DNS TXT Record: Essential Guide to Email Security & Setup 

Key highlights 

• Learn the fundamental purpose of TXT records in DNS management. 
• Explore the most critical TXT record applications including SPF records for email authentication. 
• Understand the practical methods for locating and verifying TXT records using DNS lookup tools. 
• Know the correct syntax, character limits and formatting rules that govern TXT record creation. 
• Discover how TXT records support business operations through brand verification on social platforms. 

You’re setting up Google Workspace for your business email and suddenly you’re asked to add a “TXT record” to your domain. What does that even mean? If you’re feeling confused, dont worry.  DNS terminology can feel overwhelming, but TXT records are actually simpler than they sound. 

A TXT record is a type of DNS record that stores text-based information for your domain. Think of it as a digital sticky note attached to your website that can verify your identity, protect your emails from spam and even help secure your online presence. These records have become essential tools for website owners, small business operators and anyone managing their own domain. 

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a TXT record is, how to read the format and most importantly, how to add and manage these records yourself. Understanding TXT records will give you the confidence to handle your DNS settings without fear of breaking anything. 

So, let’s dive in to learn the details. 

What is a TXT record? 

A TXT record, which stands for “text record,” is a type of DNS record that allows domain owners to store human-readable text information in the Domain Name System. Unlike other DNS records that point to IP addresses or mail servers, TXT records simply contain text data that can be read by external systems and services. 

Originally, TXT records were designed as a way for domain administrators to add general notes or comments about their domains. However, they’ve evolved into one of the most versatile and widely used DNS record types for specific technical purposes. Today, TXT records serve critical functions for email authentication, domain verification, security policies and service integrations. 

The beauty of a TXT record lies in its flexibility. You can add multiple TXT records to your domain, each serving a different purpose. For example, one TXT record might verify your domain ownership for Google, another might authenticate your email server and a third could specify security policies for your website. 

From a technical standpoint, a DNS TXT record can contain up to 255 characters per string, with a total limit of 65,535 characters when multiple strings are combined. However, most practical applications use much shorter values. The text is typically enclosed in quotation marks and follows specific formatting rules depending on its intended purpose. 

Here’s what a basic TXT record looks like: 

• Host/Name: @ (represents your root domain) or a subdomain 
• Type: TXT 
• Value: The actual text data in quotes 
• TTL: Time to live (how long the record is cached) 

Understanding what a TXT record is, builds the foundation for using them effectively to manage your domain’s verification, security and email authentication needs. 

TXT record vs other DNS records 

To better understand where TXT records fit in the DNS ecosystem, it’s helpful to compare them with other common DNS record types. Each record type serves a specific function in directing internet traffic and providing information about your domain. 

Record type	Purpose	Example use
A Record	Points domain to IPv4 address	Connecting your website to hosting server
MX Record	Directs email traffic to mail servers	Routing incoming emails to your email provider
TXT Record	Stores text information for verification and authentication	Domain verification, email authentication, security policies
CNAME Record	Creates an alias pointing to another domain	Pointing subdomain to another domain

While A records and MX records directly affect how your website and email function, TXT records work behind the scenes. It verifies, authenticates and secures your domain’s various services. It doesn’t change where your website is hosted or how emails are delivered, but provides essential information that external services need to trust and work with your domain. 

What is the function of a DNS TXT record? 

While TXT records started as simple notes, they’ve become essential tools for website security, email authentication and domain verification. Modern internet services rely heavily on DNS TXT records to confirm identities, prevent fraud and establish trust. Let’s explore the three main functions that make TXT records indispensable for domain owners today. 

1. Email authentication and spam management 

One of the most critical uses of TXT records is protecting your email reputation and ensuring your messages reach their intended recipients. Three major email authentication protocols rely on TXT records to fight spam and phishing. 

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records: An SPF record is a specific type of TXT record that lists which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. When someone receives an email claiming to be from your domain, their email server checks your SPF TXT record to verify the sender is legitimate. This prevents spammers from spoofing your domain name. 
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records: DKIM adds a digital signature to your outgoing emails. The public key for verifying this signature is stored in a TXT record on your domain. Email providers can check this signature to confirm the email hasn’t been tampered with during transit and truly came from your domain. 
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) records: DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM by telling receiving email servers what to do if an email fails authentication checks. Your DMARC policy is stored as a TXT record and can instruct servers to quarantine or reject suspicious emails. 

These email txt records work together to dramatically improve your email deliverability and protect your domain from being used in phishing attacks. Major email providers like Gmail and Yahoo now require proper email authentication for bulk senders, making these TXT records essential for businesses. 

2. Domain verification and ownership 

Many online services need to confirm you actually own a domain before granting you access to their features. TXT records provide a simple and secure method for this verification process. 

