Verify your domain with a TXT record (2024)

Why do I need to do this?

We don't want someone else to use your domain tosign up forGoogle Workspace. You can help us keep yourdomain safe by showing us that you are the owner.

How this works

Everydomain (likeyour-company.com)has a set of DNS records that can be viewed by anyone on the internet. DNS records tell computershow to find your website and where to deliver your company's email messages.

You'll copy a verification code from the Google Workspacesetup tool.
You'll sign in to your domain registrarandpaste the verification code in to the DNS records for your domain.
After your domain registrar publishes your verificationcode, we'll know youare the owner of your domain.

Explain this more

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A Beginner's Guide to Signing up for Google Workspace

I'm an advanced user—show me technical details & alternatives

You're about to add a TXT record to the DNS settings at your domain registrar. This is the easiest method for most newGoogle Workspaceadministrators.

If you prefer a different verification method, you can also use the setup toolto add a CNAME recordat your domain registrar. This is similar to the TXT verification method described later on this page.
If your domain doesn't have MX records used by anexisting email provider, you might be able to use an MX record to confirm your domain ownership. Note:The setup tool onlyoffers this option if it determines that your domain is eligible for this verification method.

To use one of these other verification methods, clickSwitch verification methodswhen you open the setup tool.

Tab 1: Sign in to your domain registrar

You update your domain settings at your domain registrar's website, not at Google. To get started, make sure you have the account ID and password needed to sign in to your domain registrar.

Google can't sign in to your domain registrar—only a domain's owner can do that. So please contact your registrar if you need help accessing this account.

Who is my domain registrar?

Usually your domain registrar is:

The company where you boughtyour domain.
The company that hosts your website.

Help me identify my registrar

Tip: The setup tool in the next step might also be able to identify your domain registrar.

Tab 2: Open theGoogle Workspace setup tool

You get instructions and complete this task using thesetup tool.You must use the setup tool to complete this task.

If you don't already have the setup tool open in another tab, click the following to open it.

Open the setup tool

To continue, follow the instructions in the setup tool and return to this page only if you need more information.

I'm stuck and need help

I get an error when I clickthe blue button

The setup tool is forGoogle Workspaceand Cloud Identity administrators only. It doesn't work with any other Google product.

Make sure you're signing in with anadmin account.

Follow these instructions to add your verification code

Work across the two tabs you opened, as follows:

Find your DNS records

(a)

Open a new tab and sign in to your registrar's website. This is usually the place where you bought your domain or where you host your web site.

(b)

Findthe page on your registrar's site where you manage the domains you own.

(c)

Selectthe domain you're setting up today and look for the place where you manage DNS records.

This page might be called:

DNS settings or DNS management
Advanced settings
Name server management
Control panel

Important: If you have trouble finding DNS records, contact yourregistrar for help.

Add your verification code

(a)

In the setup tool, copy your verification code.

(b)

Switch to the tab withyour registrar's web site and create a new TXT record.

Look for a field calledName. This field might also be calledHost,Hostname,orAlias.
Many registrars want you to enter@in this field. Some might want you to enter your domain name or a subdomain. Contact your registrar if you need help with this.
Paste the verification code youcopiedfrom the setup tool into theValuefield. This field might also be calledData,Answer, orDestination.

(c)

Save your new TXT record.

Your verification code will soon be visible to other computersonthe internet.

Tell Google to verify your code

(a)

Return to the browser tab where you have theGoogle Workspacesetup tool open. (You can reopen the tool if you closed it.)

(b)

On the page where you copied your verification code, scroll to the bottomand click Protectdomain.

Important:Some registrars may require additional time to publish your verification code. If theGoogle Workspacesetup tool can't find your new TXT record, wait an hour before you try again.

If you need additional help with your DNS settings, contact your registrar. They are experts in managing your domain and are eager to help you.

Next steps

Return to theGoogle Workspace setup tool, where you can:
- Add other users to your account.
- Activate Gmail for your organization.
Review thequick start guides to continue setting upGoogle Workspacefor your organization.

Get support

If you need help with verificationyou cancontact Google Workspace support.

Next steps (Google Workspace only)

After you verify your domain, you can set up Gmail with Google Workspace. Keep the Admin Console and your domain host siteopen in your browser. In a new tab or window, open detailed instructions for setting up Gmail with your host.

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