How to Add MX Records in Zibster
Overview
MX records, also called Mail Exchange records, tell the internet where to deliver email for your domain. You may need to add or update MX records when setting up branded email through Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho, or another email provider.
This guide explains how to add MX records in Zibster when your domain’s DNS is managed through Zibster AWS Route 53 name servers.
Prerequisites
Before you begin:
- Confirm that your domain uses Zibster AWS Route 53 name servers. DNS management inside Zibster is only available for domains using AWS Route 53.
- Obtain the complete MX record information from your email provider. Zibster does not generate MX records for third-party email services.
- If your domain uses third-party name servers through GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, or another provider, add the MX records through that provider instead.
Your email provider should supply the exact host, priority, and mail server values you need to enter.
DNS Changes May Take Time
While most DNS updates take effect within a few minutes, it can take up to 48 hours for changes to fully propagate across the internet.
STEP ONE
Log in to your Zibster account and click DOMAINS in the left-side menu.
This opens the Domains section, where you can manage the domains connected to your Zibster account.
STEP TWO
Find the domain you want to update and click MANAGE DNS next to the domain name.
This opens the DNS Zone Editor for that domain. You can use the DNS Zone Editor to add, edit, or remove DNS records when your domain uses Zibster AWS Route 53 name servers.
STEP THREE
Click NEW DNS RECORD.
A form will open where you can select the type of DNS record you want to add.
STEP FOUR
Select MX from the record type dropdown.
Enter the MX record information exactly as provided by your email service provider. An MX record typically includes a priority number and a mail server address, such as:
10 mail.example.com
The host or name field may be left blank or set to the root domain when the MX record applies to your main domain. Always follow your email provider’s instructions. If your provider gives you a specific host, name, priority, or value, enter it exactly as shown.
Incorrect MX records can prevent email from being delivered to your domain.
FINAL STEP
Save the new MX record.
The record will be added to your domain’s DNS zone. Most DNS changes begin working within a few minutes, but full DNS propagation across the internet can take up to 48 hours.
Once the changes have propagated, your email provider should be able to verify the MX record and route email to the correct mail server.
Additional Options and Helpful Notes
Some email providers require additional DNS records to complete your email setup. These may include:
- TXT records for domain verification, SPF, DKIM, or DMARC
- CNAME records for email authentication or provider verification
- A records when required by the email provider
Add every record required by your email provider. MX records control where incoming email is delivered, while SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records help authenticate outgoing email and protect your domain from unauthorized use.
If you are replacing an existing email provider, review your current MX records before making changes. Removing or replacing the wrong records may interrupt email delivery.
If your provider gives you multiple MX records, add each record separately with its assigned priority.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why don’t I see MANAGE DNS?
The MANAGE DNS option is only available when your domain uses Zibster AWS Route 53 name servers.
If your domain uses third-party name servers, manage your DNS records through the provider hosting your DNS instead. You can also contact Zibster Support for help confirming where your DNS is managed.
What should I enter in the host or name field?
The correct entry depends on your email provider’s instructions. MX records for the main domain often use a blank host or a root-domain value. If your provider supplies a specific host or name, enter that value exactly as provided.
Do I enter the priority and mail server together?
Follow the fields shown in the Zibster DNS Zone Editor and the instructions from your email provider. If the editor provides separate fields for the priority and mail server, enter each value in its corresponding field.
What if my provider gives me multiple MX records?
Add each MX record as a separate DNS record. Make sure each record has the correct priority and mail server value supplied by your email provider.
How long does it take for MX records to work?
MX record changes often begin working within a few minutes. However, DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. During this time, email may not be routed consistently across all networks.
Can incorrect MX records affect my email?
Yes. Missing or incorrect MX records can prevent email from being delivered to your domain. Copy each value directly from your email provider and review the records carefully before saving.
Can Zibster add my MX records for me?
Yes. If you would like Zibster Support to add the records for you, submit a support ticket.
Include the complete instructions from your email provider, including every record type, host or name, priority, and value. This helps the Zibster Support Team add the records accurately.
Need Help?
Zibster Support Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm EST
Phone: 844.353.3412
Channels: Phone, Live Chat, Support Ticket
