Managing Mail Exchanger (MX) Records in cPanel

MX records define how email for a domain is routed. By default, cPanel handles email delivery using the local mail server, but MX records can be adjusted to route mail to external providers when required.

Understanding MX records and risks

Changing MX records transfers email handling away from the local server. This should only be done when the destination mail servers are confirmed and reachable. Incorrect MX configuration can stop email delivery entirely.

These controls are available on standard cPanel hosting environments.

Adding an MX record

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open the Tools page.
3. In the Domaines section, click Editeur de zones.
4. Locate the target domain and click MX Record.
5. Enter a Priorité value. Lower numbers indicate higher priority.
6. Enter the mail server Destination as a fully qualified domain name.
7. Click Add an MX Record.

[Espace réservé pour la capture d'écran: Add MX Record dialog]

Only fully qualified domain names are accepted. IP addresses cannot be used for MX destinations.

Editing an MX record

1. Log in to cPanel and open Editeur de zones.
2. Localisez le domaine et cliquez sur Gérer.
3. Filter the record list by MX if needed.
4. Click Edit next to the MX record.
5. Update the priority or destination value.
6. Click Save Record.

[Espace réservé pour la capture d'écran: Edit MX record screen]

Deleting an MX record

1. Log in to cPanel and open Editeur de zones.
2. Click Gérer pour le domaine.
3. Filter by MX to show only mail records.
4. Click Delete next to the record.
5. Confirm the deletion.

[Espace réservé pour la capture d'écran: Delete MX record confirmation]

Configuring email routing in cPanel

MX records and email routing must align. Routing settings determine whether the server accepts mail locally or routes it elsewhere.

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open the Tools page.
3. In the E-mail section, click Routage des e-mails.
4. Sélectionnez le domaine.
5. Choose the appropriate routing option:
   • Automatically Detect Configuration for domains using the same name servers
   • Échangeur de courrier local to force local delivery
   • Backup Mail Exchanger to act as a secondary mail server
   • Échangeur de courrier à distance when mail is handled by an external provider
6. Click Changement to apply.

[Espace réservé pour la capture d'écran: Email Routing configuration]

Considérations sur la délivrabilité

When routing mail to third party services, ensure proper DNS alignment and spam controls. Dedicated filtering platforms such as Experts en matière de spam can improve delivery accuracy. For complex mail infrastructures or multiple domains, scalable environments like cloud servers provide greater