Table of Contents
What is a TXT Record?
A TXT record is a type of DNS record that allows you to store additional text information about your domain. TXT records are commonly used for:
- Email authentication (SPF, DKIM)
- Domain ownership verification (Google Site Verification, Zoom verification)
- Providing additional domain or contact information
- Configuring security protocols like DMARC
TXT records are flexible, allowing you to store virtually any text-based information in the DNS system.
Why Add a TXT Record?
There are a few common reasons you may want to add a TXT record in Namecheap:
Email Authentication
TXT records allow you to configure SPF and DKIM for your domain’s email. This helps prevent spoofing and improves email deliverability rates.
Domain Verification
Many services require you to prove ownership of your domain before allowing you to use their products. TXT records allow you to instantly verify domain ownership.
Additional Domain Information
TXT records allow you to store additional descriptive info about your domain. This can include contact information, intended website purpose, etc.
Security Protocols
Protocols like DMARC use TXT records to help secure emails and prevent spoofing/phishing.
How to Add a TXT Record in Namecheap
Adding a TXT record in Namecheap is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Login to your Namecheap account and click “Domain List”
- Find the domain you want to edit and click “Manage”
- Select the “Advanced DNS” tab
- Click “Add New Record”
- Choose “TXT Record” as the record type
- Enter the “Host” (subdomain to apply the record to)
- Enter the TXT value in the “TXT Value” field
- Adjust TTL if needed
- Click “Add Record”
Example:
Host: @
TXT Value: google-site-verification=verification_code
TTL: Automatic
This would add a root domain TXT record for Google Site Verification.
Important TXT Record Tips
- The “Host” field specifies the subdomain the TXT record applies to. Leave it blank to add a root domain TXT record.
- TXT value data depends on the verification service requirements. Make sure to enter the exact verification code/text provided.
- Lower TTL values help propagate changes faster. Set to Automatic unless you have a specific reason to change it.
TXT Record Use Cases and Examples
Here are some common examples of TXT records you may want to add in Namecheap:
Domain Verification Records
Google Site Verification
Host: @
TXT Value: google-site-verification=verification_code
Verifies site ownership for Google services.
Zoom Domain Verification
Host: @
TXT Value: zoomverify code
Verifies domain ownership for Zoom products.
Email Authentication Records
SPF TXT Record
Used to prevent email spoofing:
Host: @
TXT Value: v=spf1 a mx include:spf.privateemail.com ~all
DKIM TXT Record
Used to validate outbound emails:
Host: default._domainkey
TXT Value: DKIM public key
DKIM record values are generated in Namecheap email settings.
DMARC TXT Record
Used to configure the DMARC email security protocol:
Host: _dmarc
TXT Value: v=DMARC1; p=none
Conclusion
Adding TXT records in Namecheap is easy and only takes a few minutes. TXT records allow you to store additional text information about your domain for verification, authentication and descriptive purposes.
Common use cases include email authentication, domain ownership verification and configuring security protocols like DMARC or SPF.
To add a TXT record, simply login to Namecheap, navigate to Advanced DNS, click “Add New Record” and fill out the TXT record fields. Make sure to use the exact verification data provided by any third party verification services.
With the power and flexibility of TXT records, you can optimize your domain’s email deliverability, integrate with web services, prove domain ownership and enhance security.