Understanding MX Records
An MX (Mail Exchange) record is a critical component in the Domain Name System (DNS) used by mail servers to determine where to deliver email for a domain.
MX records must work in conjunction with A records, as the MX record must point to an A record that directs to the mail server's IP address.
If an MX record is missing, emails will typically be delivered to the apex/root record of the domain.
Components of MX Records
Each MX record consists of two key values:
- Priority: An integer between 0 and 65535 representing the order of preference for email delivery.
- Domain Name: The mail server that will receive the email.
When multiple servers are specified, the server with the lowest priority value is used first. For example:
0 example.com
10 2ndmailserver.example.comSteps to Update MX Records in cPanel
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log into cPanel with your credentials. |
| 2 | Navigate to the Zone Editor under the Domains section. |
| 3 | Select the domain for which you want to update MX records. |
| 4 | Click on Add Record and select MX as the record type. |
| 5 | Enter the priority and domain name (mail server) in the designated fields. |
| 6 | Save the changes to update the MX records. |
Linux CLI Commands for Updating MX Records
- Connect to the Server:
Use SSH to connect to your server:
ssh user@your-server-ip - Update MX Records:
Run the following command to update MX records:
plesk bin dns --add example.com -mx 10 2ndmailserver.example.com
Gotchas to Avoid
- Priority Confusion: Ensure the priority values are set correctly; the lowest value takes precedence.
- Multiple MX Records: If using multiple MX records, configure them correctly to avoid delivery issues.
- Propagation Time: Be aware that changes to MX records may take time to propagate.
Updating MX records in cPanel is essential for proper email delivery. By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure your domain's email routing is configured correctly.
