What TXT record means
TXT records hold SPF, DKIM and DMARC settings and verification codes for services like Google Search Console. They are small but important for email deliverability and security. Keep them tidy, since duplicate or conflicting records cause problems.
Why it matters for your website
TXT records prove you own your domain to services like Google and email providers, and they hold key email security settings like SPF and DMARC. Getting them wrong can break verifications or send your business email to spam.
Example
To connect Search Console, a hypothetical accountant adds a TXT record with a verification code to her domain's DNS settings.
Tips
- Copy verification values exactly, with no added spaces or quote marks.
- Label or document what each TXT record is for.
- Remove old verification records for services you no longer use.
Common mistakes
- Deleting an unfamiliar TXT record that turns out to handle email security.
- Adding a second SPF TXT record instead of editing the existing one.
Questions about TXT record
What is TXT record?
A DNS record that holds text, often used to verify domain ownership and publish email security policies.
How long does a TXT record take to work?
Often minutes, but it can take longer depending on TTL and caching. Most services let you retry verification later if it does not work right away.
Can I have multiple TXT records on one domain?
Yes, a domain can have many TXT records for different purposes. The exception is SPF, where you should have only one SPF record.
