Facebook Domain Verification Failed: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Quick fix
Facebook domain verification failed shows an error in Business Suite. Check you entered the root domain only, such as website.com, not www or https. For the meta tag, confirm it is in the head of your home page source. For DNS, confirm the TXT record with a lookup tool. Then click Verify domain again.
- Enter the root domain without www or https.
- View your home page source and find the meta tag in the head.
- Check the DNS TXT record with a lookup tool.
- Make sure you have full control of the business portfolio.
Can't fix it yourself? Send me the details
What this error means
Domain verification proves your business owns its website, so you can control which Pages can edit links and ads that point to it. There are 3 free methods: a meta tag, an HTML file or a DNS TXT record. If Meta can't find the proof, it shows an error.
Why it happens
1The domain was entered with a prefix
Meta wants the root domain only.
How to tell if this is you: You typed www. or https:// into the domain field.
2The meta tag is not in the published head
The tag must be in the head of the home page HTML and published.
How to tell if this is you: Viewing the page source doesn't show the tag.
3The TXT record hasn't updated
The DNS TXT record has not updated across your servers yet.
How to tell if this is you: A DNS TXT lookup tool doesn't show the record.
4Missing permissions
You need full control of the portfolio and admin or developer access to the domain.
How to tell if this is you: You can't see Domains in Settings, or can't edit the site.
How to fix it
- Go to
Domainsin theBrand safetysection of Business Suite Settings. - Enter the root domain, for example website.com.
- Meta tag: paste it in the head and publish, then view the source to check it is there.
- HTML file: upload it unchanged to the root directory.
- DNS: add the TXT record and confirm it with a DNS TXT lookup tool.
- Click
Verify domain.
How long it takes
Meta doesn't publish a timeline for this.
How to stop it happening again
- Use one verification method and leave it in place until verified.
- Only verify subdomains if you are onboarding to Facebook Commerce.
From my desk
DNS verification is my preference when I can reach the domain settings, since it does not depend on theme files or site changes. If the client cannot touch DNS, the HTML file or meta tag method is the fallback. Whoever verifies must also have admin access on the Business portfolio.
Muhammed Abdul Kalam
When to get help
- You've worked through the checks and the numbers still don't line up.
- The setup involves a CRM, Shopify app or tag manager that someone else built and nobody can explain.
- Leads or sales are being lost and you need the data flowing again quickly.
Stuck on this? Send me the details.Tell me what the platform shows and what you've tried so far.
Send me the detailsFAQs
Why does Facebook domain verification fail?
Common causes are entering a prefix instead of the root domain, a meta tag missing from the published head, or a DNS TXT record that has not updated.
Do I enter www in the domain?
No. Enter the root domain without prefixes, such as website.com.
Can I remove the meta tag after verifying?
Yes. Removing the meta tag, DNS TXT record or HTML file won't affect your verification status.
Do I need to verify subdomains?
Only when onboarding to Facebook Commerce.
How long does DNS verification take?
Meta doesn't publish a time. Use a DNS TXT lookup tool to confirm the record has updated before clicking Verify domain.