How to Add a Google Search Console TXT Record (Step-by-Step for Every Platform)

You’ve officially told Google “Hey, I exist!” — now here’s how to make sure it actually hears you.

Step 1: Figure out where your DNS lives

Your TXT record goes wherever your DNS is managed, not necessarily where your site is hosted.

1. Visit who.is and type in your domain.

2. Look under Name Servers.

   • If it says ns1.siteground.net → DNS lives at SiteGround.

   • If it says nsXX.domaincontrol.com → DNS lives at GoDaddy.

   • If it says ns1.squarespace.com, cloudflare.com, etc. → that’s your DNS manager.

That’s where you’ll paste Google’s verification code.

Step 2: Copy your Google TXT code

In Google Search Console → Add Property → Domain, Google gives you something like:

google-site-verification=abcd1234efgh5678ijkl

Keep this tab open; you’ll paste that exact line in your DNS settings.

Step 3: Add the TXT record (choose your platform)

GoDaddy

1. Log in → My Products → Domains → Manage DNS.

2. Under Records, click Add → Type = TXT.

3. Host: @ Value: paste your Google code TTL: 1 hour.

4. Click Save.

SiteGround

1. Log in → Websites → Site Tools → Domain → DNS Zone Editor.

2. Under Create New Record, choose TXT.

3. Name: @ TTL: 3600 Value: your Google code.

4. Save changes.

Namecheap

1. Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS.

2. Click Add New Record → TXT Record.

3. Host: @ Value: Google code TTL: automatic.

4. Save.

Cloudflare

1. DNS tab → Add record.

2. Type = TXT Name: @ Content: Google code.

3. Toggle “Proxy status” off (gray cloud).

4. Save.

Squarespace

1. Settings → Domains → Your Domain → Advanced Settings.

2. Scroll to Custom Records → Add Record → TXT.

3. Host: @ Value: Google code.

4. Save.

Showit

1. Domains → Manage Domain → Advanced DNS.

2. Add Record → TXT.

3. Host: @ Value: Google code → Save.

Wix

1. Settings → Domains → Advanced → DNS Records.

2. Add Record → TXT Record.

3. Host: @ Value: Google code.

Shopify

1. Settings → Domains → Manage → DNS Settings.

2. Add TXT Record.

3. Name: @ TXT Value: Google code → Save.

Google Domains

1. My Domains → DNS.

2. Add Record → TXT.

3. Name: @ Value: Google code → Save.

Step 4: Verify the record

1. Wait a few minutes (rarely up to 48 hours).

2. Go back to search.google.com/search-console.

3. Click Verify.

   • Success → you’re verified.

   • Failed → check dnschecker.org → “TXT Lookup” to see if it’s live yet.

Step 5: Submit your sitemap

Inside Search Console:
Index → Sitemaps → Add a new sitemap → type yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml → Submit.

Pro Tip

If your domain registrar (like GoDaddy) is separate from your host (like SiteGround), the record belongs wherever your name servers point.

Example: GoDaddy owns your domain, but your name servers = siteground.net → Add the TXT record in SiteGround, not GoDaddy.

Want to skip the tech next time?

This tutorial is part of the SEO 101 Prologue inside SEO Storytellers — where you get screen-recorded walkthroughs for every platform plus quarterly website check-up reminders so you never have to Google it again.