Tips for Proper Configuration of MX Records on Plesk

For your email service to function smoothly, it is crucial to configure MX records correctly. Review this guide to learn how to configure MX records properly on Plesk.

The Basics and Importance of MX Records in Plesk

Plesk is a commonly used platform among web hosting control panels, and MX (Mail Exchange) records allow you to specify which server should handle your email traffic. MX records define the priority order of email servers associated with your domain, and they ensure that emails are routed to the correct server.

Properly configured MX records ensure that your email service runs smoothly. Incorrectly configured or missing MX records can lead to lost emails, undelivered messages, or emails getting stuck in spam filters. Therefore, it's important to correctly configure MX records on Plesk.

How to Determine the Correct MX Records?

To determine the correct MX records, you first need to know which email service you will be using. This is typically provided by your email service provider. For example, if you are using a service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, they will provide specific MX records for their services.

Generally, a domain can have multiple MX records, each with a priority level. A lower number indicates a higher priority. Email servers usually try to communicate with the MX record having the lowest priority. If that server is unavailable, the next highest priority server is used.

To determine the correct MX records:

• Obtain the necessary MX record information from your email service provider.
• Determine the correct priority level for each MX record.
• Check if there are any backup MX servers.

How to Add and Edit MX Records on Plesk?

To add or edit MX records on Plesk, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk control panel.
2. Click on "Websites & Domains" from the main menu.
3. Go to "DNS Settings" for the domain where you want to add MX records.
4. Click on the "Add Record" button to add a new MX record.
5. Select "MX" as the "Record Type" and enter the required information:
• Domain Name: Usually left blank or use '@' symbol.
• Mail Server: The server address provided by your email provider for the MX record.
• Priority: The priority value you received from your email provider.
6. Click "OK" or "Save" to complete the process.

To edit an existing record, click on the "Edit" option next to the relevant record, make the necessary changes, and save it.

Testing MX Records and Troubleshooting Methods

After configuring MX records on Plesk, it's important to test your email service to ensure it works properly. Here are some testing and troubleshooting methods:

• NSLookup: Open Command Prompt on Windows and run the command "nslookup -type=mx yourdomain.com" to check your MX records.
• Online Tools: Use various online tools to verify your MX records and detect possible errors.
• Email Sending Test: Send test emails to different email addresses and check if they are correctly delivered.

During troubleshooting, ensure that your MX records are correctly configured and allow some time for DNS changes to fully propagate.

Best Practices for Proper MX Record Configuration

To configure MX records correctly, follow these best practices:

• Correct Priority Levels: Use the correct priority levels for MX records to ensure the most efficient routing of email traffic.
• Backup MX Servers: If possible, use multiple MX records to create backup servers. This ensures that if one server is unavailable, emails will be routed to other servers.
• Regular Checks: Regularly check your MX records and apply updates when necessary.
• Documentation: Document the configuration and changes to your MX records to resolve any future issues more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for changes to MX records to become active?
A: DNS changes typically become active within a few hours, but full propagation may take 24-48 hours.

Q: What happens if I misconfigure my MX records?
A: Misconfigured MX records can result in undelivered or lost emails. In this case, it's important to recheck the records and configure them correctly.

Q: Can I add multiple MX records on Plesk?
A: Yes, you can add multiple MX records on Plesk. This allows you to create backup servers.