How to Add Secondary Domain in Google Workspace
Complete step-by-step guide to adding and configuring secondary domains in your Google Workspace organization. Learn the process, avoid common pitfalls, and get your secondary domain working perfectly.
Perfect for: Perfect for: Companies with multiple brands, acquired businesses, or organizations needing separate domain identities while maintaining unified administration.
Prerequisites Before You Start
Make sure you have everything ready before beginning the secondary domain setup process.
Domain Ownership
You must own and control the domain you want to add
Admin Access
Super admin privileges in Google Workspace
DNS Control
Ability to modify DNS records at your domain registrar
Active Subscription
Valid Google Workspace subscription with available licenses
Important Notes
- • Secondary domains are different from domain aliases - they create separate user identities
- • Each user on a secondary domain requires a separate Google Workspace license
- • You cannot change your primary domain after initial setup
- • DNS changes can take 24-48 hours to propagate globally
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Secondary Domain
Follow these detailed steps to successfully add and configure your secondary domain in Google Workspace.
Access Google Admin Console
Sign in to your Google Admin Console with super admin privileges
Detailed Steps:
- Go to admin.google.com
- Sign in with your super admin account
- Make sure you have domain administrator privileges
Navigate to Domains
Find the Domains section in your admin panel
Detailed Steps:
- Click on 'Domains' in the left sidebar
- If you don't see it, click 'Show more' at the bottom
- Select 'Manage domains' option
Add Secondary Domain
Click 'Add a domain' and enter your secondary domain name
Detailed Steps:
- Click the 'Add a domain' button
- Enter your secondary domain (e.g., newcompany.com)
- Choose 'Add another domain' option (not domain alias)
Domain Verification
Verify ownership of your secondary domain
Detailed Steps:
- Choose verification method (HTML file, DNS record, or meta tag)
- Complete the verification process
- Wait for Google to confirm verification (can take up to 24 hours)
Configure MX Records
Set up email routing for your secondary domain
Detailed Steps:
- Access your domain registrar's DNS settings
- Add Google's MX records for the secondary domain
- Priority 1: ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
- Add all 5 MX records as provided by Google
Test & Configure Users
Create users with secondary domain emails and test functionality
Detailed Steps:
- Create new users with @secondarydomain.com emails
- Or add secondary email addresses to existing users
- Test email sending and receiving
- Configure any additional settings as needed
Google Workspace MX Records (Critical Step)
Add these exact MX records to your secondary domain's DNS settings for email to work properly.
- • Remove any existing MX records before adding Google's records
- • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate
- • Test email functionality after propagation is complete
Common Issues & Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems when adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
Domain Verification Fails
Solution:
Check DNS records are correctly added and wait for propagation (up to 24 hours)
Prevention:
Use DNS verification method and double-check record syntax
Emails Not Delivering
Solution:
Verify all 5 MX records are added correctly with proper priorities
Prevention:
Use Google's MX record checker tool after DNS changes
DNS Propagation Delays
Solution:
Wait 24-48 hours for worldwide DNS propagation
Prevention:
Plan domain additions during low-activity periods
Admin Access Issues
Solution:
Ensure you're signed in with super admin account
Prevention:
Verify admin privileges before starting the process
Need Help Adding Your Secondary Domain?
While this guide covers the technical steps, domain setup can be tricky with DNS propagation, verification issues, and configuration complexities. Our Google Workspace experts can handle the entire process for you.
Quick Setup
Complete secondary domain setup in 24-48 hours
Zero Risk
No downtime or email disruption during setup
Free Support
Ongoing support included at no extra cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
What's the difference between a secondary domain and a domain alias?
A secondary domain allows you to create unique users with that domain (like john@newcompany.com), while a domain alias just creates alternate email addresses for existing users. Secondary domains are separate entities, aliases are just additional names for the same domain.
How many secondary domains can I add to Google Workspace?
Google Workspace allows up to 600 domains (including your primary domain) per organization. However, there are practical limits - each domain requires separate verification and DNS configuration.
Can users from different domains in the same organization collaborate?
Yes! Users from all domains in your Google Workspace organization can collaborate seamlessly. They share the same admin console, can be in the same groups, access shared drives, and participate in the same Meet calls.
Do I need separate licenses for users on secondary domains?
Yes, each user requires a Google Workspace license regardless of which domain they use. A user john@company.com and jane@newcompany.com both need individual licenses.
How long does domain verification take?
Domain verification is usually instant if done correctly, but Google recommends waiting up to 24 hours. DNS propagation for MX records can take 24-48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.
Can I make a secondary domain the primary domain later?
No, you cannot change which domain is primary after setup. However, you can manage all domains equally within the admin console. If you need to change the primary domain, you'd need to set up a new Google Workspace organization.
What happens if secondary domain verification fails?
If verification fails, check that you've correctly added the verification record to your domain's DNS settings. Common issues include incorrect record placement, DNS propagation delays, or typos in the verification code.
Can I use different Google Workspace plans for different domains?
No, all users in a Google Workspace organization must use the same billing plan. However, as a reseller, Skynetiks can set up separate organizations if you need different plans for different domains.