MX record lookup
List the servers (MX) that receive mail for the domain, in priority order.
Instructions, guides and related tools
Result
Diagnostic results will appear here
Related checks and services
Planning email for your own domain? Explore Google Workspace features and service terms.
What this check does
Queries MX records and sorts them by priority (lower is preferred).
How to read the result
Lower-numbered MX hosts are preferred. Without MX, SMTP can attempt delivery to the domain's A/AAAA address (implicit MX, RFC5321 section5.1). Whether that server accepts mail needs a separate check.
Glossary
- priority
- Lower-numbered MX hosts are preferred.
FAQ
- Is missing MX a problem?
- Not always. Delivery may be attempted at A/AAAA addresses, but this does not confirm an SMTP receiving service. Compare the records with your mail provider's instructions.
Updated:
What to check next
This checks MX records and A/AAAA fallback when MX is absent. It does not test SMTP connectivity, receiving configuration or mailbox existence at each MX host.
1. Use the recipient domain
For mail to user@example.org, look up example.org. This is not a check of the outgoing server configured in your mail app. Compare MX destinations and priorities with your mail provider.
2. Check priority and destination addresses
Lower numbers are tried first; equal priorities do not imply a fixed order. An MX destination is a hostname, not an IP literal. Check that destination's usable A/AAAA records with your DNS administrator.
3. Decide whether Null MX is intentional
0 . declares that a domain accepts no mail and can be intentional for a non-receiving domain. Do not combine it with normal MX records. Use the provider's MX records if mail reception is required.
4. Check receiving conditions beyond DNS
Check the recipient account, capacity, spam and forwarding settings, and receiving-server logs. Published MX records do not rule out a service outage or rejection.
Specifications and review date
Guidance reviewed:
