A Complete Guide for Google Workspace MX Records in 2024

10
Min
Created On:
October 28, 2024
Updated On:
October 28, 2024
Google Workspace MX Records in 2024

A Complete Guide for Google Workspace MX Records in 2024

10
Min
Created On:
October 28, 2024
Updated On:
October 28, 2024
Google Workspace MX Records in 2024

Google Workspace MX Records: A Complete Guide for 2024

Effective email communication is critical for business success. Proper MX (Mail Exchange) records setup is key to ensuring your emails are delivered smoothly, without delays, and avoiding spam folders. 

In this article, we’ll examine Google Workspace MX records—what they are, why they matter, how to configure them, and best practices for avoiding common pitfalls.

What Are MX Records?

MX records, or Mail Exchange records, are DNS (Domain Name System) records responsible for directing emails sent to your domain to the correct mail servers. When someone sends you an email, the sender's server checks the recipient’s MX records to determine which server should receive the email. 

These records are especially crucial for businesses that rely on custom domains (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com).

With Google Workspace, MX records ensure your emails are correctly routed through Google’s mail servers (Gmail) for seamless delivery. Without properly configured MX records, your emails may not be received or might end up in spam folders.

Why Do You Need MX Records for Google Workspace?

Setting up the correct MX records for Google Workspace is essential for several reasons:

  • Accurate Routing: Ensures emails land in the right inbox using Google servers.
  • Avoid Bounces: Reduces bounce rates by avoiding routing errors.
  • Improves Email Deliverability: A well-configured MX setup enhances deliverability, ensuring your messages reach your recipients instead of being flagged as spam.
  • Supports Email Authentication: Works with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prevent spoofing and phishing.

How to Get and Configure Google Workspace MX Records

Where to Find MX Records in Google Workspace?

Google provides official MX records to be added to your DNS settings. You can find these directly within your Google Admin Console under the instructions for email setup.

Here are the default Google Workspace MX Records:

For the current  Google Workspace version, which is 2023 and later, you can use only one MX record to set up Gmail. The one below is the latest version. If you are changing your MX record or setting up a new one,

SMTP.GOOGLE.COM (Priority: 1)

Note: Don’t change your MX records if your current version works fine. The legacy versions will continue to work.

For legacy versions of Google Workspace which are before 2023:

  1. ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (Priority: 1)
  2. ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (Priority: 5)
  3. ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (Priority: 5)
  4. ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (Priority: 10)
  5. ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (Priority: 10)

How to Change MX Records in Google Workspace?

If you need to update or modify your MX records, follow these steps:

  1. Access Your Domain Provider
    Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Bluehost) and navigate to the DNS management settings.
  2. Delete Existing MX Records
    Remove any old or conflicting MX records from your DNS settings.
  3. Add Google Workspace MX Records
    Use Google’s official records (listed above). Make sure the priority values are set correctly, as lower numbers have higher priority.
  4. Save and Allow Propagation Time
    Save the changes and allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation to ensure the updates take effect across the internet.

Should I Update My Google Workspace MX Records?

You should update your MX records if:

  • Migrating to Google Workspace: To migrate from another email provider, you must update your domain's MX records to direct emails to Gmail servers.
  • Experiencing Delivery Issues: Bounced emails or delivery delays may indicate the need for record verification or reconfiguration.
  • Domain or Provider Change: To migrate your domain or change hosting providers, you must reconfigure MX records.
  • Email Authentication Setup: For enhanced email security and deliverability, keep MX records aligned with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

If Gmail is working, you shouldn’t update or change your MX records, as this could cause email to bounce. 

How MX Records Impact Email Deliverability

MX records are crucial in email deliverability, ensuring emails are routed properly and authenticated. Here’s how they help:

  • Prevents Delivery Failures: Proper MX records ensure that Google’s servers accept emails without bouncing.
  • Avoids Spam Filters: Aligning MX records with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC prevents emails from being marked as suspicious.
  • Boosts Reputation: Having correct MX records signals to email service providers (ESPs) that your domain is trustworthy, improving inbox placement.

Best Practices for Configuring MX Records for Google Workspace

  1. Prioritize Records Correctly
    Assign the appropriate priority levels (lower numbers = higher priority).
  2. Remove Duplicate Records
    Ensure no conflicting MX records are present in your DNS settings.
  3. Monitor DNS Propagation
    Changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate fully, so be patient.
  4. Use DNS Monitoring Tools
    Tools like MXToolbox help verify your MX setup and diagnose delivery issues.
  5. Align with Authentication Protocols
    Ensure MX records complement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings for better security.

Troubleshooting Common MX Record Issues

If your emails aren’t being delivered correctly, here are some common issues to troubleshoot:

  1. Incorrect MX Records: Double-check that your records match Google’s official values.
  2. Propagation Delays: DNS updates can take up to 48 hours to reflect globally.
  3. SPF/DKIM Errors: Ensure authentication protocols are configured correctly.
  4. Blocked or Bounced Emails: Verify that your domain is not blacklisted.
  5. Use MXToolbox: This tool allows you to test MX records and diagnose real-time issues.

How to Verify MX Record Setup for Google Workspace

  1. Use DNS Tools: Tools like DNS Checker or MXToolbox can confirm if your MX records are configured correctly.
  2. Check for Errors: Look for incorrect priorities or mismatched records in your DNS settings.
  3. Monitor Email Deliverability: Regularly reviewing reports ensures your emails aren’t bouncing or landing in spam.

Advantages of Using Google Workspace MX Records

  • Reliable Email Delivery: Ensures your emails are consistently routed to the correct inboxes.
  • Enhanced Security: Works with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prevent spoofing and phishing.
  • Easy Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace tools, such as Gmail, Drive, and Calendar.
  • Scalability: Ideal for businesses of all sizes, ensuring smooth operations even with a growing user base.

Conclusion

Setting up Google Workspace MX records is essential for ensuring reliable email delivery and enhanced security. Properly configured records ensure emails reach their intended recipients, reduce bounces, and improve email deliverability

Following best practices, such as using tools like MXToolbox for verification and aligning your MX records with SPF/DKIM protocols, will keep your email infrastructure running smoothly.

Regarding email deliverability, Smartlead has you covered with their new SmartDelivery solution. It helps you understand exactly where your emails are landing, how each email account performs, and even which email copy works best for you.

You should check the 14-day free trial to see how it’s a game changer for email deliverability.

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A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Author’s Details

Wajahat Ali

Wajahat Ali is a technical content writer at Smartlead, specializing in the B2B and SaaS domains. His writing effectively demystifies complex concepts, presenting them in a clear and engaging way, making intricate topics accessible even to those unfamiliar with the subject. From copywriting, social media content to lead generation, Wajahat excels in creating valuable content that resonates with a global audience.

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