How to Create Email Alias in Google Workspace
Complete step-by-step guide to creating and managing email aliases in your Google Workspace organization. Learn to set up alternate email addresses, manage forwarding, and optimize your email workflow.
Perfect for: Perfect for: Professionals managing multiple roles, departments needing shared addresses, or organizations wanting flexible email routing without additional licenses.
Prerequisites Before You Start
Make sure you have everything ready before creating email aliases in Google Workspace.
Admin Access
Admin privileges in Google Workspace (user or super admin)
Existing User Account
The user account that will receive alias emails must already exist
Verified Domain
Domain must be verified and active in your Google Workspace
License Availability
User must have an active Google Workspace license
Important Notes
- • Email aliases don't require additional licenses - they're included with existing accounts
- • Each user can have up to 30 email aliases
- • Aliases can't be converted to standalone accounts later
- • Group aliases work differently from individual user aliases
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 admin privileges
Detailed Steps:
- Go to admin.google.com
- Sign in with your admin account
- Ensure you have user management permissions
Navigate to Users
Find the user for whom you want to create an alias
Detailed Steps:
- Click on 'Directory' in the left sidebar
- Select 'Users' from the dropdown menu
- Search for the specific user or browse the list
Select User Account
Open the user's account settings
Detailed Steps:
- Click on the user's name to open their profile
- Navigate to the 'User information' section
- Look for 'Email aliases' or 'Alternate email addresses'
Add Email Alias
Create the new alias for the selected user
Detailed Steps:
- Click 'Add alternate email' or the '+' icon
- Enter the desired alias (e.g., support@company.com)
- Select the appropriate domain from the dropdown
- Click 'Add' to create the alias
Configure Alias Settings
Set up how the alias should behave
Detailed Steps:
- Choose if the alias should be visible in the Global Address List
- Configure any forwarding preferences if needed
- Set up any automatic replies specific to this alias
Test Alias Functionality
Verify the alias is working correctly
Detailed Steps:
- Send a test email to the new alias address
- Check that it arrives in the user's main inbox
- Test replying from the alias address
- Verify the alias appears in autocomplete suggestions
Email Alias Types & Configuration
Understanding different types of aliases and when to use them for optimal email management.
- • Aliases inherit the same security and compliance settings as the primary account
- • You can send emails from alias addresses through Gmail
- • Aliases appear in the company directory unless specifically hidden
- • Maximum of 30 aliases per user account
Common Issues & Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems when adding secondary domains to Google Workspace.
Alias Not Receiving Emails
Solution:
Check DNS settings and ensure the domain is properly configured in Google Workspace
Prevention:
Verify domain status before creating aliases and allow time for DNS propagation
Can't Send From Alias Address
Solution:
Configure the 'Send mail as' settings in Gmail and verify the alias in email client
Prevention:
Set up sending permissions immediately after creating the alias
Alias Not Appearing in Directory
Solution:
Check visibility settings in the admin console and refresh the directory
Prevention:
Configure directory visibility settings during alias creation
Permission Denied Error
Solution:
Ensure you have proper admin rights for user management
Prevention:
Verify admin permissions before attempting to create aliases
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 an email alias and a secondary domain?
An email alias is an alternate address for an existing user account (like support@company.com going to john@company.com). A secondary domain creates entirely separate user identities. Aliases don't require additional licenses, while secondary domain users do.
How many email aliases can one user have?
Each Google Workspace user can have up to 30 email aliases. This limit includes both aliases created by admins and those created by users themselves through Gmail settings.
Can I create an alias that forwards to multiple users?
Not directly through user aliases. For emails that need to go to multiple people, create a Google Group instead. Groups can have alias addresses and distribute emails to multiple members.
Do email aliases cost extra?
No, email aliases are included with your Google Workspace subscription at no additional cost. They don't count as separate users and don't require additional licenses.
Can users create their own aliases?
By default, only admins can create aliases through the admin console. However, users can create limited aliases through Gmail's 'Send mail as' feature, though these work differently than admin-created aliases.
Can I convert an alias to a full user account?
No, aliases cannot be directly converted to standalone accounts. You would need to create a new user account and then delete the alias. Plan your email structure carefully from the start.
How do I delete an email alias?
Go to the user's profile in Google Admin Console, find the alias in their email addresses section, and click the delete/remove icon. The alias will be immediately deactivated.
Can aliases have different security settings than the main account?
No, aliases inherit all security settings, policies, and permissions from the primary user account. If you need different security levels, consider creating separate user accounts instead.