What is a Google MX Record and How Do You Set It Up?

If you're setting up Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) for your business email, you'll need to update your MX records to start receiving emails at your custom address (e.g.  info@sampledomain.com )

MX records tell the internet where to send your emails—and if they’re not set up right, emails won’t land where they should. But don’t worry, it’s actually pretty easy once you know where to click.

We’ve broken it down into a few simple steps—plus we’ll show you exactly what values to copy and paste so you can get your Gmail working quickly and confidently.

What Are MX Records

MX stands for Mail Exchange. These DNS records tell your domain which email server to use. If you’re using Gmail with your domain, you’ll need to tell the system, “Hey, send my emails to Google’s servers.”

That’s where Google MX records come in.

How To Add Google MX Records

Google recently updated the setup process, and it now looks a little different from what you might’ve seen in the past. Instead of adding multiple MX entries, there’s now just one main record you need to add. Here’s what it looks like:

✅ Copy and paste this into your domain DNS settings:

Log in to your account with your domain registrar. Locate the DNS management page. This is sometimes called "DNS Settings," "DNS Management" or something similar. Add the MX records provided by Google to your DNS settings. 

Head to your domain host (like GoDaddy, Crazy Domains, VentraIP, Namecheap, etc.), then:

1. Log into your account
2. Go to the DNS or “Zone File” section
3. Delete any existing MX records
4. Add the new one using the fields above
5. Save your changes

It can take a few minutes (or up to 48 hours) to fully update depending on your provider—but usually, it’s good to go within the hour.

Why This Change Matters?

Previously, Google MX records included multiple entries with different priorities. Now, with smtp.google.com , the setup is simpler and faster. It’s one record, one server, one less thing to worry about.

That means:

• Fewer chances for mistakes
• Faster verification
• Quicker Gmail activation
  

Still Not Receiving Emails?

If your emails aren’t coming through:

• Double-check that old MX records were deleted
• Make sure there's no typo in the value field
• Wait a bit—DNS updates don’t always happen instantly

Or, just reach out and we can check it for you.

Takeaway

Setting up Google Workspace doesn’t have to be techy or complicated. With just one MX record to update, you can have your custom Gmail address live and working in minutes.

If you need a hand, we can help you get it sorted—fast. Please feel free to leave a comment below.