• Google Search Console verification: When you add your website to Google Search Console, Google provides a unique verification code. You add this code as a TXT record to prove you control the domain. The google-site-verification txt record purpose is to establish your ownership so you can access search performance data and submit sitemaps. 
• Email service setup: Services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 require you to add specific TXT records during setup. This verification step confirms you have the authority to set up business email accounts for the domain. 
• Social media verification: Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to verify your company domain by adding a TXT record. This linkedin site verification txt record helps establish your organization’s authenticity on the platform. 
• SSL certificate validation: Some certificate authorities use TXT record verification when issuing SSL certificates, particularly for wildcard certificates that cover multiple subdomains. 
• Third-party service integrations: Many SaaS tools and marketing platforms require TXT record verification before allowing you to connect your domain, ensuring that only authorized users can integrate services with your domain. 

3. Website security and policies 

Beyond verification and email, TXT records help establish security policies and provide administrative information about your domain. 

Website owners can publish security policies through TXT records that inform browsers and other services about how to interact securely with their domain. These records might specify whether certain security features should be enforced or provide contact information for security researchers who discover vulnerabilities. 

Some organizations use TXT records to store general administrative notes about domain configurations, contact information or documentation references. While this is less common today, the flexibility remains available for those who need it. 

Let’s understand the components of TXT records and how to structure them. 

Understanding DNS TXT record format and structure 

Once you understand what TXT records do, the next step is learning how they’re structured. Knowing the anatomy of a TXT record helps you add them correctly and troubleshoot issues when things don’t work as expected. 

1. Basic TXT record components 

Every DNS TXT record consists of four main elements that you’ll need to configure when adding one to your domain. 

• Host/Name field: This specifies where the TXT record applies. The @ symbol represents your root domain (like [example].com), while subdomains are written out (like _dmarc.[example].com). The host record tells DNS servers exactly which domain or subdomain the text information applies to. Some TXT records require specific subdomain names, while others use the root domain. 
• Type: This field simply identifies the record as “TXT” to distinguish it from other DNS record types. When you’re adding a new DNS record, you’ll select TXT from a dropdown menu or type it directly. 
• Value/Data: This is the actual text content that gets stored in the DNS record. The txt value is typically enclosed in quotation marks and contains the verification code, authentication string or policy information. This is the most important part of the TXT record and must be copied exactly as provided by the service you’re setting up. 
• TTL (Time to Live): This setting determines how long other DNS servers should cache your TXT record before checking for updates. A common TTL is 3600 seconds (one hour), though some situations call for shorter or longer values. The default host value for txt record TTL works fine for most purposes. 

Understanding this DNS TXT record format helps you correctly enter the information when setting up services. The most common mistakes happen when people miss the quotation marks, add extra spaces or enter the wrong host value. 

2. Common TXT record examples 

Seeing real-world examples helps demystify how TXT records work in practice. Here are the most common types you’ll encounter. 

• Google site verification: Host: @  Value: "google-site-verification=abc123XYZ789randomstring"  This google-site-verification txt verifies your domain ownership with Google services. 
• SPF record for email: Host: @  Value: "v=spf1 include:mailserver.com ~all"  This spf or txt record authorizes specific servers to send email from your domain. 
• DMARC policy: Host: _dmarc  Value: "v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@[example].com"  This sets your email authentication policy and reporting preferences. 
• DKIM signature: Host: default._domainkey  Value: "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA..."  This provides the public key for verifying email signatures. 

Each of these record txt examples serves a specific purpose and uses a particular format. When you’re adding TXT records, you’ll typically copy and paste these values from the service provider’s setup instructions. The key is ensuring you use the exact host name and value specified, as even small variations can prevent the record from working correctly.

Having the right kind of hosting can make DNS management easier for you. Let’s learn about the best hosting for DNS TXT management. 

Why choose Bluehost for DNS management? 

When it comes to DNS management, having the right hosting provider makes all the difference. Bluehost Web Hosting offers several advantages that simplify the process of working with TXT records and other DNS settings: 

• Our user-friendly interface provides a clean way for managing your DNS records without requiring technical expertise. You don’t need to understand complex command-line tools or navigate confusing dashboards. Everything is organized with clear labels and helpful guidance. 
• Free DNS management comes included with all Bluehost hosting plans, giving you complete control over your TXT records, A records, MX records and all other DNS settings at no additional cost. There are no hidden fees or premium tiers required to access DNS functionality. 
• 24/7 expert support means you’re never alone when configuring DNS settings. If you’re unsure about adding a specific TXT record or troubleshooting a verification issue, Bluehost’s support team is available around the clock to assist you. 

Advantages of Bluehost Web Hosting: 

• Built-in monitoring ensures your site remains secure, fast and stable with zero manual effort 
• 99.99% of uptime guarantee ensures your site stays online and available 
• NVMe SSD storage delivers load times under one second for most WordPress and static sites 

Bluehost Web Hosting lets you enjoy all the advantages of high-end hosting without having to go into ant technical hassle. 

Let learn how to check and manage TXT records. 

How to check and manage TXT records? 

Knowing how to find, verify and manage your domain’s TXT records is essential for troubleshooting issues and maintaining your website’s security and functionality. Whether you’re confirming a new record has propagated or investigating an authentication problem, these skills will save you time and frustration. 

