TXT Record Lookup

What Is a TXT Record Lookup?

A TXT record lookup (DNS TXT lookup) retrieves text records published for a hostname. Those strings are how the internet proves domain ownership, authorises mail senders, and publishes policies such as DMARC. This page is a focused DNS TXT lookup tool - same live engine as our DNS lookup, locked to TXT so you are not wading through A/MX noise while debugging email or verification.

Real TXT Record Examples

SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

example.com.  300  IN  TXT  "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:shops.shopify.com ~all"

Publish SPF on the apex. Mechanisms list authorised senders; ~all soft-fails unknowns while -all hard-fails. Never create two separate v=spf1 records on the same name - merge includes into one string.

DMARC

_dmarc.example.com.  300  IN  TXT  "v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]"

Always query _dmarc.example.com, not the naked domain. Policies progress from p=none (monitor) to quarantine/reject once reports look clean.

DKIM

google._domainkey.example.com.  300  IN  TXT  "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIIBIjANBg..."

Replace google with your ESP selector (s1, k1, etc.). Long keys appear as multiple quoted chunks - that is normal TXT splitting, not corruption.

Google site verification

example.com.  300  IN  TXT  "google-site-verification=AbCdEfGhIjKlMnOpQrStUvWxYz0123456789"

Cloudflare / email routing style markers

example.com.  300  IN  TXT  "v=spf1 include:_spf.mx.cloudflare.net ~all"
cf-token.example.com.  300  IN  TXT  "cloudflare-verify-..." 

Common TXT Record Mistakes

• Multiple SPF records: Two v=spf1 answers cause unpredictable mail failures. Combine includes into a single SPF TXT.
• Wrong hostname for DKIM/DMARC: Looking up only example.com will not show _dmarc or _domainkey records. Query the exact name your provider shows.
• Extra quotes or spaces in the DNS UI: Some panels wrap values for you. Pasting already-quoted text creates nested quotes and breaks verification.
• Truncating DKIM keys: Copy the full public key. Partial p= values fail signature checks even when SPF looks fine.
• Mixing verification methods: Google TXT vs CNAME verification are different. Publish the method you selected in Search Console - then verify with this tool or CNAME lookup accordingly.
• Expecting instant global visibility: Respect TTL. After a change, re-run the TXT lookup until both Google DNS and Cloudflare paths agree.

How to Check Cloudflare, Shopify, and Google TXT Records

Cloudflare

1. DNS → Records → filter by TXT. Note Name (apex vs subdomain) and Content.
2. Enter that same name in this DNS TXT lookup. Proxied status does not rewrite TXT the way it rewrites A/CNAME - public resolvers should match the dashboard value.
3. For Email Routing, confirm SPF includes Cloudflare's include and that MX points where Cloudflare documents. Pair with our email server test when delivery still fails.

Shopify

1. Domains settings list any TXT verification or SPF includes Shopify needs for the store domain.
2. Query the apex for SPF/verification TXT. Keep Shopify's include in the single SPF record alongside Google Workspace or other ESPs.
3. Host aliases (www) are usually CNAMEs - verify those on CNAME lookup, not here.

Google verification & Workspace

1. Search Console TXT method: apex should show google-site-verification=.... Workspace may also require SPF (include:_spf.google.com), DKIM selector records, and DMARC.
2. Run separate lookups for apex, _dmarc, and selector._domainkey.
3. After publishing, wait for TTL, then verify in Google's UI. Use blacklist check if mail still lands in spam after auth records look correct.

How to Use This DNS TXT Lookup Tool

1. Paste the exact hostname (apex, _dmarc, or DKIM selector host).
2. Click Look Up TXT for live answers from Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS.
3. Match strings to your provider's docs character-for-character, including includes and policy tags.

Need MX and A records in the same view? Open the full DNS lookup. Debugging shop or CDN aliases? Use CNAME lookup.

Frequently Asked Questions - TXT Record Lookup

Answers about DNS TXT lookup, SPF/DKIM/DMARC hosts, and verification strings:

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