TXT Record Lookup
What Are DNS TXT Records?
DNS TXT (text) records store arbitrary text data associated with a domain name. While originally designed for human-readable notes, TXT records have become essential for email authentication, domain verification, and security policies. Most domains have multiple TXT records serving different purposes, and understanding them is critical for email deliverability and domain management.
The most common use of TXT records is email authentication. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records define which mail servers are authorized to send email for a domain. They start with "v=spf1" and list approved senders using mechanisms like ip4:, include:, and qualifiers like -all or ~all. A properly configured SPF record is the foundation of email deliverability and helps prevent domain spoofing.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) uses TXT records to publish public keys that receiving mail servers use to verify email signatures. DKIM records are typically stored at a subdomain like selector._domainkey.example.com. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is another TXT record at _dmarc.example.com that tells receiving servers what to do when SPF or DKIM checks fail.
TXT records are also widely used for domain ownership verification. When you add a domain to services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Facebook Business, or analytics platforms, they ask you to create a TXT record with a unique verification token. Once the service detects the record, it confirms you control the domain. These verification records are often safe to remove after the initial verification.
Our TXT record lookup tool retrieves all TXT records for a domain and displays them in a readable format. After viewing your TXT records, validate your email configuration with our SPF Checker, DKIM Checker, and DMARC Checker tools, or use DNS Lookup to query other record types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS TXT record?
A DNS TXT record stores arbitrary text data associated with a domain. TXT records are primarily used for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), domain ownership verification, and security policies.
What is an SPF record?
An SPF record is a TXT record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send email for your domain. It starts with v=spf1 followed by approved sender mechanisms. SPF helps prevent email spoofing and improves deliverability.
How are TXT records used for domain verification?
Services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 ask you to add a TXT record with a unique token to prove domain ownership. Once detected, the service confirms you control the domain.
Can a domain have multiple TXT records?
Yes, a domain can have multiple TXT records for different purposes: SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and verification entries all coexist. However, a domain should have only one SPF record to avoid validation failures.