Google Cloud Identity

Google Cloud Identity is a cloud service for managing users, groups, applications, devices, and access policies. It operates through the Google Admin console and supports organizations that use Google Cloud without requiring Google Workspace services.

The platform provides single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, endpoint management, automated provisioning, directory synchronization, secure LDAP, and context-aware access. Its free edition covers core identity and endpoint functions, while Premium adds broader security and device-management capabilities.

Cloud Identity supports single sign-on for thousands of applications through pre-integrated SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect connections. Administrators can also configure custom applications and access on-premises services.

Authentication controls include multi-factor authentication, Google Authenticator, push notifications, security keys, phone-based security keys, SMS, and voice calls. Administrators can review authentication activity through audit logs and reports.

Endpoint management supports Android, iOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and selected desktop-management workflows. Depending on the edition, organizations can enforce device policies, manage applications, remotely sign users out, wipe accounts, and maintain company-owned device inventories.

Cloud Identity can synchronize users and groups from Microsoft Active Directory through Google Cloud Directory Sync. Secure LDAP extends Cloud Identity credentials to compatible traditional applications and infrastructure.

Automated user provisioning can create, update, and remove user profiles in supported third-party applications. Context-aware access can evaluate identity, device state, and other access context when enforcing policies.

The Cloud Identity API provides REST resources for provisioning and managing identity resources. Documented resources include groups, memberships, devices, inbound SSO profiles, SSO assignments, and user invitations.

Cloud Identity has Free and Premium editions. The Free edition provides 50 user licenses by default, with additional free licenses available by request. It is intended for core identity and endpoint management without Google Workspace productivity services.

Cloud Identity Premium is billed through a Google Workspace subscription. Google’s billing documentation lists Premium at $7.20 per user per month on a flexible plan or $72 per user per year on an annual plan.

Google documents a Premium trial pathway, but the reviewed official pages do not specify a universal trial duration. Pricing and license availability can vary by subscription arrangement and region.

Cloud Identity is a strong fit for organizations already using Google Cloud, Google Workspace, Android, or Google’s administrative ecosystem. Its free edition also provides a low-cost starting point for basic identity management.

The main trade-off is product complexity. Advanced endpoint, security, and access features depend on Premium licensing and require careful configuration across the Google Admin console, Cloud Console, applications, and devices.

Microsoft Entra ID is a comparable identity platform for organizations centered on Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows, and Active Directory. Okta is another major alternative focused on workforce identity, SSO, lifecycle management, and integrations.

JumpCloud combines directory services, device management, authentication, and policy controls across mixed operating-system environments. OneLogin provides workforce SSO, MFA, directory integration, and user lifecycle features for business applications.

Is Google Cloud Identity the same as Google Workspace?
No. Cloud Identity provides identity and administration services. Google Workspace adds productivity applications such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Docs.

Does Cloud Identity have a free version?
Yes. Cloud Identity Free includes core identity and endpoint capabilities and provides 50 user licenses by default.

Does Cloud Identity support single sign-on?
Yes. It supports SAML and OpenID Connect application connections, including pre-integrated, custom, and on-premises applications.

Does Cloud Identity provide an API?
Yes. The Cloud Identity REST API supports provisioning and management of identity resources, including groups, memberships, devices, and SSO configurations.

Which devices does Cloud Identity manage?
Documented device support includes Android, iOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and certain desktop-management workflows using Endpoint Verification or related Google components.