How to Look Up and Manage TXT DNS Records
TXT records are the most versatile DNS record type. They store arbitrary text data and are used for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), domain ownership verification, and security policies. A cluttered or misconfigured TXT record set can break email delivery and expose your domain to spoofing. Regularly auditing your TXT records is essential.
Look up TXT records now
Use our free TXT Lookup tool to see every TXT record published for any domain.
Step 1: Query All TXT Records
Start by retrieving all TXT records for your root domain. Use the TXT Lookup tool or run:
dig example.com TXT +short
# or
nslookup -type=txt example.comYou will typically see SPF records, domain verification tokens, and possibly other entries. Make note of each one.
Step 2: Identify Each Record's Purpose
Common TXT records and how to recognize them:
- SPF: Starts with
v=spf1. Defines authorized mail senders. - DMARC: Published at
_dmarc.example.com. Starts withv=DMARC1. - DKIM: Published at
selector._domainkey.example.com. Starts withv=DKIM1. - Domain verification: Tokens like
google-site-verification=...orms=....
Step 3: Check for Conflicts and Duplicates
The most common TXT record mistake is having multiple SPF records on the same domain. The SPF specification requires exactly one v=spf1 record. If you find two, merge them into one. Validate the result with the SPF Checker.
Step 4: Remove Obsolete Records
Over time, TXT records accumulate from services you no longer use. Old verification tokens, deprecated SPF includes, and test records create clutter and can interfere with DNS response sizes. Review each record and remove any that are no longer needed. When in doubt, check with the service provider before deleting.
Step 5: Verify After Changes
After adding, modifying, or removing TXT records, run the TXT Lookup tool again to confirm your changes have propagated. Also run the SPF Checker, DKIM Checker, and DMARC Checker to ensure email authentication is still intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple TXT records on the same domain?
Yes, you can have multiple TXT records on the same domain. However, you should only have one SPF record (starting with v=spf1). Multiple SPF records will cause authentication failures. DKIM and DMARC records use different subdomains so they do not conflict.
What is the maximum length of a TXT record?
A single TXT string can be up to 255 characters. For longer values like SPF records, the record is split into multiple strings that DNS automatically concatenates. Most DNS providers handle this splitting transparently.
How do I know which TXT records are safe to delete?
Domain verification TXT records (from Google, Microsoft, etc.) can usually be removed after verification is complete. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records should never be removed while in use. Check with each service provider before deleting any TXT record.