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Google Cloud Identity
What it is
Google Cloud Identity is a cloud service for centrally managing users and groups. It can connect identities between Google and providers such as Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID, and offers single sign-on to thousands of SaaS apps, including Salesforce, SAP SuccessFactors, and Google Workspace. Multi-factor options include push notifications, authenticator codes, security keys, and Android or iOS devices used as keys. A unified console manages Android, iOS, and Windows devices, with controls to enforce policies, remove company data, deploy apps, and view reports. The service integrates with hundreds of cloud applications and supports SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect apps. Automated provisioning can create, update, or delete user profile information in third-party apps. Directory Sync and Secure LDAP support access across cloud and traditional environments. Cloud Identity Free includes 50 user licenses by default, with more available at no cost by request. Premium starts at $6 a month per user on an annual plan; its flexible plan is $7.20 a month per user.
For and against
For
- Federates identities with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID.
- Offers SSO to thousands of SaaS apps.
- Manages Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
- Free edition starts with 50 user licenses.
- Supports automated provisioning and adaptive access policies.
Against
- Premium annual plan costs $6 per user monthly.
- Flexible Premium plan costs $7.20 per user monthly.
- Free support is through Google Cloud Communities.
The verdict
Cloud Identity combines identity management, app access, provisioning, and endpoint controls. The free edition has 50 default licenses; Premium adds features such as automated provisioning and context-aware access.
Who it suits
It suits organizations that need to manage identities, app access, and devices from a central console. The free edition may suit smaller deployments, while Premium adds enterprise security and provisioning features.
Plans and prices
Cloud Identity Premium — Annual/Fixed-Term Plan
Enterprise security features · Automated user provisioning · Context-Aware Access · Advanced endpoint management
Read 19 Sep 2026 · docs.cloud.google.com
Cloud Identity Premium — Flexible Plan
Monthly per-user billing · No annual commitment · Enterprise security features · Automated user provisioning
Read 19 Sep 2026 · docs.cloud.google.com
Cloud Identity Free
50 user licenses by default · additional free licenses requestable
Read 15 Oct 2026 · cloud.google.com
Cloud Identity Premium Flexible
no term commitment · add/remove users anytime · cancel anytime
Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.cloud.google.com
Cloud Identity Premium Annual/Fixed-Term
1-year commitment · license reductions only at renewal · early cancellation still billed
Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.cloud.google.com
Cloud Identity Premium
Billed as part of a Google Workspace subscription · additional enterprise security, application management, and device management features
Read 30 Sep 2026 · cloud.google.com
On the record
- Agentless management
- Basic device management can operate without an endpoint agent and provides wipe and inventory controls.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- API
- The Cloud Identity API is for provisioning and managing identity resources.docs.cloud.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- App integrations
- Cloud Identity integrates with hundreds of cloud applications out of the box and supports pre-integrated SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect apps.cloud.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Authentication extensibility
- Groups API calls can authenticate as an end user or as a service account, including domain-wide delegation.docs.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automated provisioning
- Automated user provisioning can create, update, or delete user profile information in third-party cloud apps from one place.cloud.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- BYOD
- Endpoint management supports bring-your-own-device deployments.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cloud Identity API
- The Cloud Identity API provisions and manages identity resources.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cloud resource access
- Cloud Identity accounts can be used with Google Cloud IAM to control access to cloud resources.docs.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists Google as a public software-development company with more than 10,001 employees and headquarters in Mountain View, California.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Deprecation
- Cloud Identity POSIX groups were deprecated, with existing groups scheduled for removal on or after September 26, 2025.docs.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Directory synchronization
- Google Cloud Directory Sync extends an on-premises directory into Cloud Identity and synchronizes user information with HR systems.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Google publishes guides, REST references, API setup instructions, release notes, support links and code samples for Cloud Identity.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation license
- Cloud Identity documentation is under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and its code samples are under Apache 2.0.docs.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Endpoint management
- Administrators can manage Android, iOS and Windows devices, enforce policies, wipe company data, deploy apps, view reports and export details.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Hybrid access
- Google describes Directory Sync for extending Microsoft Active Directory users to the cloud and Secure LDAP for access to traditional apps and infrastructure.cloud.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Identity federation
- It can federate identities between Google and providers such as Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID.docs.cloud.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- Google lists hundreds of cloud application integrations and thousands of pre-integrated SSO applications, including Salesforce and SAP SuccessFactors.cloud.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- License limit
- The Free edition provides 50 user licenses by default, and additional free licenses can be requested at no cost.cloud.google.com · read 30 Sep 2026
