Adding a TXT Record to DNS Records

If you're in the process of adding a new allowed root domain to your KnowBe4 account, the below information will provide guidance for adding a TXT record to your DNS records. 

Jump to:
Why Add a TXT Record?
Before You Start
Creating a TXT Record

• Specific Domain Registrars
• Example Using Cloudflare

Troubleshooting

Why Add a TXT Record?

Adding a TXT record to your domain's DNS records will allow KnowBe4 to verify that you own and maintain the domain.

After you follow the below instructions, you must return to your Allowed Domain list in your Account Settings to verify the domain and complete the process. 

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Before You Start

Before you can create a TXT record, you'll need to:

• Have the ability to modify the DNS records for your organization's domain, or contact the designated employee in your organization who can.
• Identify your domain host/registrar if you don't know it already.
  • Here are some steps Google offers to help with this issue: Identify Your Domain Host
• Obtain the unique TXT record that will be applicable for all allowed domains on your KnowBe4 account.
  • To obtain your TXT record, follow the steps for Adding a Root Domain. Step 6 will provide you the TXT record you'll need to add to your DNS records. 

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Creating a TXT Record

After you've obtained your unique TXT record, you can add it to your DNS records.

TXT Record Instructions for Specific Domain Registrars

The instructions for this will vary depending on your domain registrar or host. We've included links to various popular domain registrars below (all links open in a new window).

• AWS Route53: Adding a TXT Record to Your Domain's DNS Server
• BlueHost: Add a New DNS Record
• Cloudflare: See example below, or visit Cloudflare's knowledge base
• GoDaddy Add a TXT Record
• Google Domains: Verify Your Domain: Add a TXT Verification Record
• Hover: How to Edit DNS Records
• Name: Adding a TXT Record
• Namecheap: How Do I Add TXT Records
• United Domains: How to Set Up a TXT Record on a Domain Name
• Wix: Adding or Updating TXT Records in Your Wix Account

Please reach out to your domain registrar if your specific registrar isn't listed above or if you're unsure how to create the TXT record on your DNS settings.

Example of Steps Using Cloudflare

Below are instructions for adding a TXT record to a Cloudflare domain.

The processes for other hosting platforms are similar, but you'll want to reach out to your own domain registrar for specific instructions.

1. Log in to your Cloudflare account and select the domain you’d like to add to your KnowBe4 account.
2. Select DNS.
   
   
3. Click the drop-down shown below and select TXT. 
   
   
4. Add an @ symbol in the Name (or Hostname) field.
5. Click the Click to configure field and add your unique TXT record that you obtained in Step 6 of Adding a Root Domain:
   
   
   
6. Save your settings.
7. Allow the new settings to update, then return to your KnowBe4 Account Settings > Allowed Domains area to verify your new allowed root domain. 

Troubleshooting

If you're unable to verify your allowed domain after following the steps above, you can try the troubleshooting methods below:

1. Verify that your TXT record entry was accurate and matches the one provided under your Account Settings > Allowed Domains area.
2. Reach out to your domain registrar for specific instructions or assistance to add a TXT record to your DNS records.
3. If you'd like, you can verify that your TXT record has been added correctly by looking up the TXT records for your domain. There are a few ways you can do this:
   
   • Find a site that can help you look up the TXT record. MXtoolbox is an example. See below:
     
4. Manually verify your TXT records were updated through a command prompt:

Unix/Linux:

$ dig TXT yourdomainhere.com

Windows:

c:\> nslookup -type=TXT yourdomainhere.com

If your updates were successful, the output of this entry should include your unique TXT record code provided in your Account Settings > Allowed Domains area.

If you follow the above steps and your TXT record looks accurate, but you cannot verify it in your KnowBe4 account, reach out to our support team for additional assistance.

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