What is an MX record used for?

An MX record tells other mail systems which server accepts email for a domain. When someone sends a message to [email protected], the sending server looks up the MX records for example.com and connects to the listed mail host. Without a valid route, incoming mail can be delayed or returned to the sender.

An MX value is a hostname, not a web address. That hostname must resolve to an address and be configured to receive mail for the domain. Records also have priority numbers. A lower number is preferred, while higher-numbered servers are tried when the preferred destination is unavailable.

Changing website hosting does not require changing MX records when email stays with the same provider. Replacing nameservers can still disrupt mail if the new DNS zone does not include the old MX and related TXT records. Save the full zone before a migration and recreate all required email entries.

Follow the email provider’s exact record values and remove obsolete routes only after the new service is ready. Test incoming and outgoing delivery with external accounts. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records do not replace MX; they publish authentication and policy information for mail that uses the domain.