Domain verification is how you prove to Meta that your business owns a website domain. You add a code Meta gives you to your domain's DNS, your homepage's HTML or a file on your server, and Meta confirms it. The verified domain then appears in your business portfolio under Brand safety.
Why verify your domain
- Link ownership. Verified owners control who can edit link previews, such as the headline and image, when your URLs are shared or used in ads. This helps stop others posting misleading previews of your pages.
- Brand safety. It ties your website clearly to your business in Meta's systems.
- Some features expect it. Meta's requirements change, but verification has been needed or recommended for various tools over the years, and it sits alongside the Conversions API in a tidy tracking setup.
When Aggregated Event Measurement launched in 2021, verification was required to configure web events. Meta has since said it is no longer required for event configuration, so it is now mainly about ownership and control. Many older guides still describe it as a tracking requirement.
The three methods
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DNS TXT record | Add a TXT record to your domain's DNS | Most durable, survives theme or site changes |
| Meta tag | Add a meta tag to the head of your homepage | Quick on platforms that allow custom head code |
| HTML file upload | Upload a file to your site's root folder | Sites where you control the server |
You only need one method. DNS is usually the safest choice, because a theme update or site rebuild can remove a meta tag or file.
How to verify with DNS
- In Business settings, go to Brand safety, then Domains, and add your domain, such as yourbrand.com, without www or https.
- Choose DNS verification and copy the TXT value Meta shows.
- In your domain registrar or DNS provider, add a TXT record on the root of the domain with that value. Don't delete existing TXT records, such as those for email.
- Return to Business settings and select Verify. DNS changes can take anywhere from minutes to around 72 hours to be seen.
Worked example
Example: a Shopify store on yourbrand.com, with DNS managed by the registrar.
- Add the TXT record at the registrar, alongside the existing SPF record for email.
- Verify in Business settings the next morning.
- Keep the TXT record in place permanently. Removing it can remove verification.
Subdomains, such as shop.yourbrand.com, are generally covered by verifying the main domain. Check Meta's current help if you use several root domains, because each needs verifying separately.
Common mistakes
- Verifying in the wrong business portfolio. Verify in the portfolio that owns your ad account and Meta Pixel.
- Using the meta tag on a site that's about to be redesigned.
- Deleting old TXT records while tidying DNS.
- Adding www or https when entering the domain.
For the rest of a clean tracking setup, see Meta Pixel and Conversions API on Shopify, and manage the portfolio itself from business portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meta domain verification still required?
Meta no longer requires it for event configuration, which was the main reason it became mandatory in 2021. It is still recommended, because it gives your business control over link previews for your domain and ties your website to your business portfolio.
How do I verify my domain on Facebook?
In Business settings, go to Brand safety, then Domains, add your domain, and choose a method: a DNS TXT record, a meta tag on your homepage, or an HTML file upload. Add the code, then select Verify.
Which domain verification method is best?
DNS TXT verification is usually the most durable, because it survives theme changes and site rebuilds. The meta tag is quickest but can disappear when your site's code changes.
How long does domain verification take?
Meta can verify within minutes if the change is already visible, but DNS changes can take up to about 72 hours to spread. Keep the record in place permanently, as removing it can undo verification.
