URL-Prefix vs Domain Property in Google Search Console — What's the Difference?

The two property types

When you add a site to Google Search Console, you choose one of two property types. The type you chose affects how GoIndexed verifies your service account.

• URL-prefix property — starts with https:// or http://. Example: https://example.com/. Only covers that exact protocol and subdomain.
• Domain property — shown as sc-domain:example.com. Covers all subdomains and both http/https automatically. Requires DNS verification.

How to tell which type you have

In Google Search Console, look at the property selector in the top-left. If your property shows a full URL starting with https://, it's a URL-prefix property. If it shows just the domain name without a protocol, it's a domain property.

In GoIndexed, the site detail page shows "Not verified" or "Verified" in the header. Domain properties need a DNS TXT record for service account verification.

How verification differs between the two types

• URL-prefix property: add the service account email as Owner in Search Console → Settings → Users and permissions. No DNS changes needed.
• Domain property: add a DNS TXT record to your domain's DNS settings. GoIndexed generates the token automatically after you upload your service account key.

Which type should you use?

Domain properties are recommended if you have content on multiple subdomains (www, blog, shop) because they cover everything under one property.

URL-prefix properties are easier to set up for service account verification — no DNS access required. If you only have one subdomain and want the simplest setup, use a URL-prefix property.