How do I get domain verification to accept I'm the owner?

Question

I have been having troubles for the past 6 months trying to get my domain usable with Microsoft. We bought the business/domain a while ago and despite being able to verify it through txt dns records, the old godaddy connection still has a hold on Microsoft for some reason. I get this error:

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[domain] was already added to a different Microsoft 365 organization, [user].onmicrosoft.com, which is managed by GoDaddy. To add this domain to this account you will need to contact GoDaddy support and have it removed from [user].onmicrosoft.com. After removal, it can take between 15 minutes and a few hours before you can add the domain here. Please wait, then come back here and resume this step.

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GoDaddy has not been helpful since I'm not the original user and I can't get support from Microsoft either. I transfered the domain to Squarespace when we bought it. But it's ridiculous that I can prove the domain is mine but a 3rd party who is unowned by me can still keep claim on my domain in Microsoft's eyes. What's the point of the domain verification if it won't accept a positive result?

Answer 1

To resolve the issue of domain verification with Microsoft 365, you will need to ensure that the domain is completely removed from the previous Microsoft 365 organization that it was associated with. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Contact GoDaddy Support: Since the domain is still linked to the previous Microsoft 365 account managed by GoDaddy, you will need to reach out to GoDaddy support. Explain your situation and request them to remove the domain from the old Microsoft 365 account. This is crucial because only the original account holder can typically remove the domain.
2. Wait for Removal: After GoDaddy has confirmed the removal, it may take between 15 minutes to a few hours for the changes to propagate. During this time, you will not be able to add the domain to your new Microsoft 365 account.
3. Verify Ownership Again: Once the domain has been removed from the old account, you can proceed to verify your ownership again using the TXT record method that you mentioned. Make sure to follow the correct steps for adding the TXT record in your DNS settings.
4. Check for Errors: If you continue to encounter errors after following these steps, ensure that there are no lingering DNS records that might be causing conflicts. You may also want to check the Microsoft 365 admin center for any specific instructions or errors related to your domain.

It's unfortunate that the process can be complicated, especially when dealing with previous ownership and third-party support. However, following these steps should help you regain control over your domain in Microsoft 365.

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References:

• Connect your DNS records at GoDaddy to Microsoft 365
• Add DNS records to connect your domain

Answer 2

Dear @Bradly Shorts,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your description, you’ve been unable to add your domain to Microsoft 365 because it’s still linked to a GoDaddy-managed tenant. You want to know how to remove the domain from the old tenant and successfully add it to your account.

Adding a TXT record proves ownership, but Microsoft cannot override the existing tenant association without removing the domain from that tenant. This is a security measure to prevent hijacking. Your domain is still linked to a GoDaddy-managed Microsoft 365 tenant. GoDaddy acts as the delegated admin.

Because of that, you must request GoDaddy to remove the domain from their tenant. This is the only way to free it for your Microsoft 365 account.

After removal, wait 15 minutes to a few hours before retrying the domain addition.

If GoDaddy support is unhelpful and you have admin access:

You can try to open a support ticket from your Microsoft 365 Admin Center as my guidance reclaim the domain:

• Sign into the "Microsoft Admin Center"
• After clicking on "Help & Support" button like this image, you can type "I need help". After that, you can click on "Contact support"
• Choose contact method: "Phone"
• Fill all the information in this contact support details, please describe your situation carefully so they will have enough information to help you.
• Finally, clicking on "Contact me"

After completing them, you will receive an email appointment for a meeting to review this issue professionally together.

To help you work with Microsoft Engineering Support smoothly, prepare the following information:

1. Domain Details

• Exact domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com)
• Confirmation that you have DNS access

2. Proof of Ownership

• Ability to add a TXT record when requested
• Optional: screenshots from your domain registrar showing ownership

3. Tenant Information

• Microsoft 365 tenant ID
• Global Admin email address

4. Issue Description

• The domain is currently linked to another Microsoft 365 tenant
• You no longer have access to that tenant
• You need Microsoft to force‑release the domain so you can add it to your tenant"

I hope information above helpful, if you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out

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