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How to Update MX Records - Mail Exchange Record - DNS Management

What is an MX Record? 

MX records are responsible for directing emails to the specified mail servers. They are necessary for sending and receiving emails between email addresses.

Modifying My MX Records

MX records are often modified to utilize a different email service than your hosting provider and designate personal servers as mail backups if the default mail option fails. When using our nameservers, your default MX record is your domain name which contains a local IP address to the server, so all mail is handled locally. However, this record can be modified to point to a third-party email host, or you can add additional MX records and set their priority.

Here are the steps on how to update your MX records:

  1. Log in to your Domains Dashboard.
    Login to your Domains Dashboard
  2. On the dashboard, select the domain name you wish to modify.
    There are two views in the Domains dashboard - the Card and List views. Click on the view icons to switch to your preferred view. 
    Card view, Manage
  3. Choose the domain you wish to modify. 
    In the Card view, click the domain's Manage button.

    Domain Dashboard - Card View

    In List view, click the domain or its gear icon on the right-hand side.

    Domain Dashboard - List View

  4. On the left sidebar, click on DNS & Nameservers
    DNS & Nameservers Tab
  5. On the DNS & Nameservers page, select the DNS Records tab. 
    DNS Records Tab
  6. Add a new A Record by clicking the blue + button.
    Add a New Record
  7. In the window that appears, select MX record type from the dropdown list.
  8. Type in the MX record value in the content field.
  9. Then click on the Add DNS button.
    Add New DNS Record
  10. Or, click the three dots on the MX record you wish to edit or delete. Make sure to update both MX Records with the right format.
    MX Record
  11. Make your revisions and Click on Update DNS.


    Note: Before updating MX Records, use these tools to verify where the domain’s MX record is currently resolving, before making changes: DIG or WHOIS
     

    Edit DNS Record
    Note: DNS zone record changes such as A, MX, and CNAME records can typically take 0 to 4 hours to resolve but are known to take as long as 8 hours to propagate fully.

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    MX Records FAQs

    How Do I Change My MX Records To Work With Google


    Important: These instructions are only applicable if you did not purchase Google Workspace through your hosting account. If you purchased Google Workspace through us, your email would be configured automatically.

    1. Obtain the appropriate MX Record Settings from Google (see Google's help article).
    2. Update your MX Records with the settings provided by Google.
    3. Wait up to 48 hours for the changes to take effect.

    How Do I Change My MX Records To Work With Another Email Provider

    1. Obtain the appropriate MX Record Settings from your desired email provider.
    2. Update your MX Records with the settings you obtained from your desired provider (see how).
    3. Wait up to several hours for the changes to take effect.

    How Do I Host Email With Here, But Keep My Other Services Hosted Elsewhere

    Make sure that your MX records are pointing to your hosting account. Work with your domain provider if you need assistance setting up your MX Records. Any changes you make could require several hours before they take effect.

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    MX Record Format

    If NameServers are with us, follow these two formats for the two MX Records. Make sure to change the word "domainname" with your actual domain name.

    MX Record Format

    MX Record Format

    If NameServers are pointing elsewhere, you will need to contact where the NameServers are pointing to make this change.

You can provide these formats to point the MX Records to us quickly. Make sure to change the word "domainname" with your actual domain name and the "brandname" with the hosting provider name like hosting.com.
MX Record Format
MX Record Format
To learn more about the primary use of various DNS Records, check out DNS Records Explained.

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