So, you’ve created your domain name on Namecheap and are ready to set up your email protocols. An MX record is the standard way to do this; Without it, servers won’t know where to send emails for your domain. You will definitely need to set up an MX record if you want your emails to be classified and routed correctly. Fortunately, Namecheap offers several options to configure your mail services according to your needs.
This article will teach you all the necessary steps to add an MX record on Namecheap.
How to add an MX record
Before setting up the required MX records with Namecheap, your domain name must point to your FreeDNS, BasicDNS, or PremiumDNS in your Namecheap account.
You will also need to ensure that no CNAME record has been created for your domain in the host records section. If so, your email will not be routed correctly. CNAME has the highest priority over records, including MX records, so you should not have a CNAME record associated with your account.
To add an MX record on Namecheap, follow the steps below:
- Log in to your cheap account.
- In the left sidebar, select “Domain List.”
- You will see a list of your domain names. Select the one you want to add an MX record to by clicking the “Manage” button.
- Select the “Advanced DNS” tab at the top of the screen and go to “Mail Settings.”
- Choose one of the options listed in the dropdown menu:
- “No email service” is used if you do not want to have any email service.
- “Email forwarding” is used to create custom emails for a domain that forwards emails to other email accounts.
- “MXE Record” is used to forward an email to the IP address of a mail server.
- “Custom MX” is used for third party email services.
- “Private email” is used for Namecheap’s private email service.
- “Gmail” is used if you have a G Suite subscription.
- Once you have made your selection, click “Save Changes.”
You have now successfully added an MX record on Namecheap. The configuration usually takes approximately 30 minutes to update. If your MX record has not been updated after 30 minutes, you can open a ticket for help. Response time is usually 2 hours. This service is available 24 hours a day.
Additional FAQs
What is an MX record?
An MX record is a mail exchange record that directs emails from a domain to a specific mail server. You’ll need an MX record to ensure that emails from your domain are routed correctly. You won’t receive your emails if an MX record doesn’t point to the correct location.
My website does not require receiving emails. Do I still need an MX record?
The MX record is responsible for pointing your domain to the appropriate mail server. Without this registration, you will not be able to receive emails. By default, an MX record is not required. However, it is somewhat of an industry standard and is recommended.
You can always add an MX record and set it to “No email service”. This will save you time in the future if you decide to add email services to your domain.
Get your emails sent to the right place
Email servers will have no idea where to send emails without an MX record. It’s important to set up your MX records correctly to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. Most websites use email services to stay engaged with their visitors, and setting up your email settings with Namecheap is quick and easy, so why not get set up?
