Google Workspace sign-in and WordPress accounts

Login for Google Apps uses OAuth2 to authenticate WordPress visitors through Google. Users with an active Google session can continue through the WordPress login screen without entering a separate WordPress password. Google two-factor authentication can also be used when enabled for the account.

Premium and Enterprise connect WordPress account administration to a Google Workspace domain. The editions are designed for WordPress sites, multisite networks, private intranets, and organization sites.

Premium creates accounts for domain users

Login for Google Apps Premium lets users in the Google Workspace domain sign in. When an eligible user has no WordPress account, the plugin can create one automatically. This lets users authenticate through Google without an administrator first creating each WordPress account manually.

Enterprise applies membership-based access rules

Login for Google Apps Enterprise includes the Premium sign-in and account-creation process. Administrators can set access and WordPress role controls according to membership in a Google Group or Organizational Unit. Enterprise also logs accounts created and roles changed by the plugin, giving administrators a record to review.

Shared authentication for Google extensions

Login for Google Apps includes a shared authentication and permissions platform for extensions, so each extension does not need to configure authentication separately. Google Drive Embedder lets users browse for Drive files to embed in posts or pages. Google Apps Directory lets logged-in users search an employee directory from a widget on an intranet or client site. Google Profile Avatars displays users’ Google profile photos in place of site avatars.

Setup and configuration

Setup requires administrator access to a Google Workspace domain or a regular Gmail account. Install and activate the plugin, then open its settings in WordPress. Follow the configuration instructions to register the site with Google, obtain two codes, and submit the requested URLs. OAuth2 replaces the older SAML protocol for authentication; the product information describes this as a simpler configuration approach. For Enterprise, administrators can then define access and role controls based on the required Group or Organizational Unit memberships.