For users looking to utilize Google Apps as their email address, configuring MX Records for their domain is crucial. MX Records are integral to the mail routing system, ensuring that all emails are delivered to the correct destination. In this article, we provide a guide on how to set up MX Records for Google Apps on your domain.
MX Records are DNS records that inform the email system about the servers to be used for sending or receiving emails from a specific domain. These records are set with the domain name as the target and are usually sorted based on their preference values. Preference values prioritize which server to use if multiple servers are available for sending emails to a particular domain.
Google Apps MX Record
An MX Record is a DNS record that informs email-sending machines about the location of a domain's email server. When using Google Apps for email services, it's necessary to create a new MX Record in your DNS.
Setting Up MX Record for Google Apps on Your Domain
To enable Google Apps for your domain, you need to add MX Records to your DNS server. In this article, we will guide you on how to set up MX Records for Google Apps on your domain.
1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Network & Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change Adapter Settings.
2. Locate and right-click on the internet network you are using -> Properties.
3. In the window that appears, click the Networking tab, then select Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Next, open the Advanced menu in the same window and go to the DNS section. Click Add... and enter the IP addresses of the Google Mail Servers:
8.8.8.8 -> 8.8.4.4
5. Add the MX record as follows:
- Name/Hostname: @
- Priority: 5
- MX server address: ASPMX5.GOOGLEMAIL.COM -> ASPMX20.GOOGLEMAIL.COM
6. Click OK to save the changes. You can also add TXT records like:
- Name/Hostname: @
- Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
7. Save the changes and restart your computer. After that, register your domain with Google Apps. Once the registration is complete, Google Apps servers will automatically configure the MX Records you've entered.
MX Records take effect immediately once added to your DNS.
Cost of Using MX Records for Google Apps
Based on the author's experience, there is no cost associated with using MX Records for Google Apps. You only need to register your domain with Google Apps for Business, activate the Gmail service, and configure the DNS settings. Open your Google Apps Control Panel and navigate to "Domain Settings." Under the "Domain Nameservers" tab, ensure your domain's nameservers are set to "Custom DNS." Open your domain's zone file with a text editor (e.g., Notepad++) and find the MX Record line. Remove that line and add the following:
MX 1 ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
MX 5 ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
MX 5 ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM
MX 10 ASPMX2.GOOGLEMAIL.COM
MX 10 ASPMX3.GOOGLEMAIL.COM
Mobile Settings for Google Apps MX Record
Configuring mobile settings for Google Apps MX Records is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
1. Open Mobile Settings on your device.
2. Tap Accounts > Gmail.
3. Enter your email address and password.
4. Tap the "Enable" button under "MX Settings."
5. Now, open the Gmail app on your device and try sending or receiving emails from the specified email address.