Email DNS Guide
MX Record Not Updating? Fix It Step-by-Step
MX issues usually come from changing the wrong DNS provider, caching, or missing A/AAAA records for your mail host. Use the verification flow below to identify the exact problem.
Checklist
- Confirm you changed MX records in the active DNS zone (check nameservers first).
- Verify the MX hostname exists and resolves (A/AAAA records for mail host).
- Check priority values and remove old providers if you migrated email.
- Run propagation check globally and compare regions for caching differences.
Common mistakes
- Mixing providers: You updated the registrar’s DNS, but the domain is using a third-party DNS service.
- MX points to CNAME: Many providers don’t allow MX to target a CNAME. Use a real hostname with A/AAAA.
- Mail host missing A/AAAA: Receiving servers can’t reach the mail host even if MX exists.