Activating Google Workspace on your 1-grid domain is easy, but the most important step is verifying your domain and setting up your DNS records so Google knows you own it.
Whether you’re setting up your first business email or moving your email over to Google Workspace, this guide walks you through every step clearly and simply.
This guide will show you how to sign up for Google Workspace, verify your 1-grid domain, add DNS records correctly, set up your email routing, test your new Google Workspace mail, and manage additional settings for reliability and security.
Let’s get you set up smoothly and confidently.
Signing Up for Google Workspace
- Visit https://workspace.google.com/
- Click Get Started
- Follow the guided prompts to add your business details
- Enter your domain name registered at 1-grid
- Create your Google Workspace admin username and password
After signing up, Google will prompt you to verify your domain.
Verifying Your Domain with Google Workspace
Google needs to confirm that you are the owner of your domain before email can work.
You will be asked to verify ownership using a TXT record added to your DNS zone.
What You’ll Need:
- Access to your 1-grid Customer Zone
- Access to your DNS management page (cPanel, Plesk, or Website Panel)
Accessing Your DNS Zone for Your Domain
Your DNS zone is where you manage records such as TXT, MX, and CNAME.
1-grid provides DNS management through:
Adding the TXT Record (Domain Verification)
Google will provide a TXT record similar to:
google-site-verification=abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890
Add it to your DNS:
- Log in to the 1-grid Customer Zone
- Open your hosting panel (cPanel, Plesk, or WSP)
- Click Add Record
- Select TXT
- Enter:
- Name/Host: leave blank or use @ (varies per panel)
- Value: paste the full Google TXT verification string
- TTL: default is fine
- Save the record
Important: DNS changes require propagation time. Learn more: Understanding DNS Propagation and Why It Takes So Long
Completing Domain Verification
Once the TXT record is saved:
- Return to the Google Workspace setup wizard
- Click Verify
Google will validate your TXT record. This can take a few minutes or longer if DNS is still propagating.
When successful, you will see a confirmation message.
Setting Up Your Email (MX Records)
After verifying your domain, you must configure Google Workspace MX records so that emails are delivered to Gmail instead of your old email provider.
Use these exact MX entries:
| Priority | Server |
| 1 | ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| 5 | ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| 5 | ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| 10 | ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
| 10 | ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM |
Steps:
- Go to your DNS Zone Editor
- Remove old MX records (such as 1-grid or cPanel mail entries)
- Add each Google MX record
- Save your changes
Google recommends allowing up to 48 hours for MX propagation.
Configuring Additional Settings (Optional but Recommended)
SPF Record
Add or update SPF to include Google servers:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all DKIM Authentication
Enable DKIM in your Google Admin Console for improved email trust.
DMARC Policy (Advanced)
Add a DMARC record for extra protection:
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected] This helps track spoofing attempts and improves deliverability.
Testing Your Setup
Once MX propagation completes:
- Send an outgoing email from your new Workspace mailbox
- Send a test email to your Workspace mailbox from another provider
- Check your spam folder
- Inspect headers (optional) to confirm Google routing
If you encounter issues, explore our guides:
Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Email
Resolving Email Error Messages When Sending to Gmail Accounts
Preventing Bounce Back or Spam Issues When Sending to Gmail
FAQs
Q. How long does domain verification take?
It may take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on DNS propagation.
Q. Do I need to keep the TXT record after verification?
Yes, Google recommends keeping it for future account ownership checks.
Q. Can I use both 1-grid email and Google Workspace at the same time?
No, only one MX routing option can be active.
Q. Do I need DNS access to complete the setup?
Yes, verification and email routing require DNS configuration.
Q. My email isn’t working after changing MX records — what should I do?
Check for:
- Old MX records are still present
- Typo errors
- Missing SPF
- DNS propagation delays
Q. Does 1-grid support Google Workspace setup?
We provide guidance, but full setup is outside our standard support scope. However, you can follow this guide or refer to Google’s documentation.
Q. Will my old emails be transferred to Google Workspace automatically?
No, email migration must be done separately using Google’s migration tools.
Additional Resources
Understanding DNS, Its Record Types and How It Works
DNS Records and How to Check These
Understanding DNS Propagation and Why It Takes So Long
How to Manage DNS Zone File in cPanel
Managing DNS Zones in Windows Plesk
How to Manage DNS Zone in Website Panel (.Net)
Basic Troubleshooting Steps for Email
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Setting up Google Workspace using your 1-grid domain doesn’t have to feel like a map with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!