How to verify a site in Google Search Console

Verify your site in Google Search Console so you can see what you rank for, submit sitemaps, and fix indexing issues.

4 min read beginnerUpdated Jun 10, 2026
BI
Reviewed by the editorial team · Jun 10, 2026
Before you start
  • Access to your site's DNS or a way to edit its <head>

Step by step

  1. 01

    Open Search Console

    search.google.com/search-console → Add property. Pick 'Domain' (covers all subdomains and protocols — recommended) or 'URL prefix' (only that exact URL).

  2. 02

    Pick a verification method

    Domain property = DNS TXT record only. URL prefix = HTML meta tag, HTML file upload, Google Analytics, or Google Tag Manager.

  3. 03

    Add the DNS TXT (Domain method)

    Copy the TXT value Google shows. Go to your registrar's DNS settings, add a TXT record on @ with that value, save.

  4. 04

    Or paste the meta tag (URL prefix method)

    Copy the <meta name='google-site-verification' content='...' /> tag and add it to your <head>. Most site builders have an SEO settings field for this.

  5. 05

    Click Verify

    DNS can take up to 24 hours. The meta tag method usually verifies in seconds. Once green, you can submit your sitemap.

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