Do I Need Google Workspace To Keep My Domain?
Do I Need Google Workspace To Keep My Domain?
If you already have a domain name or are thinking about getting one, you might be curious if using Google Workspace is required to keep it. This is something many people wonder about, especially if they are already using Google products. You can register and manage a domain through services like Google Domains (now run by Squarespace), GoDaddy, or Namecheap without needing to sign up for any additional tools.
However, Google Workspace can still be a useful option, depending on how you plan to use your domain. For instance, if you want a professional email address that uses your domain, like yourname@yourdomain.com, or you are looking for easy access to apps like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Calendar, Google Workspace can help you bring everything together in one place. It is a solid choice for businesses or individuals who want a more polished, organised online presence.
In this guide, we will break down what it means to own a domain, what Google Workspace has to offer, and when it makes sense to use it. We will also explore some alternatives so you can choose what works best for you, whether you are building a website, setting up email, or simply keeping a domain for later use. Knowing the difference between domain management and productivity tools will help you make smart choices without paying for extras you might not need.
What Is Google Workspace?
Google Workspace is a collection of business tools offered by Google. It includes popular apps like Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, and Meet. Many businesses use it to manage communication, file sharing, and team collaboration.
One of its key features is allowing you to create custom email addresses using your domain name (for example, you@yourdomain.com). Therefore, subscribing to Google Workspace is not necessary just to own a domain.
What Is Google Domain?
Google Domains was a service from Google that let people buy and manage domain names, like mybusiness.com. It was simple to use and made it easy to set up things like email forwarding, DNS settings, and even connect your domain to tools like Google Workspace or website builders.
The service officially launched in 2022 after several years in beta. Many people liked it because of its clean interface, free privacy protection, and the fact that it worked well with other Google products.
However, in 2023, Google decided to step away from the domain registration business and sold Google Domains to Squarespace. If you bought a domain through Google Domains, you still own it—it is just now managed through Squarespace instead. You can still use the same domain, manage your settings, and renew it as usual.
What You Could Do with Google Domains
With Google Domains, you could do everything you needed to get your website or online presence up and running. This included:
- Buying and registering your domain name
- Setting up email forwarding, so messages sent to something like info@yourdomain.com could go straight to your inbox
- Managing DNS records to control how your domain connects to websites, email services, or apps
- Keeping your details private with free privacy protection
- Easily connecting your domain to Google services or website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify
Can You Keep a Domain Without Google Workspace?
Yes, A domain is just a website address that you register, usually through a domain registrar such as Google Domains, GoDaddy, or Namecheap. Once you register it, it is yours to use or manage as you choose.
If you purchased your domain through Google Domains (which is now managed by Squarespace), you can still use and manage it without needing to pay for Google Workspace. You can update your DNS settings, point the domain to a website, or set up email forwarding, all without using Google Workspace.
What If You Cancel Google Workspace?
If you stop your Google Workspace subscription, you will lose access to its services, including Gmail with your domain name. However, this will not affect your domain registration. As long as your domain is still active with your registrar, it remains yours.
In some cases, your domain may have been registered through a partner like GoDaddy or Enom via Google. If so, you might need to log in to those services to manage your domain.
Options to Google Workspace
If you do not want to use Google Workspace but still want to use your domain for email or a website, here are a few options:
- Email forwarding:
Many registrars let you forward emails from a custom address (like hello@yourdomain.com) to another inbox for free.
- Other email services:
Providers such as Zoho Mail or Outlook let you use your domain for email without Google Workspace.
- DNS management:
You can still control your domain’s settings and connect it to various tools or platforms without Workspace.
- Website builders:
Connect your domain to platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix to build a site.
How to Register a Google Domain (Now Through Squarespace)
If you are ready to grab a domain name for your website or email, the process is pretty simple, even though Google Domains is now run by Squarespace. You can still search for, buy, and manage your domain just like before. Consider the steps below:
- Go to the Domain Search Page
Head over to domains. Google or directly to squarespace.com/domains. Since Squarespace now manages Google Domains, you will be guided through their site.
- Search for the Domain You Want
Type the name you have in mind, like yourbusiness.com, into the search bar. You will see if it is available and get a few other suggestions too, in case your first choice is taken.
- Choose Your Domain
Once you find the one you like, click to select it. You will also see the option to add things like domain privacy (usually included at no extra cost).
- Add to Cart and Checkout
Click “Add to cart,” then follow the steps to check out. You will either log in or create a Squarespace account if you do not already have one.
- Finish and Manage Your Domain
After you pay, your domain is yours! You can manage settings like DNS, email forwarding, or connecting it to a website right from your Squarespace dashboard.