What is MX record

How does an MX record work

When someone sends you an email, their email server doesn’t know your exact inbox. Instead, it looks up the MX record for your domain. This record contains instructions on where emails should go. The process involves a few key steps:

1. The sender’s email server queries your domain’s DNS records.
2. It finds the MX record, which points to your email server.
3. The email server delivers the message to the address listed in the MX record.

MX records work behind the scenes, connecting the dots so you don’t have to worry about the technical details every time you send or receive an email. For this reason, it’s important to set up your MX records correctly, especially when using custom domains.

Understanding key components

MX records contain several components that make them function properly. Here’s what you need to know:

• ‍Domain Name: This is your website’s name, like “mybusiness.com.” The MX record tells other email servers where to send emails addressed to this domain.‍
• Mail Server: The record points to a specific server where emails are handled. For example, if you use Google Workspace, the MX record might point to “aspmx.l.google.com.”‍
• Priority Number: MX records often include a priority level. This is a number that tells email servers which server to use first. Lower numbers mean higher priority. If one server is down, email servers will try the next one on the list.

Examples

Imagine you run a small online store and use your domain “bestcakes.com” for emails like info@bestcakes.com. When a customer sends an email to this address, their email server checks the MX record for “bestcakes.com.” If your MX record points to “mail.bestcakes.com,” the email is routed there.

Another example is using a third-party email provider like Microsoft Office 365. In this case, your MX record might point to “example.outlook.com.” Even though the domain is yours, the email services are handled by Microsoft.

These examples show how MX records bridge the gap between your domain and your email provider. No matter which provider you choose, the setup ensures your emails reach their destination.

How to check your MX records

Checking your MX records is simple. This can help if you’re setting up email for the first time or troubleshooting an issue. You can use online tools or access your domain’s DNS settings to view them.

To check them, log into your domain registrar or hosting provider. Look for the DNS management or zone editor section. Here, you’ll find all your DNS records, including MX records.

Alternatively, tools like MXToolbox or your email provider’s documentation can help. They let you enter your domain name and display its MX records instantly. This can be useful for verifying if your setup is correct.

Common problems and how to fix them

Even a small error in your MX records can disrupt email delivery. Some common problems include:

• ‍Incorrect MX Record Entries: If the record points to the wrong mail server, emails won’t reach you. Double-check the information provided by your email provider and update your DNS settings.‍
• Missing Priority Numbers: Some email setups require priority numbers to function properly. If they’re missing or set incorrectly, email servers may not know which server to use first.‍
• Propagation Delays: Changes to MX records can take up to 48 hours to propagate. During this time, emails might not work as expected. Plan changes carefully to minimize disruption.‍
• Conflicts with Other DNS Records: If your domain has conflicting records, such as old MX entries from a previous provider, emails might bounce. Remove outdated records to fix the issue.