Short answer: Domain verification proves to Meta that your business owns your website domain. It lets you control who can edit link previews and run ads to your site, helps protect your brand, and is a standard part of a clean Meta Ads setup. You can verify in Meta Business Suite under Brand safety, then Domains, using a DNS TXT record, an HTML file upload or a meta tag. DNS is usually the most durable method.
Why it matters
- Ownership: Meta knows the domain belongs to your business portfolio.
- Link control: you can control who edits link previews for your site in posts and ads.
- Brand protection: it makes it harder for others to misuse your domain in ads.
- Clean setup: many Meta features and support checks expect verified domains, and verification helps keep your pixel and events tied to your business.
The three verification methods
| Method | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DNS TXT record | Add a text record in your domain’s DNS settings | Survives website changes, best long term |
| HTML file upload | Upload a file Meta gives you to your site’s root folder | Can break if the site is rebuilt |
| Meta tag | Add a tag to your homepage head section | Can be removed by theme or plugin changes |
Step by step with DNS
- Open Meta Business Suite, then Settings.
- Go to Brand safety and suitability, then Domains.
- Click Add and enter your root domain, for example yourbrand.com.
- Choose DNS TXT record and copy the value Meta gives you.
- Log in to your domain registrar or DNS host and add a TXT record with that value.
- Wait for DNS to update, which can take minutes to a few hours.
- Return to Meta and click Verify.
After verification
- Make sure the domain is assigned to the right business portfolio.
- Connect your pixel to the same business.
- Add trusted partners or agencies through business settings, not by sharing logins.
- Keep the TXT record in place. Removing it can remove verification.
Common problems
- Verifying a subdomain instead of the root domain
- Adding the TXT record to the wrong DNS provider
- Removing the meta tag during a website redesign
- Domain owned by a former agency’s business account
If an agency verified your domain in its own business portfolio, ask them to remove it, or contact Meta support, so you can verify it in your own portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
What is domain verification on Meta?
Is domain verification required to run ads?
Which verification method is best?
How long does DNS verification take?
Can an agency verify my domain?
Who can set up my Meta business and domain correctly?
Want a clean, secure Meta setup?
I can verify your domain and organise your business assets. See my Meta Ads management service or request a free ads audit. Also read Facebook Ad Account Restricted? and Meta Conversions API setup.