Look up your domain's MX records
Instantly query the MX records for any domain. See which mail servers handle inbound email, their priority, and whether they're correctly configured.
What is an MX record?MX (mail exchanger) records tell other mail servers where to deliver email for your domain. Each record has a priority and a hostname; senders try the lowest number first.
This lookup lists the MX records, their priorities, and the mailbox provider they point to, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 or a security gateway in front of them.
How to read the result
- Pass: one or more MX records point to hostnames that resolve.
- No MX: the domain cannot receive email. Some receivers also distrust mail from a domain that cannot receive replies.
- Null MX (a single record with the value "."): the domain says on purpose that it accepts no email. This is correct for domains that only send, or that send nothing.
- Gateway first: if the lowest-priority MX is Proofpoint, Mimecast or a similar service, mail goes through that filter before the mailbox host.
Common mistakes
- An MX record that points to an IP address. MX must point to a hostname, and that hostname needs an A or AAAA record.
- An MX record that points to a CNAME. This breaks delivery at some servers.
- Old records left after a move to a new provider, so some mail still goes to the old system.
Example
MX records for Google Workspace (current single-record setup)
example.com MX 1 smtp.google.com.
Older Google Workspace domains use five records (aspmx.l.google.com and alt1–alt4); both setups work.
Common problems and fixes
Frequently asked questions
What does MX priority mean?
Senders try the record with the lowest number first. Records with higher numbers are backups. Records with the same number share the load.
How long do MX changes take?
As long as the old record's TTL, often one hour, sometimes up to 48 hours. Lower the TTL a day before a planned move.
Can an MX record point to an IP address?
No. It must point to a hostname that has an A or AAAA record.
Do I need MX records on a domain that only sends email?
It is better to have a way to receive replies and bounces. If the domain should receive nothing, publish a null MX record (priority 0, value ".").