Add MX Record in cPanel

Here we will cover how to create an MX record in cPanel. Adding records can be done in the Zone Editor.

MX records help route email to the right place by specifying which server handles the email. If there is an account on this server, but the domain is hosted somewhere else that does not offer email services, it is possible to host email on an InMotion account. This requires working with InMotion's account and the 3rd Party DNS.

In order for the DNS records to be applied properly, the nameservers have to be pointed to InMotion Hosting.

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Creating an MX record in the Zone Editor

NOTE: For any DNS changes made in cPanel, in order for them to take effect, the domain's nameservers need to be pointed here. Ensure that the nameservers are pointed here before proceeding.

1. Log into cPanel
2. Open the Zone Editor in the Domains section
   
3. Find the domain to add the record to and click Manage
   
   
4. On the top-right of the page, click the ADD RECORD button
   
   
   1. In the Name field, input a valid zone name
      TIP: This is usually the domain name. For domain.com, the Name of the record would be domain.com.
   2. The TTL field can be left as its default value
   3. In the Type field, select MX in the dropdown menu
   4. In the Record column, input the Priority and Destination
      TIP: If there is only one MX record being added, the priority will typically be 0. A record with a priority of 0 will be the only one used regardless of other existing MX records.
   5. Click Save Record
      

NOTE: DNS changes are subject to the standard propagation time of 4 to 24 hours.

Pointing an MX Record to an InMotion Server for a Domain using External Nameservers

NOTE: If you are having trouble finding the DNS management area or if you are having issues with any of the steps here, please contact the DNS provider.

1. Log into your account at the domain's third-party DNS host
   TIP: If you are unsure where the DNS is being hosted, you can check the nameservers.
2. Navigate to the DNS management area within the account
3. Look for an existing MX record
   
4. If there is an existing record, Edit the record
   
   1. Set the record's destination to mail.domain.com
      REPLACE: domain.com with the domain that is being configured.
   2. Add an A Record for mail.domain.com to point to the server IP address here
      REPLACE: domain.com with the domain that is being configured.
      
      1. When logged into cPanel on InMotion's servers, the server IP address can be found under Server Information in the right side panel
5. If there is not an existing MX record, one will have to be created
   
   1. Record Name: domain.com
      REPLACE: domain.com with the domain that is being configured.
   2. TTL: Leave this set to the default value, or set it to 14400 if there is no default value
   3. Destination: mail.domain.com
      REPLACE: domain.com with the domain that is being configured.
   4. Type: MX
6. If there is not an existing A record for mail.domain.com, one will have to be created using the details in step 4B
7. Save the records

NOTE: DNS changes are subject to the standard propagation time of 4 to 24 hours.