How to create a TXT record

Creating a TXT record is an essential step for anyone managing domain names and looking to enhance their website’s functionality, especially in areas such as email verification, security, and SEO. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a TXT record, explaining the terminology involved, and how it fits into the broader context of hosting, colocation, and server management.

Understanding TXT Records

TXT records, or Text records, are a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that allows domain owners to insert text into their DNS records. These records can be used for various purposes, such as:

Email Verification: TXT records help verify domain ownership for email services, preventing spam and ensuring legitimate email delivery through protocols like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail).

Website Security: Many services use TXT records to implement security measures, like domain verification for SSL certificates.

Service Configuration: Some cloud services and API providers may require TXT records for configuration or verification.

Why You Need a TXT Record

As businesses increasingly rely on digital communication, setting up a TXT record can significantly improve your domain's email deliverability and security. For example, if you're using a cloud service for your email, you may need to create a TXT record to authenticate your domain. Similarly, if you are hosting a website, you may need to add TXT records for services like Google Search Console or Microsoft 365.

Steps to Create a TXT Record

Step 1: Access Your DNS Management Tool

To create a TXT record, you will first need to access the DNS management tool provided by your domain registrar or cloud hosting provider. This is where you can manage various DNS records, including A records, CNAME records, MX records, and TXT records.

Log into your account on your domain registrar's or hosting provider's website.

Navigate to the DNS Management or DNS Settings section. The exact wording may vary depending on the provider.

Step 2: Locate Your Domain

In the DNS management tool, locate the domain for which you want to create the TXT record. If you have multiple domains, make sure you select the correct one.

Step 3: Add a New TXT Record

Look for an option to Add Record or Create New Record. Choose the option for adding a TXT record.

Host/Name: This field is typically used to specify the domain or subdomain for the record. For the root domain, you can often leave this field blank or enter "@".

Value/Text: In this field, enter the text you want to associate with your domain. For example, if you are setting up an SPF record, it might look something like this:
makefile
v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all

TTL (Time to Live): This setting determines how long the record will be cached by DNS servers. You can usually leave this at the default setting, which is often set to 3600 seconds (1 hour).

Step 4: Save Your Changes

After entering the necessary information, click the Save or Add Record button to create the TXT record. It may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet, so be patient.

Step 5: Verify Your TXT Record

Once you’ve created the TXT record, it’s essential to verify that it has been set up correctly. You can use various online tools to check your DNS records. Here’s how:

Use a DNS lookup tool (such as MXToolbox or DNSChecker).

Enter your domain name and select the option to look up TXT records.

Check the results to ensure your new TXT record appears as expected.

Conclusion

Creating a TXT record is a straightforward process that plays a crucial role in domain management, especially in the realms of hosting and server management. Whether you're looking to improve your email deliverability or enhance your website's security, understanding how to create and manage TXT records is essential. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your domain remains secure and functional in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

By mastering TXT records and other DNS settings, you’re taking a significant step towards efficient domain management, which is critical in today's online world where hosting and server configurations are paramount. Whether you’re a business owner, a webmaster, or simply someone managing a personal website, having a solid grasp of these concepts will serve you well in optimizing your online presence.