Stores arbitrary text data, commonly used for verification and email authentication
The TXT (Text) record stores arbitrary text strings in DNS. Originally designed for human-readable notes, TXT records are now essential for various verification and security mechanisms.
The most common uses are email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and domain verification for services like Google, Microsoft, and SSL certificate authorities. TXT records can contain up to 255 characters per string, but multiple strings can be concatenated.
TXT records are crucial for email deliverability. Without proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, your emails are more likely to be marked as spam.
domain.com. IN TXT "text content here"example.com. 3600 IN TXT "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"This SPF record authorizes Google's mail servers to send email on behalf of example.com.