In short. Bing documents DNS ownership verification through a manually added CNAME record or automatic CNAME insertion with Domain Connect.
Definition: DNS verification in Bing Webmaster Tools proves control of a site by publishing Bing's verification code in the domain name system (DNS). As of 17 October 2026, Bing's site verification help specifies a CNAME record, an alias that associates one hostname with another.
Key facts
- Bing's site verification help requires access to the domain hosting account for manual CNAME verification.
- Bing's Domain Connect announcement explains that DNS verification works without editing the site's source code.
- Squarespace's Bing verification instructions specify
verify.bing.comas the CNAME target. - Bing's Search Console import guidance says imported sites undergo periodic ownership validation through the linked Google account.
How is the manual CNAME record added?
Bing's site verification documentation starts with adding a site to a Webmaster Tools account. The property can cover an entire domain, such as example.com, or a branch, such as example.com/clothing/. After manual addition, the Add CNAME record to DNS option provides a verification code consisting of letters and numbers. Bing checks the published information to verify ownership.
The DNS record uses the code supplied for verification. For a Squarespace-managed domain, the provider's instructions give this field mapping. BING_VERIFICATION_CODE below is a placeholder for the code displayed by Bing:
Type: CNAME
Host: BING_VERIFICATION_CODE
Data: verify.bing.com
The documented Squarespace workflow opens the domains dashboard, selects the domain, then opens DNS and Add record. After the CNAME is saved, the final step is to return to Bing Webmaster Tools and select Verify. The provider directs customers whose DNS is hosted elsewhere to that provider for help.
How does automatic DNS verification work?
Domain Connect is an open standard for configuring a domain's DNS to work with an external service. Bing's Domain Connect announcement describes a background check after a site is added: Bing identifies whether the DNS provider has integrated Domain Connect with Webmaster Tools.
For a supported provider, selecting Verify redirects the account holder to the DNS provider's sign-in page. Bing's site verification help explains that this route inserts the CNAME automatically. The announcement describes completion within seconds after successful sign-in, while allowing for a longer delay in the provider's ownership signal.
What should be checked when ownership remains unverified?
The DNS settings must belong to the service handling the domain's DNS. For example, IONOS's CNAME documentation says its nameservers must be in use for changes in its control panel to take effect. Its Hostname field takes the subdomain, and Point to takes the target hostname without an http:// or https:// prefix.
For sites imported from Google Search Console, Bing's import guidance describes a separate ongoing check. Bing periodically validates ownership through that account. If access is revoked, the documented options are reconnection or verification through another method, including a DNS record or meta tag.
Related terms
- How do I import a site from Search Console into Bing Webmaster Tools?
- How do I check whether Bing has indexed a URL?
- Bing AI Performance report
FAQ
Should I add a TXT record or a CNAME record?
Bing's June 2025 setup guide mentions a manual TXT record, while its site verification help specifies CNAME. Follow the record type, name and value displayed for your site in Bing Webmaster Tools.
Why is automatic DNS verification unavailable for my site?
Bing's Domain Connect announcement describes the option as dependent on integration between the DNS provider and Webmaster Tools. Its default verification options are XML file authentication, meta tag authentication and manual CNAME verification.
Can I verify without changing DNS?
Yes. Bing's Search Console import guidance says you can import sites already verified in Google Search Console. It also lists XML file upload and a meta tag as supported ownership verification methods.
Sources
- Bing Webmaster Tools, "Add and Verify site", undated, documentation content endpoint
- Bing Webmaster Blog, "Bing Webmaster Tools simplifies site verification using Domain Connect", 21 August 2019
- Squarespace Help Center, "Verifying your site with Bing Webmaster Tools", 27 March 2026
- IONOS Help, "Configuring a CNAME Record for a Subdomain", undated
- Bing Webmaster Blog, "Easily Verify Your Site in Bing Webmaster Tools by Importing from Google Search Console", updated June 2025
- Bing Webmaster Blog, "Start Using Bing Webmaster Tools to Improve Your Site Visibility", 17 June 2025
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