domain’s DNS settings
• Google checks for the record and confirms ownership

This method works regardless of where your domain is hosted. If your domain was purchased through a Google partner, it may already be verified. Otherwise, adding the TXT record is required to proceed.

Once the TXT record is added, it may take some time to propagate. This delay is normal and doesn’t mean something went wrong. After understanding how TXT verification works, the next step is finding the exact verification code Google generates for your domain.

Also read: What is a TXT Record

Where to find the verification code in the Admin console?

To get the TXT verification code, you’ll need to sign in to the Google Admin console using an administrator account. This ensures you have permission to manage domain settings.

Inside the Admin console, you’ll be guided to:

1. Open Domains from the menu
2. Select Manage domains
3. Choose the domain you want to verify
4. Start the verification process and copy the TXT record value

The value usually begins with “google-site-verification=” and must be copied exactly as shown. Even small changes or missing characters can cause verification to fail.

After adding the TXT record to your domain’s DNS settings, you’ll return to the Google Admin console and click Verify. Google then searches for the record and checks whether it matches your domain.

If the record is found, verification completes and your setup status updates immediately. At this point, options such as Activate Gmail become available. If the record isn’t found right away, wait for a short while and retry.

Once domain verification is successful, you’re ready to move on to configuring email and DNS records, so Gmail can start receiving messages.

Google Workspace DNS setup for email delivery

This is where DNS configuration comes into play. Until this step is complete, Gmail won’t be able to receive messages sent to your domain.

At this stage, MX records tell the internet where emails for your domain should be delivered. Correctly updating these records ensures that incoming messages reach Google’s mail servers and land in your inbox.

Understanding MX records and why they matter

MX records, also known as Mail Exchange records, control how email is routed for your domain. When someone sends an email to an address like [you@yourcompany].com, their mail server checks your domain’s MX records to decide where to deliver that message.

For Google Workspace, MX records must point to Google’s mail servers. If they don’t, the email may be delivered elsewhere or not arrive at all.

In simple terms:

• MX records act as directions for incoming email
• Google Workspace requires specific MX values to receive mail
• Incorrect or leftover MX records can break email delivery

With that context in mind, the next step is updating your domain’s DNS settings with Google’s MX record.

How to add a new MX record to your domain’s DNS settings

To set up email delivery, you’ll need to add Google’s MX record to the place where your domain DNS is managed. This is usually your hosting provider or domain registrar.

At a high level, the process looks like this:

1. Sign in to the account where your domain is managed
2. Open your domain’s DNS settings
3. Locate the MX records section
4. Remove any existing or conflicting MX records
5. Add a new MX record with Google’s required values

For most new Google Workspace accounts, the MX record value you’ll add is:

• Destination / Value: smtp.google.com
• Priority: 1
• Host / Name: leave blank or use @
• TTL: use the default value

Some registrars format MX records differently, so it’s important to follow their preferred format exactly. Even small differences, such as an extra space or a missing period, can cause email issues.

After saving the record, Google may also prompt you to activate Gmail from the Admin console to complete the setup. Once the MX record is added, the final step is allowing time for the changes to take effect.

How long do MX record changes take to apply?

MX record updates don’t take effect immediately. After saving the changes, they need time to propagate across the internet.

In most cases:

• Changes start working within a few hours
• Full propagation can take up to 72 hours

During this window, it’s normal for email to behave inconsistently. Some messages may arrive while others don’t, depending on which servers have updated records.

If email isn’t working right away:

• Double-check the MX values you entered
• Confirm there are no old MX records still listed
• Wait a little longer before troubleshooting further

Once these MX record changes have fully propagated and Gmail is activated, your business email should start working as expected. With email delivery in place, the next step is getting familiar with the dashboard, where you’ll manage users, apps and settings going forward.

How to access and use the Google Admin console?

This is the central dashboard where you manage your Workspace account, users and apps going forward. You don’t need to configure everything at once. At this stage, the goal is simply to understand how to access the Admin console and what it’s used for, so you know where to return when changes are needed.

Logging into the Admin console after setup

To access the Admin console, you’ll need to sign in using the administrator account you created during setup. This is typically the first Workspace user you added.

Here’s what to expect:

• You log in at admin.google.com using your admin email and password
• Access is only available to admin users, not regular Workspace accounts
• After signing in, you’re taken directly to the main admin dashboard

On first access, the dashboard may look overwhelming, but you don’t need to explore everything right away. The layout is designed for group-related settings, making it easier to find what you need later.

