What Is a TXT Record?
Understanding TXT records and their uses in DNS
Table of Contents
What Is a TXT Record?
A TXT record is a DNS record that stores text data for domains. TXT records are versatile and can store any text information. Common uses include: SPF records (specifying authorized mail servers), DKIM records (storing DKIM public keys), DMARC records (storing DMARC policies), domain verification (verifying domain ownership), and other text data.
TXT records are essential for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and domain verification. TXT records can contain multiple strings (up to 255 characters each) and are commonly used for email authentication and security purposes.
Check SPF records, DKIM records, and DMARC records stored as TXT records.
TXT Record Uses
TXT records are used for various purposes:
Email Authentication
- SPF records: Specifying authorized mail servers
- DKIM records: Storing DKIM public keys
- DMARC records: Storing DMARC policies
Domain Verification
- Domain ownership verification
- Service verification (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
- SSL certificate verification
Other Uses
- Domain information
- Contact information
- Service-specific data
Multiple Strings
TXT records can contain multiple strings (up to 255 characters each) for longer content.
SPF TXT Records
What Are SPF Records?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records are stored as TXT records and specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails for a domain.
SPF Record Format
SPF records are published as TXT records: v=spf1 ip4:192.0.2.1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
SPF Record Uses
SPF records prevent email spoofing and improve deliverability by specifying authorized mail servers.
Checking SPF Records
Check SPF records stored as TXT records to verify email authentication configuration.
DKIM TXT Records
What Are DKIM Records?
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) public keys are stored as TXT records under selector subdomains (e.g., selector._domainkey.example.com).
DKIM Record Format
DKIM records are published as TXT records: v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=publickeydata...
DKIM Record Uses
DKIM records enable email authentication by providing public keys for DKIM signature verification.
Checking DKIM Records
Check DKIM records stored as TXT records to verify DKIM configuration.
DMARC TXT Records
What Are DMARC Records?
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) policies are stored as TXT records at: _dmarc.example.com
DMARC Record Format
DMARC records are published as TXT records: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com
DMARC Record Uses
DMARC records specify how ISPs should handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM authentication checks.
Checking DMARC Records
Check DMARC records stored as TXT records to verify DMARC policy configuration.
Checking TXT Records
1. DNS Lookup Tools
Use DNS lookup tools to query TXT records and retrieve text data for domains.
2. Command Line Tools
Use command-line tools (dig, nslookup) to query TXT records: dig TXT example.com
3. Authentication Tools
Use our authentication tools to check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records stored as TXT records:
- Check SPF records
- Check DKIM records
- Check DMARC records
4. Domain Health Check
Use our domain health check to verify DNS configuration including TXT records.
5. Comprehensive Authentication
Use our email authentication checker to verify all authentication protocols stored as TXT records.
