Text or TXT records are resource records in the Domain Name System (DNS) that may contain arbitrary text and can also be used to define machine readable text.

What are TXT records?

The most common uses of TXT records within Google Apps is to verify domain ownership and prevent email abuse through SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. TXT records are stored by your domain name provider and therefore must be changed with the provider. See Create TXT records for instructions.

The advantage of TXT records is that you can populate them with any text you desire. For instance, example.com might have a TXT record with value “google-site-verification=rXOxyZounnZasA8Z7oaD3c14JdjS9aKSWvsR1EbUSIQ” which may be used to verify domain ownership to activate Google Apps.

Ready to set up TXT records now?

To create TXT files for use in Google Apps, configure your TXT records as described below:

• I'm new to configuring TXT records. See create TXT records for step-by-step instructions for setting up TXT records with your domain host.


• I know how to configure TXT records. See TXT record values to find out exactly which values to enter for your TXT records.


• Need more help? Troubleshooting TXT records walks you through the process of getting TXT records working.

Need more information?

Please read our Basic Guide to DNS if you’re unfamiliar with the Domain Name System and review our Basic Guide to Domains to brush up on other related terms. Proceed to Create TXT records when you're ready.