Switch to New Primary Domain in G Suite Easily

Does G Suite allow you to change the primary domain? Yes, it is easy to change the primary domain in Google Workspace. To find out how you can do that, read the article to the end and switch to your domain without losing your data.

Understanding Domain in Google Workspace

There are three types of domains, G Suite primarily uses. Primary, Secondary, and Alias domains. The primary domain is the main domain that you first created after purchasing the G Suite. All the user accounts and core services are used and created under this domain.

Secondary domain is a separate domain you add to a Google Workspace account. This is used to manage multiple domains that are from the same G Suite account. The domain functions independently, which means you can create separate user accounts

An alias domain is an alternative domain where users receive emails without creating separate accounts.

Talking about the primary domain, these are the main factors that affect your user accounts, email addresses, and services. This is because it is tightly linked to the organization’s identity in the Google Workspace. So, it can be complicated to change your primary domain.

Preparations Before Switching Primary Domain

The procedure of switching your primary domain is easy if you do the necessary preparations. Below, I have mentioned important prerequisites that can help make the process of changing domains much easier.

• First, the new domain must be owned and verified in the Google Admin Console. Also, verify the TXT record in your DNS settings. Make sure the domain is completely verified before setting it as the primary domain.
• If the domain that you want to use as primary is currently set as an alias or secondary domain. First, remove it and then set it as primary.
• To change the primary domain, you must have the privileges of a super administrator.
• Ensure MX records and other DNS records are updated in the new domain.
• Review your existing domain with the new primary domain. Make sure there are no naming conflicts between them.
• Inform your team and all the user accounts of the upcoming changes in the domain. Also, share how there can be issues in the G Suite during the process.
• The most important point is to backup G Suite user data. Because of the risk of losing critical data.

These are very important points that you must keep in mind before you go through the process of changing the primary domain to Google Workspace.

Add Domain in Google Workspace

To start changing the primary domain in Google Workspace. You have to first add the domain in your G Suite account. Below are the steps to do that.

1. Log in to the Google Admin Console using an administrator account.
2. From the Menu button (three horizontal button), click on the Account option.
3. Select Domains and then the Manage Domains option.
4. Hit the Add a domain button. In the Domain name, enter the name of the new domain.
5. Select secondary domain type. Then, click on Add domain button.
6. After that, follow the verification instructions. Then, continue and verify domain ownership.

Change to Primary Domain

The domain you have added, I am now going to change it to the primary domain. Here are the steps.

1. In the Google Admin Console, go to the menu.
2. Click on the Account and then the Domains option.
3. Select the Manage domains button.
4. Click on the Change primary domain option. Then, continue it.
5. Choose your new primary domain and press the Change Primary Domain button.

Switch User to New Primary Domain

After changing your primary domain, move your user from the old primary domain to the new one. Follow the steps below.

1. Go back to Google Admin Console and then choose the Menu button.
2. Select the Directory option and then the Users button.
3. Choose a user account and open its page. Click on the user’s name.
4. Select the Update User and then choose the new primary domain.

So, these are the steps to change the primary domain in Google Workspace. These steps help you to set the new primary domain. However, did you really need the new primary domain?

Changing G Suite Primary Domain Alternatives

Switching to the new primary domain is a big step for the organization. As it impacts your user accounts, data, and Google’s core services. Therefore, you can only change your primary domain when

• You lose ownership of the old domain.
• Use Google App Engine

Apart from that, it is not required to switch new primary domain. However, some users still want to change their domain for personal reasons other than the above ones. Then, you can use these alternatives.

1. Change to a domain alias when you just want to start a new branded domain for communication. Without affecting the login or user structures.
2. Switching to a secondary domain will help you when you are expanding your organization, managing multiple business units, etc.
3. If you want to use a new domain just for communication. And don’t need to manage accounts under it, set email forwarding, or routing rules.
4. If you only want to do branding, then change the email address to a custom URL for Gmail, Drive, or Calendar. This way, you can focus more on branding.

Therefore, change your primary domain when you lose your old domain or in any dire situation. Also, keep in mind your data while changing it.

Keep Data Safe While Changing to Primary Domain

One of the most important things during the process of switching to the new primary domain is to create a backup of your emails, contacts, calendars, and other data. While changing your domain, there is a chance that you may lose critical data. So, you can use SysTools G Suite Backup Tool, an expert-recommended way to store your data. It is an amazing software that you can use to save your entire Google Workspace account without any issues.

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Conclusion

In this article, I have provided proper steps to change primary domain in Google Workspace. Here, I have explained different types of domains used in G Suite. Also, provide prerequisites to help you switch to the new primary domain. Other than explaining the steps to change the primary domains. I also provide alternatives and a method to keep G Suite data secure.