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How to add a TXT record (verification, SPF, DMARC)

Maxim Tsitsejev
Updated

To add a TXT record, open your client area -> Domains (or your service's DNS manager), choose Add Record, set the type to TXT, enter the host name and the value, then save. TXT records are how you prove you own a domain, publish an SPF policy, or set a DMARC policy.

Applies to: All plans.

Before you start: You need to be logged in to your client area, and you need the exact TXT value to add. That value always comes from whoever asked for it — for example the Microsoft 365 admin centre, the Google Workspace setup wizard, Google Search Console, or your DMARC/SPF instructions. Never invent or guess a TXT value.

Your DNS is managed by us, on our own nameservers, and you edit its records in the client area. Add records there — not in the cPanel zone editor, which does not control your live DNS at Maxinodes.

Add the TXT record

  1. Log in at my.maxinodes.com.
  2. Go to Domains -> My Domains, click your domain, then open its DNS management. (For records tied to a hosting service, you can also open the DNS manager from Services -> My Services.)
  3. Choose Add Record and set Type to TXT.
  4. In Name (sometimes labelled Host), enter the host:
    • For a domain-verification or SPF record that covers the whole domain, use @ (this means the domain itself, e.g. example.com).
    • For DMARC, use _dmarc.
    • For other records (such as a DKIM selector or a verification host), use the exact host you were given, e.g. selector1._domainkey or a verification string from your provider.
  5. In Value (sometimes labelled Content or TXT Data), paste the value exactly as supplied, for example:
    • SPF for Microsoft 365: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all
    • SPF for Google Workspace: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
    • A basic DMARC policy: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:you@example.com
  6. Leave TTL at the default unless you were told otherwise.
  7. Save the record.

Result: The TXT record is live. DNS changes usually take a few minutes to propagate, and up to 24–48 hours in the worst case depending on the record's TTL.

Common pitfalls

  • Quotes. Type the value without wrapping quotation marks. The DNS system adds the quoting for you, so "v=spf1 ..." with literal quotes can break the record. Paste the raw text only.
  • Host name. Use @ for the whole domain, not your full domain name. Some tools tell you to "add a TXT record at example.com" — that is @ here. For DMARC use _dmarc, not _dmarc.example.com (the domain is appended automatically).
  • Trailing spaces. Copy-pasting from an email or PDF can add hidden spaces. Trim the value at both ends.
  • One SPF record only. A domain may have just one SPF TXT record. If you already send mail through Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, edit the existing SPF record to add the new sender rather than creating a second one.

Troubleshooting this task

  • Verification still failing? Wait for propagation, then re-check. The host name (@ vs a selector vs _dmarc) is the usual culprit — confirm it matches what you were given.
  • Two SPF records by mistake? Delete one and merge the senders into a single v=spf1 ... line.
  • You can't find the DNS manager. Make sure your nameservers point to Maxinodes (ns1.maxinodes.com and ns2.maxinodes.com). If they point elsewhere, your TXT record must be added at that DNS host instead.
  • Setting up email records? For the full set of MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC entries your mailbox needs, see the email DNS guides below.

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