MX records are specialized DNS entries that direct email traffic to the correct mail servers for your domain.
These records tell email systems exactly where to send incoming messages for your specific domain name.
Each domain can have multiple MX records with different priority levels, ensuring reliable email routing.
How MX Records Function
When someone sends an email to your domain, their email server queries the MX records to determine the destination mail server.
Lower numerical priority values indicate preferred mail servers in the routing sequence.
Servers will attempt to send email to the lowest priority MX record first, creating a systematic failover mechanism.
Setting Up MX Records
Choose a reliable email hosting provider like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for professional email configuration.
Obtain specific mail server hostnames from your email provider to accurately configure MX records.
Typical MX record configuration includes the mail server hostname and a numerical priority value.
Common MX Record Configurations
| Provider | Typical MX Server | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Google Workspace | ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM | 1 |
| Microsoft 365 | MS.EXCHG.COM | 10 |
Troubleshooting MX Record Issues
Use online DNS lookup tools to verify your MX record configurations.
Check for potential typos or incorrect mail server hostnames during setup.
Confirm that DNS propagation has completed before testing email routing.
Best Practices
Always maintain at least two MX records for redundancy and reliable email delivery.
Regularly audit and update MX records when changing email service providers.
Implement SPF and DKIM records alongside MX records for enhanced email authentication.