How to verify a domain with a TXT record

Many services (Google, Microsoft, Stripe, Facebook, etc.) ask you to prove you control a domain by adding a TXT record:

1. Copy the exact TXT value the service gives you — usually a long string like google-site-verification=... or a random token.
2. In DNS, add a TXT record. Unless the service specifies a host, put it on @ (the root). Some ask for a specific host like _acme-challenge or a subdomain — follow their instructions exactly.
3. Paste the value verbatim — don't add or remove quotes unless told to.
4. Save, then allow a few minutes for propagation before clicking Verify at the service.

If verification fails, check with dig TXT example.com +short that the record is live and matches exactly. The usual cause of failure is verifying too soon, before the TTL/propagation has caught up, or a stray space in the value.