Uploading an HTML file to your domain's web server is one way to verify domain ownership and activate Google Apps for your domain. This requires that you have access to the server and can upload files to it. If your domain doesn't have a web server (for example, if you never set up a website for it), or if you use a content management system that doesn't let you upload to the server, you can verify domain ownership in other ways, instead (view other options).
Generate and upload the HTML file
If you're not sure how to upload files to your web server, contact the person who manages your site for help.
- Sign up for Google Apps and follow the instructions that appear to verify domain ownership. When prompted, choose Upload an HTML file from the verification options.
- Follow the instructions that appear next to generate a file named googlehostedservice.html that contains a special text string, supplied by Google. Depending on the instructions, Google either creates the file for you or shows you how to create it yourself.
- Upload the googlehostedservice.html file to the root folder (top-level folder) of your domain's website. Do not upload it to a sub-folder. The root folder's name may vary by web server, but it's typically called something like public_html, www, or wwwroot.
Make sure it worked
- Open any browser window.
- Go to the address of the uploaded file on your website. This is your site's URL including the file name, as in http://your_domain.com/googlehostedservice.html. (Be sure to replace your_domain.com with your actual domain name.)
If the file uploaded correctly, you'll see the string of characters that you uploaded in your browser.
Complete domain verification
- Return to the verification instructions in your Google Apps control panel.
- Click the I've completed the steps above button. This prompts Google to check for this HTML file at the same address you viewed it, above. Once we find the file, we'll activate service for your domain.
Want someone to do this for you? Get professional help with setup.
Here's a quick look at this process in a video. Note that the exact procedure in your control panel might be a little different than what's shown here.
