How to Configure Your MX Records to Point to Gmail November 19, 2020

This guide explains how to update MX records and activate Gmail for your domain.
When someone sends an email to your domain (for example, @yourdomain.com), the sending server checks your domain’s MX (Mail Exchange) records to determine where the email should be delivered.

After signing up for Google Workspace, you must update your domain’s MX records so incoming emails are routed to Google’s mail servers and delivered to Gmail.

To configure MX records for Google Workspace, complete the following steps:

• Add Google’s MX record in your domain’s DNS settings.
• Activate Gmail from the Google Admin Console.

Step 1: Add Google’s MX Record to Your Domain

Google Workspace uses a single MX record to handle incoming email. The MX record value provided by Google is:

smtp.google.com

This is technically correct for the new single-record setup. You need to add this record to your domain’s DNS settings so incoming emails are delivered to Google.

For eukhost Customers
If your domain is hosted with eukhost, you can manage MX records from cPanel > Zone Editor or cPanel > MX Entry.

Legacy MX Record Values

If you started using Google Workspace before 2023, your domain may already have multiple MX records that begin with “aspmx”. If your email is working correctly, no changes are required.

Although Google now recommends using a single MX record, legacy MX records are still supported. Do not mix legacy MX records with the new single MX record.

General Instructions to Add the MX Record

1. Log in to the platform where you manage your domain’s DNS settings.
2. Navigate to the DNS management section.
3. Locate the existing MX records.
4. Remove any existing MX records to avoid email delivery issues.
5. Add a new MX record using the following values:

Setting	Value
Type	MX
Name / Host	Leave blank or enter @
TTL	Use the default value or set to 1
Priority	1
Value / Destination	smtp.google.com

Note:
Some DNS interfaces require a trailing dot (for example, smtp.google.com.). Always follow the format supported by your DNS manager.

6. Save the MX record.

DNS Propagation
DNS changes can take up to 8–10 hours to propagate. During this time, email delivery may be delayed.

Step 2: Activate Gmail in the Google Admin Console

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Console using an administrator account.
2. Navigate to Menu > Account > Domains > Manage domains.
   (Domain administrator privileges are required.)
3. If you recently signed up for Google Workspace, you can use the Setup tool.
4. Click Activate Gmail for the required domain and follow the on-screen instructions.

Gmail activation may take up to 24 hours while DNS changes propagate.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Verify domain ownership: Ensure your domain or subdomain is verified in Google Workspace.
• Check DNS entries carefully: Confirm all values are entered correctly and follow the required format.
• Allow time for propagation: Wait up to 8–10 hours before making further changes.
• Use diagnostic tools: Google’s Admin Toolbox (Dig tool) can help verify published MX records.

This way, you can configure your MX records to point to Gmail. Hope you liked our article. However, if issues persist and require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support staff.

More Topics on KB:

How to Modify Your MX Records?

How to Create New MX Records in cPanel