Guide to Setting Up Google Workspace MX Records

If you are new to Google Workspace and need to set up email services for your domain, follow this guide carefully to add the correct MX records and ensure your emails work smoothly.

Step 1: Delete Existing Email Records

Before setting up Google Workspace email, you must remove any existing mail-related records to avoid conflicts.

How to delete old email records:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or DNS Manager).
2. Go to Zone Editor or DNS Management.
3. Delete the following records:
   • Old MX Records (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)
   • CNAME records related to email (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)
   • SPF or TXT records referring to old email providers
4. Save your changes.

Step 2: Add Google Workspace MX Records

Depending on the Google Workspace version you're using, follow the correct MX record setup below.

For Google Workspace (2024 and Later Versions):

In the latest Google Workspace (2024), Google recommends using a single MX record for simplified email routing.

For Google Workspace (2023 and Older Versions):

If you are using an older version of Google Workspace (2023, 2022, 2021), add the following full set of MX records:

Step 3: Add Additional DNS Records

Along with MX records, you need to configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to improve email deliverability and security.

1. SPF Record (Sender Policy Framework):

• Record Type: TXT
• Name: @
• Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
• TTL: 3600

2. DKIM Record (DomainKeys Identified Mail):

To enable DKIM, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Google Admin Console.
2. Go to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > Authenticate Email.
3. Generate the DKIM record and copy the provided value.
4. Add the record in your DNS as:
   • Record Type: TXT
   • Name: google._domainkey
   • Value: (Paste the generated DKIM key from Google)
   • TTL: 3600

3. DMARC Record (Domain-based Message Authentication):

• Record Type: TXT
• Name: _dmarc
• Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]
• TTL: 3600

Step 4: Verify Your Domain in Google Workspace

Once you have added the records, verify your domain ownership in Google Workspace.

Steps to verify:

1. Sign in to Google Admin Console.
2. Navigate to Domains > Manage Domains > Verify.
3. Copy the TXT record provided by Google.
4. Add it to your domain’s DNS as:
   • Record Type: TXT
   • Name: @
   • Value: (Paste the code provided by Google)
   • TTL: 3600
5. Return to Google Admin and click Verify.

Step 5: Testing Your Email Setup

Once the MX records have propagated (which can take up to 48 hours), test your email to confirm that everything works.

How to test:

1. Open your Gmail account via Google Workspace Gmail.
2. Send a test email to another email account (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo).
3. Confirm email delivery without issues.
4. Use Google’s MX Record Checker to verify the records.

Step 6: Common Issues and Solutions

If your emails are not being delivered correctly, consider these troubleshooting steps:

1. Wait for DNS propagation – It can take up to 48 hours.
2. Double-check MX records – Ensure they match Google's recommended values.
3. Check domain verification – Make sure your domain is verified in Google Admin.
4. Contact Google support – If issues persist, reach out via Google Support.

Step 7: Follow Google’s Official Guide

For more detailed instructions, refer to the official Google Workspace support page:
Google Workspace MX Setup Guide

Conclusion

By following this guide, you will be able to set up Google Workspace MX records and configure your email successfully. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.