How to Change Admin in Google Workspace
Complete step-by-step guide to transferring admin privileges in your Google Workspace organization. Learn how to safely transfer super admin roles, manage permissions, and ensure continuity.
Perfect for: Perfect for: Companies with departing IT staff, role changes, succession planning, or organizations needing to update administrative access for security compliance.
Prerequisites Before You Start
Ensure you have proper access and planning before changing admin roles in your Google Workspace.
Current Super Admin Access
You must be a current super admin to transfer privileges
Target User Account
The new admin must have an active Google Workspace account
Two-Factor Authentication
Both accounts should have 2FA enabled for security
Documentation Plan
Plan to document passwords, recovery codes, and processes
Critical Security Notes
- • Always have at least one backup super admin to prevent lockouts
- • Transfer admin console access gradually, not all at once
- • Update recovery email addresses and phone numbers immediately
- • Document all shared passwords and service accounts before transfer
- • Consider creating a shared admin account for continuity
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 current super admin account
Detailed Steps:
- Go to admin.google.com
- Sign in with your current super admin credentials
- Verify you have super admin privileges in the dashboard
Navigate to Admin Roles
Find the Admin roles section in your admin console
Detailed Steps:
- Click on 'Directory' in the left sidebar
- Select 'Admin roles' from the menu
- You'll see a list of current admin roles and assignments
Assign Super Admin Role
Add super admin privileges to the new administrator account
Detailed Steps:
- Click on 'Super Admin' role
- Click 'Assign users' button
- Search for and select the new admin user
- Click 'Add' to assign the role
Configure Admin Settings
Set up proper permissions and access for the new admin
Detailed Steps:
- Review organizational unit access
- Configure admin console notifications
- Set up admin activity alerts
- Ensure proper group memberships
Update Recovery Information
Update account recovery options for business continuity
Detailed Steps:
- Update recovery email addresses
- Add backup phone numbers
- Configure admin recovery contacts
- Document backup codes securely
Test & Transfer Knowledge
Verify new admin access and transfer critical information
Detailed Steps:
- Have new admin test console access
- Transfer documentation and passwords
- Review critical processes and procedures
- Plan transition timeline if removing old admin
Admin Role Types & Permissions
Understanding different admin roles helps you assign appropriate permissions based on responsibilities.
- • Always follow principle of least privilege - assign minimal necessary permissions
- • Regularly audit admin roles and remove unused access
- • Consider using organizational unit admins instead of super admins where possible
Common Issues & Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems when adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
Admin Console Access Denied
Solution:
Verify you're signed in with the correct super admin account and clear browser cache
Prevention:
Always maintain multiple super admin accounts and test access regularly
Cannot Find User to Promote
Solution:
Ensure the target user has an active Google Workspace account in your organization
Prevention:
Create the user account first, then assign admin privileges
Admin Role Assignment Fails
Solution:
Check if user already has conflicting roles or organizational unit restrictions
Prevention:
Review existing permissions before assigning new admin roles
Two-Factor Authentication Issues
Solution:
Ensure both old and new admin have 2FA properly configured and backup codes saved
Prevention:
Set up 2FA and backup methods before transferring admin rights
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.
Can I have multiple super admins in Google Workspace?
Yes, you can have multiple super admins. In fact, it's recommended to have at least 2-3 super admins to prevent lockouts and ensure business continuity. However, limit super admin access to only those who truly need full administrative privileges.
What happens to the old admin when I add a new one?
Nothing automatic happens to the old admin. They retain their privileges until you manually remove them. You can have multiple super admins active simultaneously, which is actually recommended for backup purposes.
How long does it take for admin changes to take effect?
Admin role changes typically take effect immediately. However, it may take up to 15 minutes for all Google services to recognize the new permissions. The new admin should be able to access the admin console right away.
Can I transfer admin rights to someone outside my organization?
No, you can only assign admin roles to users within your Google Workspace organization. External users must first be added as users in your organization before they can receive admin privileges.
What's the difference between admin roles and super admin?
Super admin has complete access to all Google Workspace features and settings. Other admin roles have limited permissions for specific functions like user management, groups, or help desk tasks. Use specialized roles when full access isn't needed.
How do I remove admin privileges from someone?
Go to Admin roles, find the user in the relevant admin role, and click 'Remove' next to their name. Always ensure you have other super admins before removing someone's super admin access to prevent lockouts.
Can I temporarily disable an admin without removing them?
You can suspend the user account, which disables their admin access along with all other Google Workspace access. For temporary admin access removal while keeping the user active, you'd need to remove their admin role and re-add it later.
What should I do if I accidentally remove all super admins?
Contact Google Workspace support immediately. They can help restore admin access, but this process can take time and requires account verification. This is why having multiple super admins is crucial for business continuity.