MX lookup
Enter a domain. You get its MX records in the order senders try them, the addresses each mail server resolves to, and who provides the mail service when we can tell.
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Related tools: SPF checker · DKIM checker · DMARC checker · Blacklist check · DNS lookup
What is an MX record?
MX («mail exchanger») records tell the world which servers accept email for a domain. Each has a priority: senders try the lowest number first and move to the next if it doesn’t answer. Two records with the same number share the load.
Why does a domain have several MX records?
For backup and load sharing. If the first server is down, senders try the next.
Can an MX record point to an IP address?
No. It must point to a hostname, which then has its own A or AAAA record. An MX pointing to a CNAME also breaks some senders.
I changed my MX records. Why does mail still go to the old server?
Resolvers keep the old answer until its TTL runs out. The TTL is shown next to each record; the DNS checker shows which big resolvers already have the new one.
How often can I check?
Up to 60 lookups an hour from your network. On the DKIM checker, «Try the common ones» counts as one.
Do you store what I look up?
We keep your IP address and the time for one hour, only to limit how often you can check. We don’t keep the domain or address you entered. Results are cached for a few minutes, so a repeat check may show the same answer.