Quick-start IT setup guide
Get your institution set up with Google Workspace for Education and be on your way to easier collaboration, centralised organisation and streamlined processes.
1 of 8
Create your account
Decide which Google Workspace edition is best for your institution
Get Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals — communication and collaboration tools to empower teaching and learning. Or upgrade for additional capabilities with Google Workspace for Education Standard, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, or Google Workspace for Education Plus. Compare Google Workspace Editions and sign up.
Verify your domain
After signing up, you’ll be guided to verify your domain.
2 of 8 (optional)
Define mail architecture
Set up MX records
You’ll use MX records to verify your domain and direct email flow to Google mail servers. Configure your domain’s MX records.
Determine mail delivery
For general information on email delivery, view the delivery options overview.
3 of 8
Decide on organisational structure
Organisational units let you segment your user population and give different services and permissions to different organisational units. See how an organisational structure works and get step-by-step instructions for how to add an organisational unit.
4 of 8
Create accounts
Set up user accounts for your students, teachers and other faculty members
There are a few different options for adding users, so choose the best one for your institution. Review options for adding users.
Create one or more accounts
The easiest way to add users is to add accounts individually with manual provisioning. You can add up to 500 users at a time using CSV uploads.
Auto sync accounts for large institutions
Automatically provision users, groups and contacts based on the user data in your LDAP server with Google Workspace directory sync.
5 of 8
Integrate Google Workspace into the classroom
Centralise teaching and learning with Classroom
Classroom helps teachers and students communicate, stay organised and save time. Help instructors get started by creating a class in Classroom.
Save time grading and provide feedback that counts using Assignments
Assignments lets you quickly and securely create, analyze, and grade coursework, while helping students learn more effectively — within or alongside your LMS.
6 of 8
Authenticate accounts
Set up Single Sign-On
If you’re integrating accounts with other services at your institution, set up single sign-on.
Establish password recovery
To ensure that users can contact the right team in case of login issues, set up password recovery.
7 of 8
Migrate data
Data migrations can be performed server side or client side. For detailed help on migrating your organization’s data, consult migration guides.
8 of 8
Enable services
Now that you’re all set up, take a look around and explore what Google Workspace can do.
Gmail
Set up an institution-wide email system. Or use Gmail to exchange secure emails. Enable Gmail.
Drive
Store and organise assignments, documents or class curriculum securely and access them from any device. Enable Drive.
Calendar
Share calendars or create a joint calendar with other members to easily keep track of schedules. Enable Calendar.
Jamboard
Sketch and collaborate on an interactive canvas from your computer, phone or tablet. Enable Jamboard.
Sites
Create sites, host course curriculum, build development skills and unleash creativity with this easy-to-use web builder. Enable Sites.
Google Meet
Connect virtually through secure video calls and messaging to keep learning going outside of school. Enable Google Meet.
Groups
Create and participate in group forums to foster communication and conversation. Enable Groups.
Vault
Add users, manage devices and configure security and settings so that your data stays safe. Enable Vault.
Additional services
Control users' access to several additional services, such as YouTube, Blogger, Google Analytics and more. Tailor experiences for your users by setting access to some Google services based on age. Enable additional services.
Upgraded editions
Add enhanced capabilities
Transform your learning environment with enhanced security features and premium collaboration tools in Education Standard, Teaching and Learning Upgrade, or Education Plus.
Get help setting up Google Workspace
View deployment guide
Get more detailed information on setting up Google Workspace for Education. View the Deployment Guide.
Contact a specialist
Get one-on-one support from a Google for Education specialist on creating a deployment plan or arrange for them to implement it for you. Contact a specialist.
Visit the Help Centre
If you still have questions about setting up Google Workspace, find the answers at the Admin Help Centre.
