Google Workspace MX Record Setup Tutorial: Complete Steps for Various DNS Providers

"Google Workspace is set up, but I can't receive emails?"

The problem is usually MX record configuration. MX records tell the internet "where to send emails for this domain." If configured incorrectly, emails won't be received.

This article teaches you how to set up Google Workspace MX records, including steps for major DNS providers.

MX Record Basics

What is an MX Record?

MX (Mail Exchange) record is a type of DNS record:

• Specifies mail server location
• Tells senders "where to deliver emails"
• Every domain receiving email needs MX records

Google Workspace MX Record Values

Google's current recommendation is a single MX record:

Key points:

• Name/Host is @ or blank (the root domain); TTL is your registrar's default, or 1
• Lower priority number means higher priority
• 🔴 smtp.google.com must be the only MX record on the domain — remove every other MX record

Domains Created Before 2023: The Legacy Five MX Records

Domains set up earlier use these five values:

Google explicitly states these legacy MX record values are still supported, so existing domains do not need to change. But do not use them for new setups — use the single smtp.google.com record above instead.

Setup Steps (General)

Step 1: Find DNS Management Page

Log into your domain management backend (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) and find "DNS Management" or "DNS Settings."

Step 2: Delete Old MX Records

If there are old MX records, delete them first:

• Avoid conflicts
• Ensure emails only go to Google

Step 3: Add Google MX Records

Add the single MX record from the table above (smtp.google.com, priority 1).

Field explanation:

• Type: MX
• Name/Host: @ or leave blank (represents root domain)
• Value/Points to: Mail server address
• Priority: Corresponding number
• TTL: 3600 or default value

Step 4: Wait for Propagation

DNS changes take time to propagate:

• Usually a few minutes to a few hours
• Up to 48 hours maximum
• Use tools to check if propagated

DNS Provider Setup Tutorials

GoDaddy

1. Log into GoDaddy account
2. Go to "My Products" → Find domain
3. Click "DNS"
4. In "Records" section, find MX records
5. Delete existing MX records
6. Click "Add," select type "MX"
7. Add one record: value smtp.google.com, priority 1
8. Save changes

Note: In GoDaddy, fill @ in the "Name" field

Cloudflare

1. Log into Cloudflare Dashboard
2. Select your domain
3. Click "DNS"
4. Delete existing MX records
5. Click "Add record"
6. Select type "MX"
7. Name: @
8. Mail server: smtp.google.com
9. Priority: 1

Note: Cloudflare MX records don't need (and can't) have Proxy enabled

Namecheap

1. Log into Namecheap
2. Go to "Domain List"
3. Click "Manage" next to domain
4. Click "Advanced DNS"
5. In "Mail Settings" section
6. Select "Custom MX"
7. Add one record: value smtp.google.com, priority 1

Squarespace Domains (Formerly Google Domains)

Google Domains was sold to Squarespace on 2023-09-07, and all domain migrations finished on 2024-07-10 — the service itself no longer exists. Domains that used to be on Google Domains are now on Squarespace Domains:

1. Log into Squarespace Domains
2. Select domain
3. Go to "DNS"
4. Add the MX record under "Custom records"

Note: Squarespace supports every common DNS record type; adding the one MX record manually is all you need.

Other Necessary DNS Records

After setting up MX records, it's recommended to also set up these records:

SPF Record

Prevents emails from being marked as spam:

Type: TXT Name: @ Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

DKIM Record

Email digital signature (obtained from Admin Console):

1. Log into admin.google.com
2. Go to "Apps" → "Google Workspace" → "Gmail"
3. Click "Authenticate email"
4. Generate DKIM key
5. Add TXT record as instructed

DMARC Record

Email authentication policy:

Type: TXT Name: _dmarc Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Verifying Configuration

Using Google Admin Toolbox

1. Go to Google Admin Toolbox
2. Enter your domain
3. Check if MX records are correct

Using Online Tools

• MXToolbox: mxtoolbox.com
• DNSChecker: dnschecker.org

Sending Test Emails

After setup is complete:

1. Have an external friend send you an email
2. Confirm you can receive it normally
3. Reply to confirm you can send normally

Common Problem Troubleshooting

Problem: Can't Receive Emails

Check:

1. Are MX records correct
2. Are there conflicting old MX records
3. Has DNS propagated (check with tools)
4. Is Google Workspace account activated

Problem: Emails Go to Spam

Check:

1. Is SPF record correct
2. Is DKIM set up
3. Is DMARC set up

Problem: Only Some Emails Not Received

Possible causes:

1. Sender's mail server DNS cache hasn't updated
2. Wait 24-48 hours and observe

Problem: Website Won't Open After Setup

Cause: Accidentally deleted A record or CNAME record Solution: MX records and website A records are separate; confirm you didn't touch A records

FAQ

How many MX records do I need?

• A new setup needs just one: smtp.google.com at priority 1
• It must be the only MX record on the domain — delete every other MX record
• Domains created before 2023 that already run the legacy five (ASPMX / ALT1-ALT4) can stay as they are; Google explicitly still supports those values

What should TTL be?

• 3600 (1 hour) is common
• Can set shorter during setup (300) for easier testing
• Can set longer after stable

How long until it takes effect?

• Usually a few minutes to a few hours
• Up to 48 hours maximum
• Depends on each DNS server's cache

---

Having Trouble with Setup?

Incorrect MX record setup will cause emails not to be received, affecting company operations. If you're not sure how to set up:

Schedule a technical consultation and let experts help you complete the setup to ensure emails work properly.

---

Related Reading

• For complete introduction, see Google Workspace Complete Guide
• For admin tutorial, see Google Workspace Admin Complete Guide
• For SMTP setup, see Google Workspace SMTP Setup Tutorial

---

References

• Google Workspace MX Record Setup
• Set Up SPF Record
• Set Up DKIM
• Set Up DMARC