Hosting vs Domain Registrar — Where to Add Google Workspace DNS Records (Explained Simply)

Introduction

One of the most common questions I hear when helping clients set up Google Workspace is:

“Should I add DNS records in my domain registrar or my hosting account?”

If you’ve ever wondered the same, you’re not alone.
This single confusion causes 80% of setup failures, especially for business owners who bought their domain from one company (like GoDaddy) and host their website with another (like Hostinger or Bluehost).

So in this guide, let’s break it down in the simplest way possible — how DNS actually works, where you should add your Google Workspace MX and TXT records, and how to check if it’s done correctly.

The Problem

Here’s a common scenario:

• You purchased your domain on GoDaddy.
• You’re hosting your website on Hostinger.
• You added Google’s MX records in GoDaddy DNS…

…but your email still doesn’t work.

The reason?
Your DNS changes are in the wrong place — because your domain uses Hostinger’s nameservers, not GoDaddy’s.

Result:
Google Workspace verification fails, and your business email doesn’t activate.

The Cause

To understand where to add Google Workspace DNS records, you must know one simple concept:

The place where your domain’s nameservers point is your active DNS zone.

That’s where you should add Google’s TXT, MX, SPF, and DKIM records — not necessarily where you bought your domain.

Solution (Step-by-Step Explanation)

Step 1: Check Your Domain’s Nameservers

Go to https://who.is or https://dnschecker.org.

Enter your domain name and check the Nameservers (NS) section.

Here’s what to look for:

Example Nameserver	Where to Add DNS Records
ns1.godaddy.com	GoDaddy DNS Manager
ns1.hostinger.com	Hostinger DNS Zone Editor
ns1.bluehost.com	Bluehost DNS Manager
ns1.cloudflare.com	Cloudflare Dashboard

✅ Whichever nameservers are listed there — that’s where you must add Google Workspace DNS records.

Step 2: Add the TXT Record for Domain Verification

In your DNS zone editor, add the TXT record provided by Google:

Name/Host: @  

Type: TXT  

Value: google-site-verification=XXXXXX

Save the record and wait 10–15 minutes before clicking Verify in your Admin Console.

Step 3: Add MX Records for Gmail

After verification, replace old mail records with Google’s official MX entries:

Priority	Server
1	ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
5	ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
5	ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
10	ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
10	ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM

✅ Delete all previous MX records (Zoho, Outlook, cPanel, etc.).
✅ Wait 1–4 hours for DNS propagation.

Step 4: Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

These records improve email deliverability and trust.

• SPF:
  v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
• DKIM:
  Generated from your Admin Console → Apps → Gmail → Authenticate Email.
• DMARC (optional):
  _dmarc.yourdomain.in TXT “v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]”

✅ Always test records on MXToolbox.

Step 5: Confirm DNS Propagation

Use Google Admin Toolbox Check MX or MXToolbox to confirm the records have updated globally.

✅ If propagation fails, double-check if you edited the DNS where the domain’s nameservers point.

Simple Example

Let’s say your setup looks like this:

• You bought the domain on GoDaddy.
• You host your website on Hostinger.
• Your nameservers are ns1.hostinger.com and ns2.hostinger.com.

👉 You must add Google Workspace DNS records in Hostinger’s DNS Zone, not GoDaddy’s.

This single step makes or breaks your Workspace setup.

Pro Tips From a Certified Workspace Consultant

• Avoid adding DNS in multiple locations — it confuses propagation.
• Always note down old records before changing them.
• If you use Cloudflare, disable proxy (orange cloud) for MX records.
• Don’t rely on reseller auto-setup — manually verify DNS accuracy.
• Use “Check MX” tools instead of guessing if DNS is working.

Key Takeaways

• DNS changes only work where your domain’s nameservers point.
• Add Google Workspace TXT and MX records in that DNS zone.
• Use MXToolbox or Admin Toolbox to verify MX propagation.
• Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to ensure reliable email delivery.
• When unsure, get expert setup help to avoid downtime.