An MX Record (Mail Exchange Record) directs email sent to your domain to the appropriate mail server. If you want to use a specific email service, like G Suite or Microsoft 365, adding or updating an MX Record is essential. Here's how to add an MX Record using cPanel's DNS Zone Editor:
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
- Open your web browser and go to your cPanel login page (e.g.,
https://yourdomain.com:2083). - Enter your username and password, then click Log in.
Step 2: Open the DNS Zone Editor
- Scroll down to the Domains section in your cPanel dashboard.
- Click on Zone Editor.
Step 3: Select the Domain
- Locate the domain for which you want to add or update an MX Record.
- Click Manage next to the domain name.
Step 4: Add an MX Record
- On the DNS Records page, click + Add Record or Add MX Record, depending on your cPanel version.
- Fill in the required fields:
- Name: Enter your domain name (e.g.,
yourdomain.com). For most cases, leave this as@or blank for the main domain. - TTL (Time to Live): Leave the default value (e.g.,
14400) or specify a custom value if required. - Type: Ensure the record type is set to MX.
- Priority: Enter a number to specify the priority of the mail server. Lower numbers have higher priority (e.g.,
10for the primary server). - Destination: Enter the mail server address (e.g.,
mail.example.comorsmtp.your-email-provider.com).
- Name: Enter your domain name (e.g.,
- Click Save Record or Add Record.
Step 5: Remove Old MX Records (Optional)
- If you're switching email providers, locate and delete any outdated MX Records from the list.
- Ensure only the required MX Records are active to prevent email delivery issues.
Step 6: Verify the MX Record
- Use an online tool like MXToolbox to check the MX Records for your domain and verify they are pointing to the correct mail server.
- Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate globally, though most updates occur sooner.
Tips for Managing MX Records
- Check Service Instructions: Always refer to your email provider’s documentation for the correct MX Record values and priorities.
- Backup Existing Records: Before making changes, export or document current DNS records in case you need to revert.
- SPF and DKIM: After updating MX Records, ensure SPF and DKIM records are configured correctly for email authentication.
By adding or updating MX Records through cPanel's DNS Zone Editor, you can efficiently configure your email services and ensure that messages are routed to the correct mail server.
