TXT records are a type of Domain Name System (DNS) record that contains text information for sources outside of your domain. You add these records to your domain settings.

You can use TXT records for various purposes. Google uses them to verify domain ownership and to ensure email security.

Use TXT records to verify domain ownership

When you set up your Google Workspace or Google Cloud account, Google gives you a record to add to your domain settings. When Google sees that you’ve added the record, your domain ownership is confirmed. Get step-by-step instructions.

Note: If you purchased your domain when you signed up for Google Workspace, you don’t need to verify.

Use TXT records to ensure email security

Use TXT records with Google Workspace to prevent phishing, spamming, and other malicious activity:

• Sender Policy Framework (SPF) records protect your domain from being used to send spam.
• Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM) signing uses encryption to secure the content of your email.
• Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) authentication gives you control over SPF and DKIM policies.
• MTA-STS increases security for SMTP connections when both sending and receiving servers use this standard.

Add TXT records

To add a TXT record, you need to sign in separately with your domain host. Your domain host is typically where you purchased your domain name. If you’re not sure who that is, you can identify your domain host.

For more information on creating TXT records, contact your domain host’s support team.