Once you’re logged in, the next step is understanding what you can manage from the Admin console.

Managing Google apps like Gmail, Drive, Meet and Calendar

Inside the Admin console, you control how Google Workspace apps work for your organization. Most apps are enabled by default, but this is where you manage access and settings as your business grows.

From here, you can:

• Turn Google apps on or off for your organization
• Control who can use apps like Gmail, Drive, Meet and Calendar
• Review basic settings related to usage and access

Now that the Admin console is in place, the next step is adding users and ensuring everyone on your team can start using their new business email.

How to add new users and manage access?

With the Admin console ready, the focus shifts to bringing your team into Google Workspace. This is where you create business email addresses, add users and decide how access to Google apps is handled.

Everything in this step happens inside the Google Admin console, keeping user management centralized and easy to maintain.

Creating business email addresses for new users

When you add users to Google Workspace, business email addresses are created automatically. Each user gets their own login and access to apps based on your organization’s settings.

When adding a new user, you’ll typically:

1. Enter the user’s name
2. Choose a username, which becomes their email address
3. Assign the user to your domain

Once the user is added, Google Workspace:

4. Creates the email address instantly
5. Enables access to apps like Gmail and Drive
6. Allows you to share login details or let the user set their own password

After users are created, you can fine-tune what they can access and how they sign in.

Managing users, passwords and access permissions

The Admin console gives you control over user access across your Workspace account. This helps you manage security and permissions as your team grows.

From here, you can:

• Reset passwords or enforce password rules
• Enable or restrict access to specific Google apps
• Suspend or remove users when access is no longer needed

You don’t need to configure advanced settings right away. For most teams, these basic controls are enough to manage users safely and effectively.

With users added and access configured, your Google Workspace account is ready for everyday use across your team. If anything doesn’t work as expected, a few quick checks can usually resolve common setup issues.

Also read: Adding Users to Google Workspace

Troubleshooting common Google Workspace setup issues

Even with a careful setup, it’s not unusual to run into small issues along the way. Most Google Workspace problems are related to timing, DNS updates or missed steps and they can often be resolved without starting over.

This section focuses on quick checks you can perform before escalating the issue or contacting support.

1. Domain verification or DNS issues

If your domain verification fails or doesn’t complete, the issue is usually related to DNS settings rather than the Workspace account itself.

Before trying again, check the following:

• Confirm the TXT record was added exactly as provided
• Make sure the record was added to the correct domain
• Verify there are no extra spaces, missing characters or formatting changes
• Allow time for DNS changes to propagate

In many cases, verification fails simply because DNS updates haven’t been fully applied yet. Waiting a little longer and retrying often resolves the issue. Once domain verification is confirmed, email-related issues are the next most common concern.

2. Email not working after MX record setup

If email isn’t working immediately after adding MX records, this doesn’t always mean something is wrong. DNS changes take time to spread across the internet.

Before troubleshooting further, make sure to:

• Ensure that the MX record values match Google’s requirements
• Remove any old or conflicting MX records
• Confirm Gmail has been activated in the Admin console
• Wait up to 72 hours for full propagation

During this window, some emails may arrive, while others may not. Once propagation is complete, delivery should stabilize. If domain and email settings are in place but something still feels unfinished, checking the Admin console usually helps identify what’s left to do.

3. What to do if setup gets stuck or needs correction?

Sometimes the setup process doesn’t fully complete or needs adjustment after the fact. This can happen if steps are skipped or if information needs to be corrected.

If setup feels stuck:

• Return to the Google Admin console and review setup prompts
• Revisit incomplete steps shown in the dashboard
• Confirm domain ownership and email status again

When problems go beyond basic checks, support can make a real difference. Google Workspace support and your hosting provider can help identify DNS or account-level issues that aren’t visible from the setup screen.

If you’re setting this up for the first time, we recommend you choose us as your hosting provider. Managing your domain, DNS and email from one dashboard makes setup simpler and troubleshooting faster, especially when something doesn’t work right away.

Get started with Google Workspace on Bluehost and manage your email, domain and DNS from one place.

Final thoughts

Setting up Google Workspace involves a few technical steps, but once everything is in place, it runs quietly in the background. Email works reliably, files stay organized and teams can collaborate without juggling multiple tools.

At Bluehost, we make it easier to manage your domain and Google Workspace together. By keeping hosting, DNS and email in one place, we simplify setup and reduce troubleshooting time, especially for businesses setting things up for the first time.

With the right setup and support in place, Google Workspace becomes a dependable foundation for your business email and daily work.

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