Introduction

This blog explains why and how to add a secondary domain in Google Workspace. A secondary domain allows your organization to use multiple domain names within the same Google Workspace account. This is useful for companies with multiple brands, schools managing separate campuses or institutions transitioning to a new domain. Unlike domain aliases, secondary domains let you create distinct user accounts under the new domain while maintaining centralized administration and billing.

For example - If your organization currently uses schoolname.edu but is expanding to a new branch under branchname.edu, you can add branchname.edu as a secondary domain. This way, users can have email addresses like [email protected] while still being managed under the same Workspace environment.

Add a Secondary Domain in Google Workspace 

Why a Secondary Domain Matters

A secondary domain in Google Workspace matters because it allows organizations to manage multiple, independent domains under a single admin console. This is especially important for businesses, schools or institutions that operate with different brand identities, locations or units.

  • Manage users from multiple brands without creating separate Google Workspace accounts.
  • Separate students and staff by domain while keeping centralized control.
  • Move from an old domain to a new one gradually, without disrupting user access.
  • Simplify user identification across business units, regions or departments.

How to Add a Secondary Domain in Google Workspace

To add a secondary domain in Google Workspace, you must be a super administrator of your organization's account. Follow the below steps to successfully add the new domain.

  • Step 1: Sign in to the Admin Console

Go to admin.google.com and log in with your super admin credentials.

  • Step 2: Open Domains Settings
    From the Admin Console dashboard, navigate to Account > Domains > Manage domainsAdmin Console dashboard
  • Step 3: Click Add a domain
    1. Click Add a domain.
    2. In the Domain name field, enter the name of the domain you want to add.
    3. In the Select a domain type field, select the Secondary domain option.
    4. Click on Add domain & start verification button.
      Add domain and start verification button.
  • Step 4: Verify Domain Ownership-
    To verify the domain, Google will ask you to add a TXT record to your domain's DNS settings.
    1. Sign in to your domain registrar. For Example - GoDaddy or Cloudflare.
    2. Locate the DNS management settings.
    3. Add the TXT record Google provides.
    4. Return to the Admin console and click Verify.
      the Admin console and click Verify.
  • Step 5: Wait for the Verification
    DNS changes can take a few minutes to a few hours. Once verified, your secondary domain will appear in the Manage domains list.secondary domain will appear in the Manage domains list

Quick Tips for Adding a Secondary Domain in Google Workspace 

  1. Only super administrators can add and manage domains in Google Workspace.
  2. Select the secondary domain during setup if you want to create separate users under the new domain.
  3. You'll need to add a TXT record to your DNS settings. Have access to your domain registrar ready.
  4. Secondary domains are included in your existing Workspace account. No extra license is needed.
  5. After setup, you can create new users under the secondary domain or rename existing accounts to use it.
  6. Verification may take a few minutes to several hours depending on your DNS provider.
  7. Assign users from different domains to specific OUs for better policy management.

FAQs about Secondary Domain in Google Workspace

Q: What is the difference between a secondary domain and a domain alias?
A: Secondary domain allows you to create new user accounts with email addresses under the same domain. A domain alias is an alternate domain name that lets your existing users receive emails at more than one domain.

Q: Can users switch between primary and secondary domains?
A: Yes, administrators can update a user's email address from one domain to another. However, this changes the user’s primary email address.

Q: Is it possible to remove a secondary domain later?
A: Yes, you can remove a secondary domain from the Admin console. However, you must first delete or rename any user accounts associated with that domain.

Q: Can I apply different policies to users in the secondary domain?
A: Yes. You can use organizational units (OUs) or groups to apply different policies, such as app access or security settings, to users in the secondary domain.

Q: Do I need to buy another Workspace subscription for the secondary domain?
A: No, a single Google Workspace subscription can manage both primary and secondary domains. You only need to pay for the number of user accounts, not for each domain.

Conclusion

Adding a secondary domain in Google Workspace is a smart way to manage multiple domains under one account. Whether you’re expanding your organization, managing different brands or transitioning to a new domain, a secondary domain gives you the flexibility to create unique user accounts while keeping everything centralized. With proper setup and planning, you can streamline communication, maintain consistency and simplify administration across your organization.

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