How to set up Google Workspace SSO?

IT teams are under pressure to simplify access, tighten security, and reduce helpdesk overload. Managing logins across dozens of apps? It’s a daily drain. But Google SSO login helps fix that.

With Google Workspace SSO, users sign in once to access everything they need: email, files, SaaS apps, and internal tools. 

But login is the start. Google SSO and OneIdP together help IT admins move beyond basic authentication. Admins can gain context-aware access, device-level enforcement, and full control over who gets in, from where, and on what terms.

We’ll cover how Google SSO integration works, what makes setup smooth, and how pairing it with Scalefusion gives IT teams better control over identity and access.

Requirements:

• You must have admin access to the Google Admin console. Devices must be managed by Scalefusion.
• Your organization’s custom domain must be verified in OneIdP. Users from that domain should be added to the Scalefusion dashboard and assigned to OneIdP.

How to set up SSO login for Google Workspace with Scalefusion OneIdP?

1. Create SSO Configuration: In the Scalefusion dashboard, go to OneIdP > SSO Configuration. 

2. Click New, select Google Workspace, and start setup.

3. Fill configuration tabs:
   a. Application Basics: Define access rules by user, device, and condition.

b.SSO Scope: Configure SAML settings, session logout rules, and group-based profiles.

c. Permissions: Set permissions in OneIdP to verify your domain, manage users and groups, reset passwords, control logouts, and handle data securely. Skipping permissions may limit features. 

d. SSO Settings: Enter Google Workspace service provider details in Scalefusion. Copy OneIdP URLs and certificate from Scalefusion.

1. OneIdP Entity ID → Identity Provider ID
2. OneIdP SSO URL → Sign-In Page URL
3. OneIdP SLO URL → Sign-Out Page URL
4. Change Password URL → Password Reset URL

Paste them into the Google Admin Console to complete SAML setup.

e. Conditional Access: Manage access by permitting only managed devices or OTP verification, setting browser type and version limits, and exempting users by email from device requirements.

f. User Messages: Customize what users see if access is blocked.

Click Next after filling in all the details across each tab. 

4. Your configuration appears as a named card on the SSO Configuration page.

What the user gets:

➡ User tries to access an app from their device.
➡ OneIdP checks device compliance (managed/enrolled or unmanaged), browser type and version, MFA requirements, and any access exceptions set in the SSO configuration.
➡ User enters Google Workspace credentials on the OneIdP login screen (no separate Google UI).
➡ Google Workspace verifies credentials and sends a secure token to OneIdP.
➡ OneIdP evaluates session rules, conditions, and exceptions before approving access.
➡ User gains seamless, secure access to all allowed apps with a single sign-on.
➡ OneIdP establishes a session: Enables Single Sign-On (SSO) across all authorized Google Workspace and connected SaaS applications. 

Enforces session controls such as:

• Auto-logout after inactivity
• Re-authentication for sensitive actions
• Context-based session expiration to keep security tight

How Scalefusion OneIdP secures modern Google Workspace access

Scalefusion OneIdP redefines SSO with all-in-all zero trust security and conditional SSO. It verifies every access by identity, device, browser, and context. Here’s how OneIdP elevates security to Google Workspace access than it already is:

1. Built-in device authentication: Only compliant, managed devices can access corporate data. OneIdP checks device posture at login, automatically blocking rooted, jailbroken, or unmanaged endpoints.
2. Browser restrictions: Control access by browser type and version. Block outdated or untrusted browsers without affecting user experience.
3. Company User Portal for Single Sign-On (SSO): A centralized portal lets employees sign in once to access all key work apps in one place, eliminating password hassles and helping them focus on their tasks.
4. Contextual access policies: Enforce advanced conditions beyond login, including OS, IP address, location, MFA, OTP, and other real-time signals.
5. OS-Based Conditional Access: Apply precise rules for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, dynamically grouping users based on device and login context.

Pairing Google Workspace with Scalefusion means tighter security, cleaner compliance, and smarter user access, all without the overhead.

FAQs

1. What is SSO, and how does it work with Google Workspace?

Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to log in to multiple applications using one set of credentials. Google Workspace acts as an identity provider (IdP), authenticating users via SAML 2.0 or OAuth 2.0, eliminating the need for separate passwords. When users access an SSO-enabled app, Google verifies their identity and grants secure access, enhancing productivity and security.

2. What are the prerequisites for setting up SSO with Google Workspace?

To configure Google Workspace SSO, you need:

• A paid Google Workspace subscription (Business/Enterprise).
• Admin access to Google Admin Console.
• The application must support SAML or OAuth-based SSO.
• Proper DNS settings for domain verification.
• User accounts synced in Google Workspace for authentication.

3. Can I enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) with Google Workspace SSO?

Yes, Google Workspace supports MFA (2FA) for enhanced security. Admins can enforce SMS, Google Authenticator, or hardware security keys via the Admin Console. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring only authorized users access SSO-integrated apps, reducing phishing and unauthorized access risks.

4. What are the security benefits of using Google Workspace for SSO?

Google Workspace SSO enhances security by:

• Reducing password fatigue and phishing risks.
• Enabling centralized user access control.
• Supporting MFA and strong authentication.
• Providing audit logs for login activities.
• Encrypting all authentication requests via SAML/OAuth.

5. Does Google Workspace SSO support SAML or OAuth?

Yes, Google Workspace supports both SAML 2.0 (for enterprise SSO) and OAuth 2.0 (for API-based authentication). SAML is ideal for web app logins, while OAuth is used for mobile and third-party integrations, ensuring flexible and secure authentication across platforms.