This guide walks you through connecting your Atom‑registered domain to Google Workspace so you can use Gmail, Calendar, and the rest of Google’s tools with your own domain. You’ll add a verification record, point your MX records to Google, and set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for great deliverability. We’ll keep it simple and include copy‑paste values.
Before you start
You have a Google Workspace subscription (or trial) and can sign in at admin.google.com with a Super Admin.
You know where your DNS is managed. (If your name servers are Atom, manage DNS in your Atom account. If your name servers point to another provider—e.g., Cloudflare, Squarespace—change DNS there.) This article demonstrates setups with Atom.
Keep this article open while you add records. Changes can take up to 15–30 minutes to begin showing globally (rarely up to 24–48 hours).
Step 0 - If you are going through Workspace's onboarding steps
(If you already setup your Workspace Admin account, go to Step 1)
Choose "Set up using your existing domain"
Enter the domain name you'd like to use with your Gmail.
Create a username - this will be your Workspace Admin Login name.
example) name@yourdomain.com
Then it'll ask you to Sign in. Go thru the sign in process. You'll have to enter password you set above and also phone verification.
Step 1 — Verify your domain with Google
It'll ask to choose domain host. We are not on this list yet!
Choose "My domain uses a different host"
This is important part. The TXT record here needs to be entered in Atom's DNS setting. Leave this tab or window open, then open a new one.
Go to Atom, login, then navigate to Domain Manager.
Make sure Nameservers are ns1.atom.com and ns2.atom.com
Click "DNS" icon under the domain name.
Leave whatever values as they are.
Click "+Add Record"
Enter values as below then click Save
Type: TXT
Name: @
Value: (go back to the Google Workspace setup page, copy the TXT value and paste here)
TTL: 5 min
Now get up and do 50 squats. Grab a tea. (or just wait 5-15 minutes)
Go back to the Google Workspace activation page then check "Come back here and confirm once you have updated the code on your domain host" then click "Confirm"
If DNS propagation was successful, you will see "Your domain is verified!" page
If not, make sure DNS settings are correct. We recommend "dnschecker.org"
Make sure you are checking "TXT" and you see most of green checkmarks.
Step 2 — Point your email (MX) to Google
Add or Replace any existing MX records with Google’s MX set below.
Priority | Server | TTL |
1 | SMTP.GOOGLE.COM | 3600 (60 min) |
Type: MX
Name/Host:
@
Once saved, mail will start flowing to Google after DNS updates.
Step 3 — Add SPF (helps receivers trust your mail)
Publish this TXT record at the root of your domain to declare Google as an allowed sender.
Type: TXT
Name/Host:
@Value (baseline):
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
Step 4 — Turn on DKIM in Google (cryptographic signing)
Please follow Google's instructions here.
https://support.google.com/a/answer/174124?sjid=9967366199219932283-NC&visit_id=638979122918717228-605725717&rd=1#dkim-turn-on-verify
When you generate a new record, please choose 1024 as DKIM key bit length.
Add a new TXT record in Atom DNS Records Manager then enter generated values. Save the record.
Step 5 — Add DMARC (policy & reporting) (optional)
DMARC tells receiving servers how to handle suspicious mail and where to send reports.
Please follow Google's instructions here.
Where do I add these in Atom?
If your name servers are set to Atom:
Sign in to Atom > My Domains > Domain Manager > click DNS icon under the domain you wish to setup
Use Add Record to create TXT (verification, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and MX records.
Remove any old MX records (from previous providers) so only Google’s set remains.
If your domain uses external name servers, add the records at that provider instead.
Troubleshooting
Verification failed: Wait 10–15 minutes, confirm the TXT is at the root (
@), and there’s no extra quotes/spaces.Still receiving mail at old provider: Remove old MX records; only Google’s MX records should exist.
“SPF softfail” warnings: Ensure your SPF contains all services that send on your behalf and ends with
~all(or-allonce stable). Check Google's current SPF instruction.
FAQ
How long do DNS changes take?
Often 15–30 minutes; some providers cache up to 24–48 hours.
Can Atom support add these for me?
Yes—contact service@atom.com. Include your domain and (if possible) a screenshot of your current DNS records.
Is Atom a DNS provider too?
Yes. If your domain uses Atom name servers, you can manage all records directly in your Atom account.