How to verify a domain in Google Postmaster Tools?

Summary

Verifying a domain in Google Postmaster Tools involves signing in with a Google Account and proving domain ownership. This is primarily done by adding a TXT record to your DNS settings, though CNAME verification is an alternative if TXT fails. Ensure the correct domain is verified, matching the 'd=' tag in your DKIM signature. If sending from a subdomain, verify the subdomain itself. The TXT record must be correctly formatted without typos, and DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, influenced by the TTL setting. Successful verification also depends on a properly configured DKIM. Additionally, building a good sending reputation through IP warming improves data reliability in Postmaster Tools. DNS records are managed at your DNS provider, and tools like MXToolbox can verify record correctness and propagation.

Key findings

  • TXT Record (Primary): Adding a correctly formatted TXT record to DNS is the primary method. CNAME is an alternative.
  • Correct Domain (DKIM): Verify the domain used in the 'd=' tag of your DKIM signature.
  • Subdomain Specificity: If sending from a subdomain, ensure the subdomain is verified, not just the root domain.
  • DNS Propagation: DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours; TTL affects propagation speed.
  • DKIM Dependency: Successful verification hinges on proper DKIM configuration.
  • Requires Google account: A Google account is required to access postmaster tools

Key considerations

  • Typo Avoidance: Thoroughly check for typos in the TXT record.
  • Format Compliance: Ensure the TXT record adheres to the correct format required by your registrar.
  • DNS Access: Have credentials for and access to the correct DNS provider.
  • Patience with Propagation: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate.
  • IP Warming: Implement IP warming to build a positive sending reputation. This is the first step.
  • MxToolbox for testing: You can use MxToolbox to check DNS

What email marketers say
10Marketer opinions

Verifying a domain in Google Postmaster Tools typically involves adding a TXT record to your DNS settings to prove domain ownership. If issues arise, CNAME verification can be an alternative. Ensure the TXT record is correctly formatted, free of typos, and propagated. Subdomains used for sending must be verified, not just the root domain. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, influenced by TTL settings. Domain verification is linked to DKIM setup, requiring proper configuration. IP warming and building a good sending reputation are crucial for data reliability within Postmaster Tools.

Key opinions

  • TXT Record: Adding a correctly formatted TXT record to your DNS settings is the primary method for domain verification.
  • Subdomain Verification: If sending from a subdomain, ensure that the subdomain is verified within Google Postmaster Tools.
  • DNS Propagation: DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate. The TTL setting influences propagation speed.
  • DKIM Configuration: Proper DKIM configuration is essential for successful domain verification in Postmaster Tools.
  • CNAME Alternative: If TXT record verification fails, consider using CNAME verification as an alternative.

Key considerations

  • Typo Check: Thoroughly check for typos in the TXT record and confirm you're updating the correct DNS settings.
  • Record Format: The TXT record format should be correct, consulting your registrar's documentation if unsure.
  • IP Warming: Implement IP warming practices to establish a positive sending reputation, enhancing data accuracy in Postmaster Tools.
  • From address: Ensure that the from address domain matches the domain being verified.
Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass shares a step-by-step guide on adding the TXT record, emphasizing the importance of waiting for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours) before attempting verification in Google Postmaster Tools.

May 2022 - GMass
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailtrap Blog shares that you need to add a TXT record to your DNS records. This record proves that you own the domain and allows Google to associate the data with your domain.

March 2024 - Mailtrap Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that they've had weird issues verifying domains with Postmaster before and suggests switching to verification via CNAME, which works with no trouble every time.

November 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user suggests checking for typos in the TXT record, ensuring the record has propagated correctly, and verifying you're adding the record to the correct domain's DNS settings.

July 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Digital Marketing Forum suggests that if TXT record verification fails, try using the CNAME record method. This can sometimes be more reliable, depending on your DNS provider.

July 2024 - Digital Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid explains that verifying your domain in Postmaster Tools is closely related to DKIM setup, advising users to double-check their DKIM configuration. If DKIM fails the postmaster domain will not verify.

May 2022 - SendGrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that if you use a subdomain for sending emails (e.g., mail.example.com), you must verify the subdomain in Google Postmaster Tools, not just the root domain (example.com).

