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TXT Record Quick Summary:

A DNS TXT record stores text-based information inside a domain's DNS settings. It is commonly used for domain verification, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, email authentication, and security policies. TXT records are public, so they should never contain passwords, private keys, or secret API credentials.

What Is a TXT Record in DNS?

A TXT record in DNS is a type of DNS record that stores text information for a domain. "TXT" simply means "text." At first, TXT records were created to let domain owners add human-readable notes to DNS. Today, they are much more powerful.

TXT records are widely used for domain verification, email authentication, security policies, ownership checks, and service configuration. When a platform such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Mailchimp, Shopify, Meta, or a hosting provider wants to confirm that you own a domain, it often asks you to add a TXT record.

Think of a TXT record as a trusted public note attached to your domain. It does not usually display on your website, but other systems can read it to confirm important information.

For example, a TXT record can say:

"This domain is allowed to send email through these mail servers."

Or:

"This domain belongs to the user who added this verification code."

That makes TXT records one of the most useful and exciting parts of DNS. They help protect your brand, reduce email fraud, and connect your domain with trusted online services.

If you manage multiple domains or want faster diagnostics, modern DNS & Domain utility tools can help you review DNS data, detect mistakes, and save time.

How DNS TXT Records Work

DNS, or Domain Name System, is often called the phonebook of the internet. It connects domain names, such as example.com, to technical information that browsers, email servers, and online tools need.

A TXT record lives inside your domain's DNS zone. This zone is managed by your DNS provider, domain registrar, hosting company, or cloud DNS platform.

When another service needs to check a TXT record, it asks DNS for the TXT value connected to your domain. The DNS resolver then looks up the record from the authoritative name server and returns the text value.

A TXT record usually has these parts: