Question 1

What is a DNS TXT record?

Accepted Answer

A TXT record, also known as a text record, is a type of Domain Name System record (DNS record) that stores all textual information about a domain and allows the domain administrator to enter text. This information contains human-readable text such as server names, network types, and data centers. Even though the TXT record was originally developed to store human-readable values, the TXT record can now also contain machine-readable data.

Question 2

What is an example of a TXT record?

Accepted Answer

TXT records are designed for short, simple text values and don't have strict formatting requirements, but there are still some guidelines you should follow. Keeping TXT records concise and relevant to your needs is generally advisable to avoid potential issues.
 
An example of a DNS TXT record for less than 255 characters:
 
| Domain Name | Record Type | Value | TTL |
|-------------------------|----------------------|----------|--------|
| glockapps.co | TXT | “text sample” | 5 min |

If you create a TXT record with a text value longer than 255 characters, you must break it into separate parts by adding each part after the decimal point in the text field. Each part of the text that is longer than 255 characters must be enclosed in double quotes.
Here is an example of a DNS TXT record for more than 255 characters:
 
| Domain Name | Record Type | Value | TTL |
|-------------------------|----------------------|----------|--------|
| glockapps.co | TXT | “text sample” “text sample” | 5 min |

Question 3

Can I have multiple DNS TXT records for one domain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have multiple DNS TXT records for one domain. Most DNS providers allow you to add multiple TXT records for a domain, and typically multiple TXT records are used for different purposes such as SPF, DKIM, domain validation, and others. Check with your DNS provider or system documentation to learn about any special restrictions and conditions that must be followed to avoid any potential DNS resolution or management issues.

Question 4

Why use TXT records?

Accepted Answer

Storing data in the TXT record format is typically used to keep configuration settings, such as SPF or DKIM records to help verify email legitimacy, reduce spam, or store verification keys to confirm domain ownership for third-party services such as analytics or cloud services and arbitrary text data for various applications.

Question 5

Why check TXT records?

Accepted Answer

TXT records play a crucial role in various aspects of domain management and email security. Although they were not originally intended for these functions, TXT records are integral to several email authentication methods (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), helping email servers verify that a message has come from a trusted source. Regular checks help maintain domain security and proper configuration, improving email deliverability and overall domain management.

Question 6

What data can be contained in a TXT record?

Accepted Answer

The original RFC document only indicates that “text strings” can be contained in the “value” field of a TXT record. This can be any text that the administrator decides to associate with their domain. Most DNS servers limit the size of TXT records and the number of records they can store, so administrators cannot use TXT records for large amounts of data.

Question 7

How do TXT records help prevent spam?

Accepted Answer

TXT records have a significant impact on email authentication that helps email servers verify that a message has come from a trusted source, preventing spammers from faking or spoofing domains.
 
The main methods include:
 
**SPF**: Lists authorized servers for sending emails from a domain.
 
**DKIM**: Uses a public-private key pair to sign emails digitally, verifying their authenticity. The public key is stored as a TXT record assigned to the domain.
 
**DMARC**: Refers to SPF and DKIM policies to enforce domain-specific rules and track unauthorized attempts. The DMARC policy is stored in a TXT record under the title _dmarc.sample.com, where “sample.com” means the domain name.
 
After deploying these important DNS TXT records regularly check them with GlockApps free tools.

Question 8

How do TXT records help with domain ownership verification?

Accepted Answer

Although domain ownership verification was not originally a function of DNS TXT records, this approach has been adopted by some webmaster tools and cloud providers. Administrators can prove that they control the domain by uploading a new TXT record with certain information or editing the current TXT record. When you dig the DNS TXT record, you can see that it has been modified as requested.

Question 9

Should the format of the DNS TXT record be standardized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the format of DNS TXT records must be standardized for proper functionality and compatibility between different systems and services. A TXT record may contain any text, but there are standardized formats for the specific use of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC TXT records.

Question 10

What is a TXT record lookup?

Accepted Answer

A DNS TXT record lookup is the process of querying the TXT records for a particular domain to verify them and identify any possible errors that may negatively affect the proper functioning of the domain. You can easily perform this query with our online TXT record lookup tool for free.

Question 11

What components do TXT records consist of?

Accepted Answer

Text DNS records consist of the following components:
 
**Type**: Represents TXT format of record.
 
**Domain name**: The name of the domain for which the TXT record was requested.
 
**TTL**: The time to live indicates to the server how long the data can be stored in its cache before the next update.
 
**Record**: The field where the TXT record itself is displayed. If the 255-character limit is exceeded, the record will be split into different strings, each enclosed in double quotes.

Question 12

Are TXT records required for all domains?

Accepted Answer

Yes, TXT records are required for all domains. Even for domains that do not use an email service, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC must be configured to prevent malicious actors from using their domain names for phishing.

Question 13

Can I change TXT records?

Accepted Answer

Yes, TXT records can be changed through the admin panel, where all your domain data is stored.

Question 14

How can TXT record lookup help find errors?

Accepted Answer

DNS TXT record lookup is a valuable tool for identifying and resolving errors related to email authentication mechanisms (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), anti-phishing measures, domain identity, and overall reputation.
 
Domain TXT record checking can help you find errors in many ways:
 
**SPF errors**: When performing a TXT record lookup, you may find that there are missing or duplicate records in the domain's DNS configuration.
 
**Anti-phishing measures**: TXT records search can reveal information related to anti-phishing measures, such as domain validation keys or policies. Errors in anti-phishing measures can include missing or expired domain validation keys, incorrect email security policies, or discrepancies between published policies and actual practices. TXT record searches can help identify and correct these errors to increase email trust and reduce phishing risks.
 
**Domain identity and reputation**: Reviewing TXT records can provide insight into a domain's identity, reputation, and reliability. Errors can include inaccurate or outdated TXT record content, conflicting information between TXT records and domain practices, or discrepancies in published domain policies. Perform DNS record validation to eliminate errors, maintain a positive domain reputation, and improve email deliverability.

Question 15

How to check the TXT record?

Accepted Answer

You can quickly and easily find TXT records and errors in them with our free online DNS TXT check tool. Just enter the domain name, click the “Get TXT Record” button, and get instant results.

Question 16

Is the TXT Record Checker tool free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our TXT Record checker is completely free and available online without any limitations, restrictions, or hidden fees.

Free TXT Checker Tool

Free TXT Checker: Lookup and Verify Your DNS TXT Record

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