Overview
Before you can use a domain, you’ll need to prove that you own or control it. The most common way to do this is by adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS settings. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
What You’ll Need
- Access to your domain’s DNS settings (usually through your domain registrar or DNS host, e.g. GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Afrihost, or your hosting provider)
- The verification details provided to you (record type, name, and value)
Step 1: Locate Your Verification Details
You’ll typically be given three pieces of information:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Record type | TXT |
| Record name | fc.co.za |
| Record value | databias-verification=121 |
Keep this information handy — you’ll need to copy it exactly into your DNS provider’s interface.
Step 2: Log In to Your DNS Provider
Every domain has a DNS host where its records are managed. This may be:
- The company you bought the domain from (your registrar), or
- A separate DNS management service (like Cloudflare), if you’ve pointed your domain’s nameservers there
If you’re not sure who manages your DNS, check your original domain purchase confirmation email, or look up your domain’s nameservers using a tool like whois.com.
Step 3: Add the TXT Record
Once logged in, find the DNS Management or DNS Records section. Then:
- Click Add Record (or similar).
- Set the Record Type to
TXT. - In the Name/Host field, enter the record name exactly as provided (e.g.
fc.co.za).- Some providers want just the subdomain portion (e.g.
@for the root domain) rather than the full domain name — iffc.co.zais your root domain, you may need to enter@instead.
- Some providers want just the subdomain portion (e.g.
- In the Value/Content field, paste the verification value exactly as given (e.g.
databias-verification=121). - Leave TTL (Time to Live) at its default setting unless instructed otherwise.
- Save the record.
Tip: Copy and paste the record value rather than typing it manually, to avoid typos that will cause verification to fail.
Step 4: Click “Verify Domain”
Return to the platform or service requesting verification and click Verify domain.
- If the TXT record has propagated, verification should succeed immediately.
- If it doesn’t succeed right away, don’t worry — this is common.
Step 5: Be Patient with DNS Propagation
DNS changes aren’t instant. They can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 48 hours to propagate fully across the internet, depending on your provider and TTL settings.
If verification doesn’t succeed straight away:
- Wait 30–60 minutes and try again.
- If it’s still failing after a few hours, double-check the record using a DNS lookup tool (see below).
- If it’s still not working after 24–48 hours, recheck the record for typos or formatting issues.
Step 6: Confirm the Record Is Live (Optional but Recommended)
You can check whether your TXT record has propagated using a free online tool such as:
Simply enter your domain name and select TXT as the record type. You should see your verification value listed in the results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Verification fails immediately | DNS hasn’t propagated yet | Wait and retry later |
| Record doesn’t appear in DNS lookup | Typo in record name or value | Re-check and re-enter exactly as provided |
| Record added but verification still fails | Wrong “Name” field format | Try @ instead of the full domain, or vice versa |
| Multiple TXT records causing conflicts | Some providers don’t merge TXT records automatically | Ensure you haven’t overwritten an existing TXT record — add a new one instead |
Summary
- Get your TXT record details (type, name, value).
- Log in to your DNS provider.
- Add a new TXT record using those exact details.
- Save and wait for propagation (up to 48 hours).
- Click Verify domain.
- Use a DNS lookup tool to confirm if you’re unsure.
Need help locating your DNS provider or troubleshooting a stuck verification? Reach out to your domain registrar’s support team or your IT/web administrator.