How to add a user to Google Search Console

If you need to give a colleague, SEO agency or SEO consultant access to your Google Search Console property, you can do so in just a few minutes. This guide explains how to add a new user, choose the correct permission level and manage existing users safely.

Sharing your Google Search Console property: a step-by-step guide

Step 1: Log in to your Google Search Console account

When you are logging in to Google Search Console, make sure you’re doing so with the login that has ownership of the property.

Step 2: Select the GSC property you wish to access

If you can access more than one property in Google Search Console, make sure that you’re working in the right one before proceeding with the next steps.

Simply select the property from the drop-down menu at the top left of the screen:

Step 3: Go into property settings

If you can access more than one property in Google Search Console, make sure that you’re working in the right one before proceeding with the next steps.

Simply select the property from the drop-down menu at the top left of the screen:

Step 4: Click on Users and Permissions

Once the settings page has loaded, select Users and Permissions:

Step 5: Click Add User

Once you’re on the Users and Permissions page, click the blue Add User button in the top right corner. A pop-up window will appear where you can enter the user’s email address and choose their permission level.

Step 6: Input user details

Enter the email address for the person who needs access, and then select their permission level.

Please note: If you are working with Big Fat Digital, check with your account manager for the correct email address and select Full permissions.

Common issues when adding a user...

The email address isn’t recognised
You’re not a verified owner
You’re editing the wrong property
The user still can’t access Search Console
You accidentally gave Restricted instead of Full permissions

Why would you add a user to Google Search Console?

You may need to grant access if:

you’ve hired an SEO agency
a new member of your marketing team needs access
your web developer needs to investigate technical SEO issues
you’re working with a PPC agency or analytics consultant
you’re replacing an existing user

This helps satisfy broader search intent.

What level of permission should I give a user?

Google Search Console has three levels of permission to choose from:

Restricted: This view gives the user access to most data, but they can perform limited actions.
When to be used:

Full: Users can view all data and perform most actions, including submitting indexing requests and verifying fixes.

Owner: This gives the user full access to the property. If you are the verified owner, then the new owner will be classed as a delegate owner.

Can I change a user’s permission level?

Yes, you can. Simply follow the steps above to navigate to the users on your property. From there, use the menu in the permissions section to choose a new status.