Summary
Determining if an email address is a Google Workspace account involves a variety of methods ranging from simple MX record lookups to sophisticated API calls and automated services. The most common approach is to check the domain's DNS records, particularly the MX records, to see if they point to Google's mail servers. Email verification services, command-line tools, online DNS lookup tools, and Google's own Directory API offer alternative methods. Inspecting SPF records for `_spf.google.com` is another indicator. Some approaches involve technical expertise or reliance on third-party tools, while others require authentication with Google's services.
Key findings
- MX Record Lookup: Checking the MX records of the email's domain to see if they point to Google's mail servers (e.g., ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM) is a widely recommended method.
- Email Verification Services: Several email verification services offer Google Workspace detection as a feature, automating the process through MX record checks and other validation steps.
- Google Directory API: Google's Directory API can be used to query user information directly, confirming whether an email is associated with a Google Workspace account (requires authentication).
- SPF Record Inspection: Checking if the SPF record includes `_spf.google.com` can indicate that the domain uses Google Workspace.
- Command-Line Tools & Online DNS Tools: Tools like `dig`, `nslookup`, and online DNS lookup services allow for manual examination of DNS records.
- Google Apps Lookup Script: An undocumented Google Apps Lookup script can check if a domain is registered with Google Apps (use with caution due to potential API changes).
Key considerations
- Technical Expertise: Methods like using command-line tools, PowerShell, or the Google Directory API require technical knowledge and familiarity.
- Cost of Services: Email verification services may incur costs depending on the volume of email addresses checked.
- Accuracy of API: When using the Google Apps Lookup Script, remember that it's an undocumented API and may break in the future.
- Multiple Methods: Employing multiple methods provides higher confidence in the accuracy of the determination.
- Authentication: Using the Directory API requires proper authentication and authorization.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
Determining if an email address is a Google Workspace account involves several methods, primarily focusing on examining the domain's DNS records, particularly MX records. Several tools and techniques can be used, from manual MX record lookups using command-line tools or online services to automated email verification services and Google Apps Lookup scripts. These approaches identify if the domain's MX records point to Google's mail servers or if the domain is registered with Google Apps.
Key opinions
- MX Record Lookup: Checking the MX records of the email's domain is a primary method. If the MX records point to Google's mail servers (e.g., ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM), it's likely a Google Workspace account.
- Email Verification Services: Email verification services automate the process of identifying Google Workspace accounts through MX record checks and other validation steps.
- Google Apps Lookup Script: Using a Google Apps Lookup script checks if the domain is registered with Google Apps via an undocumented API.
- Command-Line Tools: Tools like `dig` or `nslookup` can be used to perform MX record lookups manually.
- Online DNS Lookup Tools: Online DNS lookup tools provide a user-friendly way to check MX records without using command-line tools.
Key considerations
- Automation vs. Manual: Automated email verification services offer convenience for bulk checks, while manual methods like MX record lookups are suitable for occasional checks.
- Accuracy of Undocumented APIs: Relying on undocumented APIs like the Google Apps Lookup script might be risky due to potential changes or deprecation by Google.
- Tool Costs: Email verification services can incur costs depending on the volume of email addresses checked.
- Email Bouncing: Some email verifiers attempt to connect and simulate sending an email. Take caution of bounces.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares a command line script for checking MX records against Google.
28 Jun 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Hippo describes leveraging email verification services that offer Google Workspace detection as part of their features. These services often perform MX record checks and other validation steps to identify Google Workspace accounts.
15 Feb 2022 - Email Hippo Blog
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
Determining if an email address is a Google Workspace account can be achieved by examining DNS records. Specifically, one should check for MX records pointing to Google's mail servers (e.g., ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM) and SPF records that include `_spf.google.com`. These indicate that the domain is using Google Workspace.
Key opinions
- MX Record Check: Verifying that MX records point to Google's mail servers is a primary indicator of a Google Workspace account.
- SPF Record Inspection: Checking for the inclusion of `_spf.google.com` in the domain's SPF record confirms that Google's servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of the domain.
- DNS Record Examination: Examining DNS records is a reliable method for identifying Google Workspace accounts.
Key considerations
- Technical Expertise: Examining DNS and SPF records requires technical knowledge and access to DNS lookup tools.
- Multiple Indicators: Confirming both MX and SPF records provides a higher degree of certainty.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that determining if an email address is a Google Apps/Workspace account can be done by checking the domain's DNS records. Specifically, checking for MX records pointing to Google's mail servers (ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM, etc.) and also checking for a TXT record with the value 'v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all'.
19 Aug 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that one way to identify Google Workspace accounts is to inspect the SPF records. If the domain uses Google Workspace, the SPF record should include `_spf.google.com`. This indicates that Google's mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of that domain.
11 Apr 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Determining if an email address is a Google Workspace account can be accomplished through several documented methods. Google's Directory API allows direct querying of user information after authentication. Google Domains Help outlines identifying Google Workspace accounts by checking MX records, which should point to Google's servers. Microsoft's PowerShell can also be used to query DNS records, specifically MX records, to determine if they point to Google.
Key findings
- Directory API: Google's Directory API can be used to directly query user information to determine if an email is associated with a Google Workspace account.
- MX Record Verification: Checking MX records to see if they point to Google's servers is a reliable method for identifying Google Workspace accounts.
- PowerShell DNS Query: Microsoft's PowerShell provides tools to query DNS records, including MX records, to identify Google Workspace accounts.
Key considerations
- API Authentication: Using Google's Directory API requires authentication and proper authorization.
- Technical Expertise: Using PowerShell and DNS queries requires technical knowledge and familiarity with command-line tools.
- Multiple Verification Methods: Employing multiple methods (API, MX records) can provide a higher degree of confidence in the determination.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help details using the Directory API to check if an email address is associated with a Google Workspace account. It involves authenticating with the API, then querying the Users collection to find the user's information. If the user exists, the email address is a Google Workspace account user.
5 Feb 2022 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from Google Domains Help explains that you can identify Google Workspace accounts by checking the MX records associated with the domain of the email address. Google Workspace accounts will have MX records pointing to Google's servers (e.g., ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM).
29 Aug 2023 - Google Domains Help
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