Tutorial: Search Console domain validation via DNS zone

Validate your domain in Google Search Console via the DNS zone (Infomaniak and other hosts)

This tutorial shows you how to verify ownership of your website in Google Search Console using the TXT DNS record method. AlthoughInfomaniak be used as an example, these instructions are applicable to most web hosts.

Prerequisites

• Access to your web host's management interface (cPanel, Plesk, custom interface, etc.).
• The domain name you wish to validate must be managed by this host.
• Have access to Google Search Console for the website in question.

Steps

Retrieve TXT record in Search Console

• Connect to the Google Search Console.
• Select the property (website) you want to validate.
• In the left menu, go to Settings -> Property Validation.
• Choose the validation method by DNS record.
• Copy the TXT record value provided by Google (a long string of characters usually starting with "google-site-verification=").

Access your domain's DNS zone at your host

• Log in to your web host's management interface.
• The exact location of DNS management varies by host. Search for terms like “DNS”, “DNS Zone”, “DNS Management”, “DNS Zone Editor” or similar.
• Example with Infomaniak:
  • In the Infomaniak Manager, go to Domain.
  • Search for the domain name you want to validate.
  • Click on the relevant domain name.
  • In the left menu, click on DNS Zone.
• If you cannot find DNS management, contact your hosting provider's technical support.

Add TXT record

• In the DNS Management section, find the option to add a new record.
• Select the recording type TXT.
• In the field Value (Or Data, Content depending on the interface), paste the value of the TXT record that you copied from Search Console.
• Leave the field Subdomain (Or Host, Name) blank or use “@” (as instructed by your hosting provider) to validate the root domain. Unless you have been given specific instructions by Search Console.
• The field TTL can usually be left at the default value.
• Click the button to save or validate the changes (the wording varies depending on the host: Save, Add, To validate, etc.).

Validate the property in Search Console

• Go back to Google Search Console, to the DNS record validation step.
• Click the button To validate.
• Validation may take a few minutes, or even hours in rare cases, because DNS changes do not propagate instantly. Wait a few moments and try again if validation initially fails.

Video tutorial

Conclusion

You have now verified ownership of your site in Google Search Console using the DNS record method. You can now access Search Console data and features for your site.

Advice

• Make sure to correctly copy the entire TXT record value from Search Console.
• Do not change any other DNS records for your domain unless you know what you are doing.
• Please be patient during validation, DNS propagation may take time.
• If you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact your hosting provider's technical support for assistance. They will be able to guide you specifically for their DNS management interface.

This tutorial will help you easily validate your domain in Search Console using the DNS zone of your hosting provider, whatever it is.