DNS REFERENCE
What is a TXT Record?
The multipurpose text record of the Domain Name System, embedding machine-readable metadata and verification records into your domain's config.
Understanding the Text (TXT) Record
A TXT Record (short for "Text Record") is a DNS record that links a text string of information to a domain or subdomain. Unlike records designed for routing network traffic (like A or CNAME), TXT records were originally meant for human-readable comments.
Over time, TXT records have evolved into a highly versatile mechanism for storing structured, machine-readable data. Today, they are the standard method for proving domain ownership to web services (such as Google Search Console) and securing outgoing email traffic against spoofing.
Key Use Cases of TXT Records
The vast majority of public TXT records fall into two categories:
1. Email Security & Anti-Spam
Mail servers look up three crucial TXT configurations to verify that incoming emails are legitimate:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Authorized sending IP addresses for the domain (e.g.
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all). - DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Holds the public cryptographic key that matches the private key signing your outgoing email headers.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication): Instructs receiving servers what to do if an email fails SPF/DKIM checks (e.g. reject or quarantine it).
2. Domain Ownership Verification
When setting up third-party services like search consoles, email suites, or hosting platforms, you will be prompted to add a specific TXT record (e.g. google-site-verification=xyz...). Because only a domain owner can alter DNS records, this serves as immediate proof of ownership.
Query a TXT Record in Real Time
Enter a domain name to fetch and inspect all of its associated TXT records, including SPF policies:
KEY FACTS
Primary Use
Domain verification and email authentication policies
Format
Free text string (often structured as key-value pairs)
Character Limit
255 characters per string (longer strings can be concatenated)
OTHER DNS EXPLANATIONS