How to Verify Domain Ownership

What is domain verification?

A domain is your website name, like example.com. Some services, such as Google Search Console or email tools, need proof that the name is yours. This is like showing your ID. They give you a small piece of text or a file. You place it on your domain. They then look for it. If they find it, you are the owner.

Common ways to verify

• DNS record. You add a TXT record to your DNS. DNS is the internet's phone book. A TXT record is a line of plain text.
• HTML file. You upload a small file to your website.
• Meta tag. You add one line of code to your home page.
• Email. You click a link sent to an address on the domain.

Steps: verify with a DNS TXT record

1. Start the verification in the service you are using. It shows a TXT value to copy.
2. Log in to your hosting control panel. In cPanel, open Zone Editor.
3. Click Manage next to your domain.
4. Click Add Record.
5. Choose TXT as the type.
6. In the name box, type what the service asks. It is often @ or your domain name.
7. Paste the value into the record box.
8. Save the record.
9. Go back to the service and click Verify.

DNS changes can take time to show. Wait a few hours and try again if it fails.

Steps: verify with an HTML file

1. Download the file the service gives you.
2. Open File Manager in cPanel.
3. Go into the public_html folder.
4. Click Upload and add the file.
5. Visit the file's address in your browser to check it opens.
6. Go back to the service and click Verify.

Need domain contact details?

Domain registrars also verify your email. You may get a message after you register or change owner details. Click the link in it. Check your spam folder. You can see your domain in the client area under Domains. If you are stuck, open a support ticket.

Quick recap

• Verification proves the domain is yours.
• Use a TXT record, an uploaded file, a meta tag or email.
• Wait for DNS to update, then click verify.
• Keep the record in place afterwards.