Many services such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or an analytics tool ask you to verify your domain with a TXT record. This is a piece of text you add to the DNS settings of your domain, proving that you are the owner. In this article you’ll learn exactly how to create such a record, how to check if it’s set up correctly, and what to do if verification keeps failing.
What exactly is a TXT record?
A TXT record is a type of DNS record in which you can store free-form text. Originally intended for loose notes about a domain, it is nowadays mainly used for two things: domain verification and email security (think of SPF and DMARC records). For domain verification, the service you want to connect gives you a unique code, for example google-site-verification=abc123xyz. You add that code as a TXT record to your domain, so the service can check via DNS that you have access to the domain.
The great thing about this method is that you don’t need to upload any files to your website, and it works regardless of which platform you use. You usually manage this type of record through the DNS management of your domain name.
Adding a TXT record: step by step
The exact steps differ slightly per control panel, but the principle is the same everywhere.
Request the verification code
Go to the service you want to verify (for example Google Workspace or another tool) and choose domain verification via DNS/TXT record. Copy the code you receive, including the part before the equals sign.
Open your domain’s DNS management
Log in to the control panel where your domain is hosted and go to the DNS settings. In Plesk, you’ll find this under the DNS Settings tab of your domain.
Create a new TXT record
Choose TXT as the record type. Usually leave the host field empty or enter ‘@’ (this represents your main domain), unless the service specifies otherwise. Paste the full verification code into the value field.
Save the record
Confirm the change. The record is immediately visible in your DNS settings, but it may take some time before it’s active worldwide.
Complete the verification
Go back to the service and click ‘verify’ or ‘check’. If it doesn’t work right away, wait a bit and try again.
The service checks via DNS whether the verification code is present for your domain.
Checking if your TXT record is set correctly
Before returning to the service to verify, you can check beforehand whether the record is correctly visible. Use an online DNS lookup tool for this and search for the TXT record type for your domain. If you see the exact code you entered, the record is set correctly.
Watch out for small mistakes: an extra space, quotation marks automatically added by your control panel, or a typo in the code can cause verification to fail even though the record is present.
Solving common problems
If verification gets stuck, look into these common causes:
- DNS hasn’t propagated yet: DNS changes take time to become visible everywhere. Try again later if you just added a record.
- Wrong host field filled in: some services ask for a subdomain (such as ‘mail’) instead of ‘@’. Read the service’s instructions carefully.
- Multiple TXT records for the same host: this isn’t a problem in itself, but make sure each record remains complete and correct, even if you have several side by side (for example next to an SPF record).
- Wrong nameservers: if your domain still points to an old provider, DNS changes you enter elsewhere won’t take effect. Check this if in doubt.
Managing multiple domains or want to organize all your DNS records in one place? Check out the options for domain names at Tandata, where you can easily manage DNS through Plesk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take before a TXT record becomes active?
This depends on DNS propagation and can vary from a few minutes to a few hours. If your record still isn’t visible after a day, check that it was entered correctly.
Can I have multiple TXT records at the same time?
Yes, you can use multiple TXT records side by side, for example for domain verification and for SPF. However, make sure you don’t put two SPF rules in separate TXT records; they must be combined into one record.
Can I delete a TXT record after verification?
Sometimes yes, but some services periodically check again whether the record is still present. Only remove it if the documentation of the relevant service indicates you can.
Does this also work if I only use email hosting?
Yes, domain verification via a TXT record is independent of where your website runs. As long as you have access to your domain’s DNS management, for example with business email, you can add this record.
Conclusion
Setting up a TXT record for domain verification is done in just a few steps: you request the code, add it to your DNS settings, and wait until the record is active. Always check that the value is exactly correct before trying verification again. If you get stuck or have doubts about your DNS management, the support team is happy to help via the knowledge base or directly via chat.