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Proving you control your domain: Google Search Console and DNS TXT

By About This Business editorial team · Published · Updated

An antique brass key in a lock plate on a wooden door
AI-generated illustration — not documentary evidence

Short answer

You can prove you control your business's domain in two ways. If you're a verified owner of the site in Google Search Console, connect it with read-only access. Otherwise, add a one-off DNS TXT record with a token we give you. Domain control proves only that you control the domain, not that you own the business or that your website's claims are true.

Key takeaways

  • Google Search Console is the preferred route, and only a verified site owner in Search Console qualifies.
  • DNS TXT is the fallback: add a record with an exact token, then confirm.
  • Search Console access is read-only and used once.
  • Domain control proves control of the domain only, not ownership, authority or the truth of your claims.

Why prove domain control at all?

Because it ties your Business DNA record to the website you actually run, which helps readers and AI assistants connect the right record to the right site. It's step 4 of The owner's guide to building your Business DNA. It also protects you: someone copying your business's name onto a look-alike website can't prove control of your domain.

What are the two ways to prove control?

Google Search Console (preferred) or a DNS TXT record (fallback).

Google Search ConsoleDNS TXT record
Best forOwners already verified in Search ConsoleAnyone who can edit their domain's DNS
What you doSign in with Google and approve read-only accessAdd a TXT record with a token, then confirm
Who qualifiesOnly a verified site owner of a matching propertyWhoever can edit the DNS
SpeedUsually immediateDepends on how quickly DNS updates spread

How does the Google Search Console route work?

You connect Google with read-only access, used once, and we confirm you're a verified owner of a property that covers your domain.

  1. In your account, open your company workspace and go to the domain-control section.
  2. Choose Check domain control with Google Search Console.
  3. Sign in with the Google account that owns the site in Search Console, and approve read-only access.
  4. We look for a property that exactly covers your domain, either a domain property or a matching URL-prefix property, where you're a verified owner.

If you're not an owner of a matching property, you'll see a plain-language message explaining why, and you can use DNS instead. To become a verified owner first, follow Google's guide in the sources below.

How does the DNS TXT route work?

You add a TXT record containing a token we give you, then confirm, and the check needs an exact match.

  1. Copy the token shown in your workspace.
  2. In your domain registrar or DNS provider, add a TXT record with that value.
  3. Wait for the change to spread. This can take from minutes to hours.
  4. Choose Confirm. We look up the record and accept only an exact token match.

What does domain control prove, and what doesn't it?

It proves you control the domain. That's all.

  • It proves you can make changes to this domain's DNS or Search Console property.
  • It doesn't prove you own the business or have authority to act for it.
  • It doesn't authenticate any claim on your website.

Your website content, including findings you accepted in Start with your website, remains company-stated information. See Company-provided vs authenticated. Next step: Companies House, identity verification and your Business DNA.

Part of The owner's guide to building your Business DNA.

FAQ

What access does the Google Search Console check need?

Read-only Search Console access, used once to confirm you're a verified owner of a property that covers your domain. We can't change anything in your Search Console account.

I'm a "full user" in Search Console, not an owner. Will that work?

No. Only a verified site owner qualifies. Ask the owner to complete the check, or use the DNS TXT route instead.

How long does the DNS TXT check take?

DNS changes can take time to spread. Add the record, wait, then confirm. The confirmation needs an exact match of the token.

Does proving domain control make my website's claims authenticated?

No. Website content stays company-stated information. Domain control only shows that you control the domain.

Sources