How do I verify my domain ownership with a TXT record?
Locating the verification value
Services such as search consoles and cloud platforms generate a unique string that proves you control the domain. You copy that string into a TXT record in your DNS dashboard, usually at the root of the domain. Leave the host field blank or enter @, depending on how your provider's form is laid out.
- Copy the value exactly, including any quotes the tool shows
- Keep existing TXT records such as SPF in place
- Use a separate verification record for each service
Checking that it is live
Use a public DNS lookup tool to query the TXT records for your domain. Propagation can take a few minutes or up to a day, depending on the provider and the record's TTL. Clicking verify too early is a common reason the check fails on the first try, so wait and retry.
Keeping the record long term
Do not delete the TXT record right after verification, since some services check it again later. Note what each record is for so future cleanup does not break a working tool. Removing a verification record is safe once you no longer use that service.
Common mistakes
- Replacing your existing SPF TXT record instead of adding a second one.
- Copying the value with extra spaces or missing quotes.
- Deleting the record right after verification and losing access later.
