Verifying domain ownership

Why services ask you to verify

Anyone can claim to own any domain. Verification is the way a service confirms you actually have control over the DNS settings for a domain, proving you're the legitimate owner.

The most common method is TXT record verification. The service gives you a unique string of text, you add it as a TXT record in your DNS, and the service then checks your DNS to confirm the record is there. Only someone with access to the domain's DNS can add that record, which is what makes it good evidence of ownership. Google puts it bluntly in its own Workspace documentation: "DNS records are the best way to ensure that the owner of a domain is the one who's signing up for Google Workspace. Other verification methods, such as HTML strings or meta tags, can be used by malicious actors to create fraudulent Google Workspace accounts."

Common verification scenarios

One Search Console detail worth knowing: the DNS method is the only way to verify a Domain property, which is the property type that covers every subdomain and both http and https. The file and tag methods only work for a single URL prefix.

How to add a TXT verification record

Alternative verification methods

Some services offer alternative methods if you can't edit DNS:

• HTML fileUpload a specific file to your website's root directory
• HTML meta tagAdd a specific tag to the head section of your homepage
• CNAME recordAdd a CNAME record to DNS (some services use this instead of TXT)
• An existing Google snippetSearch Console can verify a site through a Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager snippet that's already on the page
• MX recordMicrosoft 365 accepts one if you can't add a TXT record

We recommend the TXT record method where available. It's the method Google itself calls the best way to prove ownership, and unlike a file or a tag it doesn't disappear when someone redesigns the site.

Common questions

Related guides

• Domains & DNS, explained simplyDNS records explained (A, CNAME, MX, TXT)A plain-English guide to the four DNS record types you'll encounter most often (A, CNAME, MX, and TXT) and what each one does.
• Domains & DNS, explained simplyWhat is DNS?A plain-English explanation of the Domain Name System: how it works, why it matters, and what it has to do with your website and email.
• Domains & DNS, explained simplyDNS propagation: why changes take timeWhy DNS changes don't take effect instantly, how long propagation takes, and what to do while you wait.
• Giving us access, explainedGive us access to manage your DNSHow to securely grant our team access to your DNS records so we can connect your domain to your new website and email systems.
• Domains & DNS, explained simplyCommon DNS problems & fixesA troubleshooting guide for the most frequent DNS problems, including website not loading, email not working, and SSL errors after DNS changes.