HostGator.com » Support Portal

How do I change my sites MX record to point mail to another server or domain?

An MX Record is used by a mail server to route incoming email. Changing your MX record is usually done to redirect email to a remote server. It can also be used as a temporary backup in case the local mail server goes down.

If you wish to just point it to another domain do the following:

  1. Log into your Cpanel.
  2. Click the MX Entry icon.
  3. Select the problematic domain name from the drop-down list.
  4. Here are the rules for Local, Backup, and Remote. If you do not know, choose Automatically Detect Configuration and hit the Change button.
  5. Under "Add New Record", enter mail.thedomainname.com (or whatever you were provided by the host) for the Destination value. Priority will normally stay equal to 0 [zero].
  6. Click the "Add New Record" button.

Tip: Setting the value back is just as easy. Just save the Destination value as the domain name you select from the drop-down (no http or www).

If you wish to point it to another server using the same domain:

  1. Log into your Cpanel.
  2. Click the MX Entry icon.
  3. Select the problematic domain name from the drop-down list.
  4. Here are the rules for Local, Backup, and Remote. If you do not know, choose Automatically Detect Configuration and hit the Change button.
  5. Under "Add New Record", enter mail2.thedomainname.com (or whatever you were provided by the host) for the Destination value. Priority will normally stay equal to 0 [zero].
  6. Click the "Add New Record" button.
  7. Go to the cPanel Home and click the Simple DNS Editor icon.
  8. Select the same domain from the drop-down.
  9. Under "Add an A Record", enter mail2.thedomainname.com (or whatever you put for the MX Destination) in the "Name" field.
  10. In the "Address" field, enter the other server's IP address.
  11. Click the "Add A Record" button.
  12. Done.

Article Comments

Nick
My DNS is else where. What are the MX records for gator mail servers?

HostGator
You need to create an A record to point a subdomain name to the HostGator server's IP address.

Then create an MX record to point to that new subdomain name.

Arjun
I suppose the above records in your comment need to be added at the Registrar's Control Panel, right?

HostGator
If you are using your registrar's name servers, then yes.

You must make DNS record changes at the place where your name servers point.

Pavelss
I am having a hard time getting this to work...

I have someone else as my Registar and DNS manager. I am trying to setup to recieve email in the webmail with Hostgator but cannot figure out the whole MX Records jungle...

So this is what I have now..

At my Registar: pointing mail.mydomain.com to the website ip address

At my Host Gator account I have mx record pointing to mail.mydomain.com

What am I doing wrong?

HostGator
Your Whois information shows that your domain name is NOT using your registrar as your DNS manager.

Instead, I see that you have HostGator's name servers. This means you can only make DNS zone changes on the HostGator server.

I checked your DNS zone, and you do have HostGator as your host for website and email. If you are not able to receive your emails in the HostGator webmail, then please contact us via email, phone or live chat for troubleshooting.

carlh1
OK, I have domain1.com and I"ve parked domain2.com to point to domain1.com

Can I create an email account in each that both share the same accoiunt?
can I:
create bob@domain1.com and bob@domain2.com and have them share the same account so it doesn't matter what folks send to it goes to the same thing?

HostGator
No, but you almost have it.

Create bob@domain1.com, and then create an email domain forwarder for domain2.com to domain1.com. (Login to cPanel, click Forwarders, and look under Email Domain Forwarders.) Done!

Now all emails addressed to someone@domain2.com will be forwarded to someone@domain1.com, and there is only one mail box for each "someone".

Keith
I have my website at a different server and would like to keep my email on my host gator server. How do I set up the A CNAME and MX record?
Is this correct?
I believe I would set up the A record to point at the website server.
CNAME Mail (Hostgator IP address)
MX @ (Hostgator IP address)

HostGator
It is not that simple. I suggest you email support@hostgator.com so we can help you configure this.

Here is the answer if you want to attempt it. First, everything depends on the name servers you want to use.

1) If you use our name servers, then we can simply point the A record for your domain to the website server (the "different server"). All done.

2) If you use the different server's name servers, then that server's administrator (not us) must point the MX record to HostGator. They will know that the MX record cannot point to an IP address, so they must create an A record which points to our IP and then point the MX record to that A record.

Conclusion: If you use HostGator name servers, we can support and control the DNS changes. If not, then we have no control over your DNS changes and you must rely on the other host.

John
I have the reverse situation from Keith above:
Website on HG, mail on another server (server A)
When I create account in WHM all I need to do is check 'Auto detect' or 'Remote mail exchanger'. Is this correct?

HostGator
Correct, simply select 'Remote mail exchanger'.

mel
it seems that you have a good support team.i am looking for a hosting company and i'm convinced that you're the one i am looking for.

HostGator
Thank you for your comments. Just a quick reminder that the comments on this page are not monitored by technical support staff, and that for support issues, it is best to contact us by live chat, phone or email so we can assist you right away.

Although comments are not monitored by technical support staff, they are moderated and read by technical writers. Comments will need to be approved by a moderator before appearing.

Our technical writers do read the comments periodically for the purposes of updating the articles, and do appreciate your feedback, suggestions and corrections to the articles themselves, as well as any suggestions or tips for readers of this article. However, support questions posted here are not guaranteed to be replied to in a timely manner or at all. For support issues, it is best to contact our support staff instead by live chat, email or phone.



Your comments help us keep the knowledge base updated. This is not a medium for support. If you have questions or need help, please contact us via email, phone or live chat for fast assistance.

Post Comment