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How to fix “No MX record found”
Reviewed by the Free Domain Mail editorial team · Updated
A missing usable MX record means other mail systems cannot discover where to deliver messages for the domain.
Confirm where DNS is authoritative
Check the domain nameservers, then edit records at that provider rather than whichever registrar account is easiest to find.
Run MX Lookup and compare its public answer with the target supplied by the mailbox provider.
Publish and verify safely
Add the complete MX target and its priority. Remove old MX records only as part of a planned migration.
Wait for the prior TTL, check again, then send a message from an external account.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing production DNS before recording the current values.
- Assuming a DNS record guarantees inbox placement.
- Testing before the previous TTL has expired.
Frequently asked questions
Can an A record replace MX?
Mail delivery may historically fall back to an address record, but a deliberate MX record is the reliable configuration.
What does MX priority mean?
Lower numbers are preferred. Follow the provider's complete priority set.
Technical references
Primary specifications and provider documentation relevant to this guide: