Gmail

How to Activate Gmail of Google Workspace in Squarespace Domain & DNS Records Easily 2026

By Impran M N

If you bought your domain through Squarespace and subscribed to Google Workspace, getting Gmail working means correctly updating your domain's DNS records. This guide walks through adding the required MX records, verifying domain ownership, and setting up SPF and DKIM for better deliverability. It's aimed at business owners and freelancers who want a professional email address without getting lost in DNS settings.

01Access your Squarespace DNS settings

Start by logging into Squarespace and navigating to the domain's DNS settings, which is where all the records for Google Workspace will be added.

02Get the MX records from Google Workspace

Google Workspace provides a specific set of MX records needed to route your domain's email through Gmail, so retrieve these from your Workspace admin setup before editing DNS.

03Add the MX records in Squarespace

Enter the MX records into your Squarespace DNS panel exactly as provided by Google, since incorrect priority values or typos are a common source of setup failures.

04Verify your domain in Google Workspace

After adding the records, return to Google Workspace to confirm domain ownership, which Google checks against the DNS entries you just created.

05Set up SPF and DKIM for email security

Add SPF and DKIM TXT records to improve email deliverability and reduce the chance your outgoing mail gets flagged as spam.

06Run final checks and confirm activation

Double-check all records are saved and propagated, then confirm Gmail is active and able to send and receive mail through your custom domain.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for MX records to activate Gmail?

DNS changes can take some time to propagate, so it's normal for activation to not be instant even after entering the records correctly.

Do I need SPF and DKIM records for Gmail to work?

They aren't strictly required to receive mail, but they significantly improve deliverability and security, so setting them up is recommended.

What happens if I enter the wrong MX records?

Incorrect MX records will prevent email from routing to Gmail properly, so it's important to copy them exactly as Google Workspace provides them.

Can I use Gmail with a domain bought outside Squarespace?

This particular guide is focused on Squarespace-purchased domains, since the DNS panel steps are specific to how Squarespace manages records.

Why does domain verification fail in Google Workspace?

Verification typically fails when the required DNS records haven't fully propagated yet or weren't entered correctly, so re-checking the DNS panel is the first step.