TXT Record

A TXT record, short for Text Record, is a type of Domain Name System (DNS) record that allows domain administrators to associate text information with a domain. TXT records are widely used for email authentication, domain verification, and providing additional domain-related information.

What Is a TXT Record?

A TXT record stores human-readable or machine-readable text within the DNS for a given domain. While originally designed to hold general descriptive text, today TXT records primarily serve security and email authentication purposes.

Modern applications of TXT records include implementing protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to reduce email spoofing and improve deliverability.

They also play a role in services such as domain verification for SaaS platforms, SSL certificate validation, and ownership verification by search engines.

Each TXT record consists of:

1. Hostname: The domain or subdomain the record applies to
2. Value: The text string containing configuration details or verification codes
3. Time to live (TTL): Determines how long the record is cached by DNS servers

How Does a TXT Record Work?

When a TXT record is added to DNS:

1. A request is made (such as an email authentication check or domain verification)
2. The querying system retrieves the TXT record value associated with the domain
3. The system reads the text instructions and validates the information (e.g., confirming SPF alignment or domain ownership)

For example, an SPF TXT record might include:  "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all." This tells receiving mail servers which IP addresses are authorized to send emails on behalf of the domain.

Why Is a TXT Record Important?

TXT records play a critical role in:

• Email security: Enforcing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC policies to prevent spoofing and phishing
• Domain verification: Proving ownership for services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and other SaaS tools
• Compliance: Making sure businesses meet authentication requirements for improved deliverability
• Operational transparency: Storing additional domain configuration details for external systems

An incorrect TXT record configuration can result in email delivery failures, inability to verify domain ownership, and increased vulnerability to spoofing.

Common Use Cases

TXT records are commonly used for:

• SPF implementation: Defining authorized email-sending servers
• DKIM setup: Storing public keys for message authentication
• DMARC policy publishing: Specifying how mail servers should handle failed authentication checks
• Third-party verification: Confirming domain ownership for services like analytics, ads, and SSL providers

Example scenario: A business adds a TXT record to verify its domain for Google Workspace and configure SPF to authorize Google’s mail servers for outbound email.

FAQs About TXT Record

Can a domain have multiple TXT records?

Yes. Domains often have multiple TXT records for SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and verification purposes.

How long does it take for TXT record changes to propagate?

Usually within a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on DNS caching and TTL settings.

Do TXT records affect website performance?

No. TXT records are lightweight and only queried when needed for authentication or verification.

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