MX Record
A DNS record that specifies mail servers responsible for receiving email for a domain.
MX (Mail Exchange) records tell the internet where to deliver emails sent to your domain. Without proper MX records, you cannot receive email at your domain.
MX Record Structure:
Type: MX
Priority: 10
Value: mail.yourdomain.com
Priority Explained: MX records include a priority number:
- Lower numbers = higher priority
- Mail tries the lowest number first
- If it fails, moves to the next priority
- Provides redundancy
Example Google Workspace Setup:
Priority: 1 → ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
Priority: 5 → ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
Priority: 5 → ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
Priority: 10 → ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
Priority: 10 → ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
Common MX Configurations:
| Provider | Primary MX Record | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Google Workspace | ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM | 1 |
| Microsoft 365 | domain.mail.protection.outlook.com | 0 |
| Zoho Mail | mx.zoho.com | 10 |
| ProtonMail | mail.protonmail.ch | 10 |
Why It Matters
MX records are the foundation of email delivery. Incorrect MX records mean you won't receive emails, which can be catastrophic for business communication.
Practical Example
You sign up for Google Workspace. Google provides MX records to add to your DNS. After adding them, emails sent to you@yourdomain.com are delivered to your Google Workspace inbox.
Related Terms
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
EmailAn email authentication method that adds a digital signature to verify message authenticity.
DNS (Domain Name System)
TechnicalThe system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
Email Deliverability
EmailThe ability of emails to successfully reach recipients' inboxes rather than spam folders.
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
EmailAn email authentication method that specifies which servers can send email from your domain.
Explore More Terms
Browse our complete glossary of domain name terminology.