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Website explainer · 1:47

DNS TXT Records Explained: Verification and Email Authentication

Why does a service ask you to add a TXT record? DNS can publish text values for uses such as domain verification.

Jersey Web video: Text in DNS? It has a purpose.

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: TXT publishes a text value

    It stores text information under a DNS record name.

    On-screen labels: Record name; Text value; Published DNS answer.

  2. Step 2: Verification is a common use

    A provider can check a requested value to confirm domain control.

    On-screen labels: Provider challenge; Published value; Domain-control check.

  3. Step 3: Email can use TXT records

    SPF and other authentication settings can rely on published DNS text.

    On-screen labels: Email authentication; Correct record name; Provider instructions.

  4. Step 4: Use the exact requested name

    Some services use the main domain; others use a specific subdomain.

    On-screen labels: Requested hostname; Correct domain zone; Exact text value.

  5. Step 5: Preserve unrelated records

    A new verification value is not a reason to delete existing email settings.

    On-screen labels: Existing TXT values; Email configuration; Controlled change.

  6. Step 6: Confirm the provider result

    After publishing, complete the provider check and record the purpose.

    On-screen labels: Visible DNS value; Provider confirmation; Documented owner.

A practical check for your business

Identify the service that requires the TXT value and the precise hostname it belongs under. Copy the provider's current instruction carefully and verify the resulting record without exposing sensitive values unnecessarily.

Sources and further detail

Common questions

Why does a service ask you to add a TXT record?

DNS can publish text values for uses such as domain verification. Keep the purpose and owner of each DNS record documented.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 5 min read → Jargon Buster TXT record explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation →

Keep the purpose and owner of each DNS record documented.

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