1. How to find TXT records for your domain? 

Before adding new TXT records, you might want to see what’s already configured for your domain. There are several ways to perform a txt record lookup and verify your current settings. 

Online DNS lookup tools: The easiest method for most users is using a DNS TXT checker website. These tools let you query your domain’s DNS records without any technical knowledge. 

To use an online txt record checker: 

1. Visit a DNS lookup tool website 
2. Enter your domain name in the search field 
3. Select “TXT” as the record type from the dropdown menu 
4. Click “Lookup,” “Check” or “Search” 
5. View all TXT records currently published for your domain 

Popular options include MXToolbox, DNSChecker.org and various other free dns txt record lookup services. These tools show you not only the record txt data but also which DNS servers are responding and whether records have propagated globally. 

Command line tools: If you’re comfortable with technical tools, you can check txt records using command line utilities. On Windows, you can use “nslookup -type=txt [example].com” in Command Prompt. On Mac or Linux, the “dig [example].com TXT” command provides detailed information about your domain’s text records. 

Control panel methods: Most hosting control panels like cPanel include DNS management sections where you can view domain txt records directly. This cpanel txt record viewer shows all your DNS records in one place, making it easy to verify txt record entries and see what’s configured. 

2. How to add or edit TXT records? 

Adding a txt record for domain verification or email authentication follows a similar process across most hosting providers, though the exact interface varies. Here’s the general process for how to get txt record for domain services set up correctly. 

Step 1: Log into your DNS management panel or hosting control panel. This might be your domain registrar, hosting provider or a separate DNS service. 

Step 2: Navigate to the DNS settings, DNS zone editor or DNS management section. The exact name varies by provider, but look for anything related to DNS or domain settings. 

Step 3: Look for an option to add a new record, often labeled “Add Record,” “Create New Record” or similar. 

Step 4: Select “TXT” as the record type from the available options. 

Step 5: Enter the host name. For root domain records, use @ or leave it blank (depending on your provider). For subdomain records, enter the exact subdomain specified in your setup instructions. 

Step 6: Paste the TXT record value into the value or data field. Make sure to copy it exactly as provided, including any quotation marks if required by your control panel. 

Step 7: Set the TTL or leave it at the default value (usually 3600 seconds or “automatic”). 

Step 8: Save or add the record. 

Step 9: Wait for DNS propagation. Changes typically take 5-15 minutes but can take up to 24-48 hours to fully propagate across the internet. 

Remember that your domain can have multiple txt records serving different purposes. You’re not replacing existing records unless you’re specifically updating one – you’re simply adding another txt record to your domain’s DNS configuration. 

3. Common TXT record issues and troubleshooting 

Even experienced administrators sometimes encounter problems when working with TXT records. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them. 

• DNS propagation delays: The most frequent “problem” isn’t actually a problem at all. DNS changes take time to spread across the internet. If your verification isn’t working immediately, wait 15-30 minutes and try again. Full propagation can take up to 48 hours, though it’s usually much faster. 
• Incorrect formatting: Missing or extra quotation marks, spaces or characters will prevent TXT records from working. Always copy and paste values directly from the source rather than typing them manually. Check that you haven’t accidentally added line breaks or extra spaces. 
• Wrong host value: Using @ when you should use a subdomain (or vice versa) is a common mistake. Double-check whether the record should be added to your root domain or a specific subdomain like dmarc or domainkey. 
• Character limit exceeded: While rare with standard applications, extremely long TXT records might exceed the 255-character string limit. Some control panels handle this automatically by splitting the value, but others might reject it. 
• Duplicate records: Having multiple TXT records with identical host names but different values can cause problems with some services. Most domains should only have one SPF record, for example, though you can list multiple authorized servers within that single record. 
• Typos in the value: Even a single incorrect character in your TXT record value will prevent verification or authentication from working. If you’ve waited for propagation and things still aren’t working, use a txt check tool to verify the record is exactly as specified. 

Now that we’ve learned all about DNS TXT, let’s wrap up with some final words.  

Final thoughts 

Understanding what a TXT record is empowers you to take control of your domain’s verification, security and email authentication needs. These simple DNS text records serve as the foundation for proving domain ownership, preventing email spam and integrating countless online services with your website. 

While TXT records might have seemed mysterious at first, you now know they’re just text entries in your DNS that communicate important information to external services. Whether you’re adding a DNS TXT record for Google verification or configuring domain verification for third-party tools, the process follows the same basic pattern:  

• Identify the correct host value 
• Paste the provided text string  
• Save your changes 

Managing TXT records doesn’t require advanced technical skills, especially when you have the right hosting partner. With straightforward DNS management tools and expert support available when you need it, you can confidently configure your domain’s TXT records. 

Ready to simplify your DNS management experience? Bluehost provides intuitive DNS controls and 24/7 support to help you manage all your DNS records, including TXT records for email authentication and domain verification. Start your website with Bluehost Web Hosting today! 

FAQs