Problems adding secondary domain, complains it is in use already.

[ITIGLU]

Hello, I would like to add secondary domain to our workspace, but it shows that "One or more organisations at {domain} are using Google Cloud services. To add this domain, you first need to verify domain ownership.". I do have this domain verified under Google search console but not workspace through registrar, is this blocking me and how do I solve it?

[a_aleinikov]

Hi @ITIGLU ,

Yes — verification in Google Search Console is not enough for Google Workspace. You need to verify the domain in Google Admin Console using a TXT record or similar method through your domain registrar.

Here’s what to do:
-Go to Google Admin Console → Domains → Manage domains → Add domain / alias.
-Follow the steps to add the domain and get a TXT verification record.
-Add that TXT record at your domain registrar (DNS settings).
-Wait for verification to complete.

[ITIGLU]

Sorry I was not clear enough with explanation. It does not offer me that option when trying to add domain but instead gives me the error message I mentioned. I was wondering if it is related to me having added the domain to Google Search console or it is something else. Otherwise I do not know which services previous IT responsible persons at my company could have added the domain to.

[sinigur]

This is probably referring to your desired secondary domain already having been associated to a Google Workspace instance.

You can confirm this by going here as if you're going to set up a new GW account (which you're not really going to do), and answer the questions with some fake data, until you get a few steps in and it asks if you want to setup a new domain or use an existing domain; select 'use existing domain' and then type in your domain in question; it will then tell you right there if the domain is already in use or not with this message: "This domain name is already in use. If you own this domain and would like to use Google Workspace, please follow the steps here "

[ITIGLU]

Thank you, this helped me verify that it is used although I do not think it was ever registered to Workspace. It might be some other account with the domain. But this is a starting point and I can move forward.

[ITIGLU · Accepted solution]

@sinigur answer pointed me in right direction and I ended up on https://toolbox.googleapps.com/apps/recovery/form where I was able to release the domain and add it where I needed it.