How to verify a domain with a DNS TXT record in Google Search Console
Add a Domain property, copy the TXT record that starts with google-site-verification=, add it at your DNS provider on the root of the domain and click Verify. If it fails, wait for DNS to propagate and try again.
This is for anyone adding a whole domain to Search Console, including every subdomain and both http and https. A Domain property can only be verified through DNS, so you copy one TXT record into your DNS provider and click Verify. If you cannot touch DNS, a URL prefix property with an HTML file or tag is the alternative.
Before you start
You need a Google account and access to the DNS settings of the domain, such as at Cloudflare, your registrar or Route 53.
- Time
- About 5 minutes, plus DNS propagation
- Account
- Not walked yet
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1
Open Add property
Open Search Console, click the property selector at the top left and choose Add property. On a new account the welcome page shows the same choice.
You should see: A dialog called Select property type with two boxes, Domain and URL prefix.
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2
Enter the domain
In the Domain box, type the bare domain, such as example.com, with no https and no www, and click Continue.
You should see: A dialog called Verify domain ownership via DNS record, with a TXT record value and a Copy button.
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3
Copy the TXT record
Click Copy next to the value starting google-site-verification=.
You should see: The value copied, ready to paste.
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4
Add the record at your DNS provider
At your DNS provider, add a new TXT record. Set the Name or Host to @ (or leave it blank for the root) and paste the full value as the content. Save it.
You should see: A new TXT record on the root of the domain at your DNS provider.
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5
Click Verify
Back in Search Console, click Verify in the dialog.
You should see: Ownership verified, with a Go to property button. Or a Verification failed message if DNS has not caught up.
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6
Retry if it failed
If verification failed, wait, then open the property from the selector and click Verify again.
You should see: Ownership verified once the record is visible.
If it does not work
Verification failed, the TXT record was not found. Check the record with a DNS lookup tool. If it is missing, it may be on the wrong name, such as example.com.example.com. Put it on the root (@) and wait for propagation.
The record shows in a lookup but Search Console still cannot find it. Make sure the value includes google-site-verification= and has no extra quotes or spaces. Some providers add quotes for you, so do not type your own.
You cannot edit the domain's DNS. Add a URL prefix property instead, such as https://www.example.com/, and verify it with the HTML file or HTML tag method. It covers only that exact prefix.
The property became unverified weeks later. The TXT record was removed, often during a DNS migration. Add the same record back and click Verify.
Questions
What is the difference between a Domain property and a URL prefix property?
A Domain property covers example.com, www, every other subdomain and both http and https, and needs DNS verification. A URL prefix property covers only the exact address you enter, such as https://www.example.com/, and can be verified with an HTML file, a meta tag, Google Analytics or Tag Manager.
Where do I put the TXT record?
On the root of the domain. Most DNS providers write the root as @ or leave the Name field empty. Paste the whole value, including google-site-verification=.
Can I remove the TXT record after verifying?
No. Search Console checks it again from time to time, and removing it can unverify the property. Leave it in place.
Verification failed. How long should I wait?
DNS changes are often visible within minutes but can take up to a day or two. Search Console says it could not find the record; wait and click Verify again from the property.
I already have a TXT record for SPF. Does the new one replace it?
No. A name can hold several TXT records. Add the Google one as a separate TXT record and leave SPF alone.
How we checked
Verified 11 Oct 2026 against the live interface on not walked yet.
Related guides
Ready to do it?
Run these 6 steps on your own Google Search Console page. Each step shows in a panel on the page, Next when you are ready.