How to Use Google Workspace Custom URLs: Your Simple Guide
Are you a business in Dubai, Sharjah, Oman, or anywhere in the UAE looking to make your Google Workspace setup smoother and more professional? Whether you’re running a startup or managing a growing team, setting up custom URLs in Google Workspace can simplify access to Gmail, Drive, and more — all while showcasing your brand.
At GWorkspace.ae, your trusted Google Workspace Official Partner and Reseller in the UAE, we’re here to help you make the most of it.
Why Should You Use Custom URLs?
Makes Your Setup More Professional
Think of custom URLs as shortcuts that make your Google Workspace services more personal and branded. Instead of your team typing long web addresses like mail.google.com/a/yourcompany.com, they can simply type mail.yourcompany.com.
In simple terms, Google Workspace custom URLs let you create easy-to-remember web addresses for services like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Sites, and more.
Easier to Remember
Which one would you rather type: mail.google.com/a/yourcompany.com or mail.yourcompany.com? The simpler it is, the better the user experience for your team.
Better Brand Visibility
Every time your team uses your custom URL, they see your brand name. It’s a small detail that builds strong brand recognition.
How to Set Up Custom URLs: Step-by-Step
Don’t worry — this isn’t as technical as it sounds. Follow these five simple steps:
Step 1: Log in to Your Google Admin Console
Visit admin.google.com and sign in with your administrator account (this is the one that manages your Google Workspace settings).
Step 2: Navigate to the Custom URLs Section
Once logged in:
- Go to Account > Account Settings
- Scroll down to find the Custom URLs section
- If you have more than one domain, select the domain you want to configure
Step 3: Create Your Custom Prefixes
Now, enter the prefix you’d like for each Google Workspace service. Common examples include:
- mail for Gmail
- calendar for Google Calendar
- drive for Google Drive
- sites for Google Sites
- groups for Google Groups
After entering each prefix, click Save.
Step 4: Add CNAME Records to Your Domain
This step tells the internet, “When someone types mail.yourcompany.com, send them to Gmail.”
Here’s how:
- Go to your domain registrar’s website (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
- Locate the DNS management section
- Add a new CNAME record with the following details:
- Name/Host: Your chosen prefix (e.g., mail)
- Type: CNAME
- Value: ghs.googlehosted.com
Note: Google’s custom URLs support HTTP only. If your site enforces HTTPS, you may need to set up secure redirects or reverse proxies to avoid browser warnings.
Step 5: Confirm Setup
Return to the Admin Console and click “I’ve completed these steps” to let Google know you’re done. Google will now verify the setup.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s say your company is called “Best Marketing Agency” with the domain bestmarketing.com. Your custom URLs might look like this:
Service | Custom URL | Purpose |
Gmail | mail.bestmarketing.com | Easy access to email |
Calendar | calendar.bestmarketing.com | Quick calendar access |
Drive | drive.bestmarketing.com | Fast file storage |
Sites | sites.bestmarketing.com | Company websites or intranet |
Common Questions
No. Custom URLs are included in your Google Workspace subscription. You just need your own domain.
DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 48 hours to fully propagate.
You can always go back and update your custom URLs in the Admin Console — just remember to adjust your CNAME records accordingly.
You can create them for Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Sites, Groups, and most other core services.
Tips for a Better Setup
Why Choose a Google Workspace Partner Like GWorkspace.ae?
Setting up Google Workspace — especially custom URLs and DNS configurations — can seem complex if you’re not familiar with the tools. That’s where a certified partner comes in.
As an official Google Workspace partner in the UAE, GWorkspace.ae helps you:
- Get set up quickly and correctly
- Migrate data securely and efficiently
- Configure domains and DNS without the hassle
- Train your team on using Google Workspace
- Access 24/7 local support across UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Oman
- Benefit from authorized pricing and consultation
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, having a local partner gives you peace of mind and a smoother experience.
What Could Go Wrong?
HTTPS Security Conflicts
Google’s custom URLs only support HTTP. If your domain uses HTTPS (which is standard now), you may need advanced configurations to avoid security warnings.
Duplicate Prefix Conflicts
Avoid using a prefix that’s already in use elsewhere on your domain (like mail being used for another subdomain).
DNS Propagation Delays
It may take time (up to 48 hours) for DNS changes to update across the internet. Be patient and test after a few hours.
Final Thoughts
Setting up custom URLs for Google Workspace is like giving your team their own personalized entry point into Google’s world. It’s cleaner, faster, easier to remember, and more aligned with your brand.
The steps might look technical at first, but they’re completely manageable — especially when broken down like this. And if you ever feel stuck, GWorkspace.ae is always here to help with setup, DNS configuration, training, and more.
Whether you’re a small business in Dubai, a startup in Sharjah, or a growing company in Oman, custom URLs can significantly improve your Google Workspace experience.
So go ahead and set them up — your team will thank you for the smooth, branded access to their favorite tools.
