# Working with delegated mailboxes and Google Groups

Source: https://developer.nylas.com/docs/provider-guides/google/shared-accounts/

Google doesn't have traditional "shared mailboxes" like other email providers. Instead, Google Workspace offers two different ways to share email access among users: [**delegated mailboxes**](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/138350?hl=en) and [**Google Groups**](https://support.google.com/groups/answer/46601?hl=en&ref_topic=9216&sjid=17169568418520337759-NC).

**Delegated mailboxes** are regular Google accounts whose account owner has granted access permissions to other users. Users with delegated permissions can read, send, and manage messages on behalf of the mailbox owner.

**Google Groups** are distribution lists that can receive messages at a shared address (for example, `support@example.com`). Multiple users can join the group and receive messages sent to the group email address.

## Authenticate delegated mailbox

You can authenticate delegated mailboxes to Nylas just like any other Google account, using the mailbox owner's credentials. The mailbox owner must complete the authentication process — a delegate can't authenticate the mailbox using their credentials.

For more information, see our [authentication documentation](/docs/v3/auth/).

## Use Google Groups with Nylas

> **Warn:** 
> **Because Google Groups aren't actual user accounts, you can't authenticate them directly**.

If you use Google Groups for access to shared messages, you have two options for integrating with Nylas:

- **Authenticate individual group members**: Every user who needs access to the Group can authenticate their Google account with Nylas. They'll receive messages sent to the Group in their personal mailbox.
- **Create a dedicated Google account**: You can convert the Group to an individual Google account, [set up delegation](https://support.google.com/mail/answer/138350?hl=en) for users who need access, then [authenticate the account with Nylas].