Using cPanel to configure a domain for Google Workspace

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite/Google Apps) lets you use Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and other Google services with your own domain. To make this work, you must configure your domain’s DNS records in cPanel.

Step 1: Sign Up for Google Workspace

1. Visit Google Workspace → click Get started.

2. Create your account and specify your domain name.

3. After signup, verify your domain ownership in the Google Admin Console.

   • Verification methods include TXT records, CNAME, or uploading an HTML file.
   • See https://support.google.com/a/topic/9196?hl=en&ref_topic=3540977. ⚠️ You cannot activate Google Workspace services until verification is complete.

Step 2: Configure DNS Settings in cPanel

1. Update MX Records

1. Log in to cPanel → Zone Editor → Manage.
   
2. Delete existing MX records.
3. Add new MX records depending on signup date:

Priority	Destination (before Apr 2023)	Destination (after Apr 2023)
1
5		—
5		—
10		—
10		—

(Use TTL = 14400)

2. Update SPF Record

1. In Zone Editor → Manage, delete any existing TXT records starting with v=spf.
2. Add a new TXT record:

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

 3. Click **Save Record**.

3. Configure Email Routing

1. In cPanel → Email Routing, select your domain.
2. Choose Remote Mail Exchanger.
3. Click Change.

Step 3: Wait for DNS Propagation

• Changes may take up to 24 hours to propagate globally.
• Once complete, your domain’s e‑mail will be handled entirely by Google Workspace.

Reverting Back to cPanel Mail

If you want to stop using Google Workspace:

1. Delete the Google MX and SPF records.
2. Restore your previous MX and SPF records.
3. Reset Email Routing back to Local Mail Exchanger.

Note

• After switching to Google Workspace, you must manage e‑mail accounts in the Google Admin Console, not cPanel.
• Always back up your old DNS settings before making changes.
• A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) may be required if you plan to use BIMI with Google Workspace.