Stuck in a Loop: Troubleshooting Google Workspace Admin Login Issues After Domain Verification
Navigating the Google Workspace Admin Login Loop: A Community Insight
Embarking on your Google Workspace journey should be a smooth path to productivity, but for some new administrators, the first step—logging into the admin console—can turn into a frustrating infinite loop. This common issue, highlighted in a recent Google support forum thread, leaves new admins unable to set up email, add users, or manage essential services like gmail storage usage, even after successfully verifying their domain. Let's dive into the problem and explore potential solutions.
The Frustration: An Infinite Login Loop
Imagine this: you've just signed up for Google Workspace, meticulously verified your domain, and you're eager to configure your email and onboard your team. You navigate to admin.google.com, are prompted to select your account (the correct @yourdomain.com one), and then... it loops right back to the account selection screen. This 'account chooser loop' prevents any access to the administrative dashboard, turning excitement into exasperation.
As one user described:
"Try to sign in to start email setup and add users but I'm in an infinite loop when selecting the account I'm already signed into... Sign into https://admin.google.com/ just fine prompted to select my account (the only one) to access admin and just loops here https://admin.google.com/ac/accountchooser?c>"
The added frustration is that account recovery processes often work, but these don't address the core login loop preventing admin access.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
When faced with this persistent login loop, Google Workspace experts often recommend a few standard troubleshooting steps:
- Sign Out Everywhere: Ensure you are completely signed out of all Google accounts in your browser before attempting to sign in to the admin console.
- Use the Correct Account: Always sign in using your administrator account associated with your domain (e.g.,
admin@yourdomain.com), not a personal@gmail.comaccount. - Try Incognito/Private Mode: Open an incognito or private browsing window and try logging in. This bypasses cached data and extensions that might interfere.
- Switch Browsers or Devices: If incognito mode doesn't work, try a completely different web browser or even another device to rule out browser-specific issues.
However, as the forum thread illustrates, sometimes these common fixes aren't enough, leaving users feeling stuck and considering alternative solutions for their business needs.
When Standard Fixes Aren't Enough: What to Do Next
If you've exhausted the basic troubleshooting steps—clearing caches, trying different browsers/devices, and ensuring you're using the correct domain account—and still find yourself in a login loop, it's time to escalate. This often indicates a deeper issue, possibly related to domain provisioning, account setup, or a backend glitch.
Pro Tip: Contacting Google Workspace Support
The most direct path to resolution for persistent admin login issues is to contact Google Workspace Support directly. While the user in the thread mentioned a "circus of contact forms" leading to account recovery, it's crucial to specify that your issue is an admin console access problem, not an account recovery need. Look for support options specifically for Google Workspace administrators.
If you can access any part of the Google Workspace interface (even if not the full admin console), look for a 'Help' or 'Support' icon. Otherwise, you might need to use the general Google Workspace support contact information, being very clear about your problem:
I am a new Google Workspace administrator for [Your Domain Name]. I am experiencing an infinite login loop when trying to access https://admin.google.com/ after selecting my admin account. I have already verified my domain and tried all standard troubleshooting steps (incognito, different browser, signed out of all accounts). I need assistance accessing my admin console to set up email and manage users.Be prepared to provide your domain name and any relevant account information they request. Persistence and clear communication about the specific nature of the login loop are key.
Community Insights: Key Takeaways
- The Google Workspace admin login loop is a real and frustrating issue for new users.
- Always start with basic troubleshooting: sign out, incognito, correct account, different browser/device.
- When basic steps fail, direct Google Workspace Support is essential. Be precise about the problem to avoid misdirection to account recovery.
- Early access to the admin console is critical for managing all aspects of your Workspace, including setting up email, adding users, and monitoring resources like gmail storage usage.
While encountering such a hurdle at the start of your Google Workspace journey can be disheartening, remember that these issues are typically resolvable with the right support. Don't give up on leveraging the full power of Google Workspace for your business!