Configure DNS MX Record (New Setup)

The Problem

You're setting up email on a domain for the first time (a new mailbox provider, a new domain, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) and need the MX records configured exactly as the provider specifies, with the right priority values.

About this problem

MX (Mail Exchange) records tell the internet which mail servers are responsible for receiving email for your domain, and in what order of preference via their priority values. For a brand-new setup, this is usually the first and most critical DNS step — get it wrong and no mail reaches you at all, often without a clear error message anywhere.

This typically comes up when launching a new domain, switching to a new mailbox provider, or finally setting up professional email after using a personal address.

What's Included

• Confirming the exact MX records and priority values your mail provider requires
• Publishing the records correctly in your DNS
• Checking for and removing any conflicting leftover MX records
• Verifying mail delivery with a real test email once published

What's NOT Included

• Setting up SPF, DKIM or DMARC (separate, related services)
• Mailbox provider account setup itself
• Migrating existing mail from a previous provider

How It Works

1. Get the exact MX hostnames and priority values required, directly from the mail provider's setup documentation for your account.
2. Check for any existing MX records that need removing to avoid mail being split or misdelivered.
3. Publish the new MX records with correct priorities.
4. Verify DNS propagation and correct resolution of each MX hostname.
5. Send and receive a real test email to confirm mail actually flows before calling it done.

In practice: you buy the service, send over whatever access or details the job needs, I investigate and do the work, and you confirm it's resolved before we call it done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an MX record do?

It tells other mail servers where to deliver email for your domain, and the priority value decides which server to try first if there's more than one.

What happens if I don't set up MX records?

Email sent to your domain will bounce or fail to deliver entirely, since there's nothing telling the internet where it should go.

What's the correct priority number for MX records?

Lower numbers mean higher priority — mail servers try the lowest-numbered MX record first and fall back to higher numbers if it's unavailable. Your mail provider will specify the exact values to use.

Can I use my website's hosting for email too?

Usually not well — most web hosts aren't set up as reliable mail servers. MX records almost always point to a dedicated mail service, separate from wherever your website is hosted.

How soon after setting MX records can I receive email?

Often within minutes to a few hours once propagated, though full global propagation can occasionally take up to 48 hours.

Can I have MX records from two different email providers at once?

Technically yes but it's not recommended, since mail could be delivered to whichever system responds based on priority, causing inconsistent delivery — pick one provider's MX records as the active set.