How to Manage Your G Suite Admin Console Like a Pro: A Complete Guide

Even after the rebranding to Google Workspace, millions of businesses and organizations continue to use and search for G Suite features. The G Suite Admin Console remains a powerful hub for IT administrators to manage users, configure services, and secure organizational data.

If you’re responsible for managing G Suite (or transitioning from it), mastering the Admin Console is critical. This easy-to-follow guide will show you exactly how to manage your G Suite Admin Console like a pro—whether you’re a small business owner or an IT administrator for a larger organization.

Understanding the G Suite Admin Console

What Is the G Suite Admin Console?

The G Suite Admin Console is a centralized dashboard where admins can:

• Add and manage users
• Configure email settings
• Set up groups
• Monitor activity
• Secure company data
• Manage billing and subscriptions

This interface gives you control over every aspect of your organization’s G Suite services.

How to Access the Admin Console

Go to admin.google.com and log in using your administrator account credentials.

If you see a message saying “You don’t have access,” you’re not signed in as an admin.

User Management

Adding Users

1. From the Admin Console dashboard, click Users.
2. Click Add a user.
3. Fill in the user’s name and email address.
4. Assign them a password and share the credentials securely.

Bulk User Upload

• Go to Users > Bulk Update Users
• Upload a CSV file with user info

Creating Organizational Units (OUs)

Organizational Units help you apply settings to specific departments or teams.

1. Go to Directory > Organizational Units
2. Click Create New Organizational Unit
3. Drag and drop users into their appropriate OU

Managing Groups and Aliases

Why Use Groups?

Groups let you create collaborative email addresses (e.g., support@company.com) and assign them to multiple recipients.

Creating a Group:

1. Go to Groups in the Admin Console
2. Click Create Group
3. Set group email address, name, and description
4. Assign group members
5. Configure access permissions (public, internal, restricted)

Setting Up Email Aliases

1. Go to Users > Select user
2. Click User Information
3. Click Email aliases
4. Add a new alias (e.g., admin@typeforyou.org)

Gmail Settings and Customization

Enable Gmail for Your Domain

• Ensure MX records are correctly set to Google Mail servers
• Test using tools like MxToolbox

Set Up Default Email Routing

• Go to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > Default routing
• Use this to create forwarding rules or archiving rules

Email Compliance Settings

• Set content filters to detect spam, phishing, or sensitive information
• Enable confidential mode to expire sensitive emails

Securing Your G Suite Account

Enable 2-Step Verification (2SV)

1. Go to Security > 2-Step Verification
2. Turn it ON for all users or selected OUs

Configure Password Policies

• Go to Security > Password Management
• Set minimum password length, strength, and expiration

Control External Sharing

• Visit Apps > Drive and Docs > Sharing Settings
• Disable or limit sharing outside your organization

Set Up Alert Rules

• Go to Rules > Alert Center
• Set alerts for suspicious logins, data loss, and policy violations

Managing Devices

G Suite Admin Console allows control over:

• Company-owned laptops
• Smartphones and tablets

Mobile Management Setup

1. Go to Devices > Mobile & Endpoints
2. Enforce screen lock, app management, and remote wipe

Chrome Device Management

1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings
2. Enforce kiosk mode, restrict extensions, and set session length

Monitoring and Reporting

View Usage Reports

1. Go to Reports > Highlights
2. Track:
   • User logins
   • File sharing activity
   • App usage (Docs, Meet, etc.)

Audit Logs

1. Go to Reports > Audit > Admin
2. Review changes made in the Admin Console

Activity Alerts

• Set custom alerts for suspicious activity like mass file sharing or failed login attempts

Managing Billing and Subscriptions

Access Billing

• Go to Billing > Subscriptions
• View your current plan, cost, and renewal dates

Add or Remove Licenses

• Click on your plan
• Adjust the number of users/licenses as your team changes

Cancel or Pause Service

• Follow prompts under Billing to cancel or pause your G Suite account

Advanced Admin Console Features

Set Admin Roles

• Go to Admin Roles > Create New Role
• Assign limited or full access to other users

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• Go to Security > DLP
• Create rules to prevent sensitive information from being shared

API Access and Integrations

• Enable APIs to integrate with CRMs, HR tools, or automation platforms
• Go to Security > API Controls

Best Practices for G Suite Admin Console Management

1. Review audit logs weekly to detect unauthorized activity.
2. Conduct quarterly user access reviews to remove dormant accounts.
3. Train employees on security awareness and email best practices.
4. Backup your data using third-party tools or Google Vault.
5. Document your admin settings for onboarding new admins.

Master Your G Suite Environment

The G Suite Admin Console is your command center for managing everything from users and emails to devices and security. Mastering it means improving your organization’s efficiency, security, and productivity.

Whether you’re running a startup or managing hundreds of employees, the best practices and tools in this guide will help you manage your G Suite Admin Console like a true pro.