January 2025 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailerLite shares that verifying your sending domain is the first step. They recommend following Google’s best practices for warming up your IP address to build a positive sending reputation, which enhances data reliability in Postmaster Tools.

May 2024 - MailerLite
Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost shares that the Time To Live (TTL) setting on your DNS record can affect how quickly changes propagate. A lower TTL means changes will be reflected faster.

December 2024 - SparkPost
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that the TXT record's format must be correct. Some registrars require enclosing the value in quotes, while others don't. Consult your registrar's documentation.

October 2022 - Stack Overflow

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

Verifying a domain in Google Postmaster Tools requires validating the correct domain, which is the one specified in the d= tag of your DKIM signature. Ensure you verify either the root domain or the specific subdomain used for sending. Verifying the root domain first often simplifies the process of verifying subdomains later. A properly configured DKIM is critical, as verification will fail without it.

Key opinions

  • DKIM Importance: Proper DKIM configuration is essential for verifying a domain in Google Postmaster Tools.
  • Correct Domain: Verify the domain used in the 'd=' tag of your DKIM signature.
  • Root or Subdomain: Verify either the root domain or the specific sending subdomain, not an intermediate domain.
  • Root First: Adding and verifying the root domain first can simplify verifying subdomains later.

Key considerations

  • Domain Choice: Carefully choose whether to verify the root domain or a specific sending subdomain based on your email setup.
  • DKIM Validation: Ensure your DKIM record is correctly set up and validated before attempting domain verification.
  • From Address: The from address must match the domain used for the DKIM signature.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks answers to verify the correct domain. Google Postmaster Tools works off the domain in the d= of your DKIM signature. If signing with a subdomain, you may need to verify the subdomain.

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that DKIM is key for domain verification, Google will check for domain ownership and the correct setup. If DKIM fails the postmaster domain will not verify.

July 2023 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains it should either be the root domain or the specific subdomain being used. The intermediate domain is unlikely to work. Once you add the domain name, the subdomains should be ok.

September 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that one issue is validating the right domain. Make sure to validate the domain that is in the d= of your DKIM signature. Also make sure that the from address matches the domain.

October 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains to add the main domain first; subdomains can be added after. Once the main domain is verified, any subdomain can be verified without extra DNS work.

September 2022 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Verifying a domain in Google Postmaster Tools involves signing in with a Google Account, adding your domain, and proving ownership. The primary method is by adding a TXT record to your DNS settings, although CNAME or HTML file options exist. Tools like MXToolbox can verify TXT record correctness and propagation. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. Manage DNS records through your DNS provider's interface, ensuring connection to the correct provider.

Key findings

  • Google Account: A Google Account is required to access and use Google Postmaster Tools.
  • TXT Record Method: The recommended method for verifying domain ownership is by adding a TXT record to your DNS settings.
  • Alternative Methods: CNAME record or HTML file verification methods are also available, though TXT is preferred.
  • DNS Propagation Time: DNS changes, including adding the TXT record, can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.
  • MXToolbox Utility: MXToolbox can be used to verify the correct addition and propagation of the TXT record.

Key considerations

  • DNS Provider Access: Ensure you have login credentials and access to your DNS provider's management interface.
  • Correct DNS Provider: Verify that you are connected to the correct DNS provider account for your domain.
  • Patience During Propagation: Allow sufficient time for DNS propagation before attempting to verify your domain in Postmaster Tools.
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that you can verify domain ownership by adding a TXT record, a CNAME record, or using an HTML file. Google recommends using the TXT record method.

June 2023 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from Google Help explains that to add a domain, you must sign in to Postmaster Tools with a Google Account. Then, add your domain name and verify domain ownership using a TXT record in your domain's DNS settings.

February 2022 - Google Help
Technical article

Documentation from DigitalOcean explains that DNS records are managed at your DNS provider. To add or edit these records you will need to login to your DNS provider. Ensure you are connected to the right DNS provider.

September 2024 - DigitalOcean
Technical article

Documentation from Cloudflare explains that DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, but typically happens much faster. Clearing your local DNS cache can help see the changes sooner.

October 2024 - Cloudflare
Technical article

Documentation from MXToolbox explains that you can use their tool to check if the TXT record has been correctly added to your DNS and has propagated. This helps troubleshoot verification issues.

April 2022 - MXToolbox