Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) allows you to use Gmail with your own domain name like info@yourcompany.nl. In this article, we explain how to link Google Workspace to your domain by setting the correct DNS records.

What is Google Workspace?

Google Workspace is the business version of Gmail and other Google services. With Google Workspace, you get:

  • Professional email address with your own domain
  • 30 GB to unlimited storage (depending on the package)
  • Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet and more
  • Advanced security options
  • Admin control over all users

Before You Start

Make sure you have the following:

  • An active Google Workspace account (admin.google.com)
  • Access to DNS management of your domain (DirectAdmin or other provider)
  • Your domain is not linked to another email service

Step 1: Add Domain in Google Workspace

  1. Log in to admin.google.com
  2. Go to Account > Domains > Manage Domains
  3. Click on "Add Domain
  4. Enter your domain name (without www)
  5. Select "Primary Domain or "Domain Alias

Step 2: Verify Domain

Google needs to verify that you own the domain. You do this with a TXT record.

Add Verification TXT Record

  1. Google will show you a verification code like:
    2. google-site-verification=abc123xyz...
  2. In DirectAdmin:
    • Go to DNS Management
    • Add a new TXT record:
      • Name: `@` or leave empty
      • Type: TXT
      • Value: The Google verification code
      • TTL: 3600
  3. Wait 5-60 minutes for DNS propagation
  4. Click on "Verify in Google Admin

Step 3: Set Up MX Records

MX records tell where email for your domain should go. For Google Workspace, you need specific MX records.

Google Workspace MX Records

First, remove all existing MX records and then add these:

Priority Mail Server
1 ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
5 ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
5 ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
10 ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
10 ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM

Add MX Records in DirectAdmin

  1. Go to DNS Management
  2. Remove all existing MX records
  3. Add a new MX record for each line:
    • Name: `@` or leave empty
    • Type: MX
    • Priority: As indicated above
    • Value: The mail server (e.g., ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM)
    • TTL: 3600
  4. Save all records

Important: Don’t forget the dot (.) at the end if your DNS system requires it.

Step 4: Set Up SPF Record

To prevent spam and improve deliverability, you set up an SPF record.

Google Workspace SPF Record

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

If you also use other services that send email:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:_spf.theory7.net ~all

Add SPF in DirectAdmin

  1. Go to DNS Management
  2. Look for existing TXT records with "spf"
  3. Edit or Add:
    • Name: `@` or leave empty
    • Type: TXT
    • Value: `v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all`

Step 5: Set Up DKIM

DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails for extra verification.

Retrieve DKIM Key

  1. In Google Admin, go to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail
  2. Click on "Authenticate email
  3. Click on "GENERATE NEW RECORD
  4. Select 2048 bits for maximum security
  5. Copy the generated DKIM key

Add DKIM Record

  1. In DirectAdmin, go to DNS Management
  2. Add a new TXT record:
    • Name: `google._domainkey` (or what Google indicates)
    • Type: TXT
    • Value: The long DKIM key from Google
  3. Wait 48 hours (DKIM may take longer)
  4. Go back to Google Admin and click on "Start authentication

DMARC combines SPF and DKIM for maximum protection.

Basic DMARC Record

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.nl

Add DMARC

  1. Add a new TXT record:
    • Name: `_dmarc`
    • Type: TXT
    • Value: The DMARC record

Check if Everything Works

Test MX Records

  1. Go to mxtoolbox.com
  2. Enter your domain
  3. You should see the Google MX servers

Test SPF

  1. Go to mxtoolbox.com/spf.aspx
  2. Enter your domain
  3. Check for green checkmarks

Send Test Email

  1. Send an email from your Google Workspace account to a Gmail address
  2. Open the email and view "Show Original
  3. Look for: `spf=pass`, `dkim=pass`

Common Issues

"MX records not found"

  • Wait longer - DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours
  • Check for typos in the server names
  • Ensure old MX records are removed

"Emails are not arriving"

  • Check if MX records are set correctly
  • Check the recipient's spam folder
  • Test with mxtoolbox.com to see if your MX records are correct

"DKIM verification failed"

  • DKIM can take up to 48-72 hours to propagate
  • Check if the selector (google._domainkey) is exactly correct
  • The DKIM key must not contain line breaks

"Cannot log in to Gmail"

  • Use your @yourdomain.nl email address, not @gmail.com
  • Log in via mail.google.com or Gmail app
  • Check your password in Google Admin

Email Migration

If you want to transfer existing emails to Google Workspace:

  1. In Google Admin, go to Data Migration
  2. Select your source (IMAP, other provider)
  3. Follow the wizard to import emails

Need Help?

We are here for you! Are you facing any issues or do you have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help you.