How to Add MX Record in HestiaCP

Prerequisites

Before adding an MX record, make sure you have:

• Access to HestiaCP control panel
• A domain added in HestiaCP with DNS service enabled
• Mail server information (if using external email service)

What is an MX Record?

MX (Mail Exchange) records specify which mail servers should receive email for your domain. Priority numbers determine order (lower = higher priority).

Step 1: Log in to HestiaCP

Access https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8083 and log in.

Step 2: Navigate to DNS Section

Click on DNS in the top menu bar.

Step 3: Select Your Domain

Click on the domain name you want to manage.

Step 4: Click "Add DNS Record"

Click the green + Add DNS Record button.

Step 5: Configure the MX Record

Fill in the details:

• Record Name: Leave empty (for root domain) or enter @
• Record Type: Select MX from dropdown
• IP Address: Enter the mail server hostname (e.g., mail.example.com, aspmx.l.google.com)
• Priority: Enter priority number (e.g., 10, 20, 30)

Example: Google Workspace (Gmail) MX Records

Priority 10: aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 20: alt1.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 30: alt2.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 40: alt3.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 50: alt4.aspmx.l.google.com

Example: Microsoft 365 MX Record

Priority 10: example-com.mail.protection.outlook.com

Example: Local HestiaCP Mail Server

Priority 10: mail.yourdomain.com

Step 6: Add Multiple MX Records

For redundancy, add multiple MX records with different priorities:

1. First MX record: Priority 10
2. Second MX record: Priority 20
3. Third MX record: Priority 30

Verify MX Records

dig @YOUR_SERVER_IP example.com MX

nslookup -type=MX example.com