MX records

This guide explains what MX records do, how priority works, and how to change them without interrupting incoming email.

Before you begin

• The exact MX values from your email service. Each email product gives its own values. Use the values from that product only:
  • APNCloud Business Email: Add MX records
  • Hosting email: the DNS values shown in your hosting account, as described in Hosting email
• The DNS case for your domain. Read Find your DNS provider.
• A copy of your current MX records, from dig MX yourdomain.com +short.

Changing MX changes where incoming email goes

Replacing MX records moves all incoming email for the domain to the new mail service. Mail sent to the old service may stop arriving. Plan the change, keep the old service running until you have confirmed the new one works, and never mix the MX values of two products.

Steps

1. Record the current MX records and keep the list.
2. Add the new MX records at your DNS provider, using the values from the email service. Each record has a host (usually @), a value (the mail server name) and a priority. A lower number is tried first.
3. Remove old MX records only when you are ready to move incoming mail, and only after the new records are in place.
4. Save the changes and wait for them to spread.
5. Check the result with dig MX yourdomain.com +short.

Expected result

The lookup returns only the MX values you intended, in the right priority order, and incoming email arrives at the new service.

If something goes wrong

• Email is still going to the old service. Changes may still be spreading. Check the TTL and wait.
• Email is delivered nowhere. Check that the MX values are spelled exactly as the email service gave them.
• Two products appear in one lookup. Remove the record that belongs to the product you are not using.

Related articles

• Email authentication records
• TXT records
• Email not receiving
• Incorrect MX records

Last reviewed

2026-10-27