Free TXT Record Lookup Tool
Free TXT record lookup tool — view SPF, DKIM, DMARC, domain verification tokens, and all text-based DNS records for any domain.
What Are TXT Records?
TXT (Text) records store text strings in DNS. Originally designed for human-readable notes, they are now primarily used for machine-readable data like email authentication policies (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and domain ownership verification tokens.
Each TXT record can hold up to 255 characters per string, though a single record can contain multiple strings concatenated together. Large records like DKIM keys often use this multi-string format.
Common TXT Record Types
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records start with "v=spf1" and specify which servers are authorized to send email for a domain. DKIM public keys are stored as TXT records under selector subdomains. DMARC policies are published at _dmarc subdomains.
Domain verification records are used by services like Google ("google-site-verification=..."), Microsoft ("MS=..."), Facebook ("facebook-domain-verification=..."), and Apple ("apple-domain-verification=...") to confirm domain ownership.
Reading TXT Records
TXT records may appear cryptic at first, but most follow standard formats. Look for known prefixes to identify the type: "v=spf1" for SPF, "v=DMARC1" for DMARC, "v=DKIM1" for DKIM keys, and service-specific verification strings.
You can look up TXT records using command-line tools: "dig example.com TXT" on Linux/macOS or "nslookup -type=txt example.com" on Windows. Some TXT records exist on subdomains rather than the root domain.
Run a Free TXT Record Lookup
Enter any domain above to view all its TXT records instantly. This tool automatically categorizes records by type — SPF, DKIM, DMARC, verification tokens, and general-purpose entries — making it easy to audit a domain's DNS text configuration.
For deeper email security analysis, use the SPF Record Checker to parse SPF mechanisms, the DMARC Checker to evaluate authentication policy, or the Email Security Checker for a comprehensive overview of all email-related DNS records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TXT record and what is it used for?
A TXT (Text) record stores arbitrary text data in DNS. While originally intended for human-readable notes, TXT records are now primarily used for machine-readable purposes: email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), domain ownership verification for services like Google and Microsoft, and application-specific configuration data.
What is the character limit for TXT records?
A single TXT record string can hold up to 255 characters, but a TXT record can contain multiple strings that are concatenated together, allowing records well over 255 characters. DNS protocol limits the total size of all records for a name to about 65,535 bytes. In practice, most DNS providers support TXT records up to several thousand characters.
Can a domain have multiple TXT records?
Yes, a domain can have many TXT records. It is common to have separate TXT records for SPF, domain verification tokens from multiple services (Google, Microsoft, Facebook), and other purposes. However, a domain should have only one SPF record — having multiple SPF records causes authentication failures.
What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC TXT records?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies which servers may send email for your domain. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) publishes a public key used to verify email signatures. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) tells receivers how to handle email that fails SPF or DKIM checks. Together, these three TXT-based records form the foundation of email authentication.
How do I add or modify a TXT record?
TXT records are managed through your DNS provider's control panel. Create a new TXT record, set the host/name field (use @ for the root domain or a subdomain name), and enter the text value. Changes typically propagate within minutes to hours depending on the TTL. Always verify new records using a TXT record lookup tool after making changes.