If you want to connect an email service to your domain, you may need to add an MX record. MX records are important because they tell email servers where messages sent to your domain should be delivered.
Hostinger provides a DNS management area where you can add, edit, and remove MX records. In this guide, you will learn how to add MX record in Hostinger correctly.
What Is an MX Record?
MX stands for Mail Exchange.
An MX record tells other mail servers which server handles incoming email for your domain.
For example, if you use an email address such as info@example.com, the MX records help direct incoming messages to the correct email server.
Your email provider normally gives you the exact MX record values. These may include the host name, mail server, priority, and TTL.
Step 1: Log In to Hostinger
Start by signing in to your Hostinger account.
From the dashboard, select the domain where you want to configure your email settings.
You can access DNS management through the domain’s DNS section. Hostinger’s current dashboard provides DNS management directly from the Domains area.
Step 2: Open DNS Management
After selecting your domain, open DNS / Nameservers or the DNS records section.
You will see different types of records already connected to your domain.
Find the area where you can add a new DNS record.
Before changing anything, check whether your domain already has MX records.
Step 3: Choose MX Record
Select MX as the DNS record type.
Hostinger will display the fields required to create the record.
The information normally includes:
- Name
- Mail server
- Priority
- TTL
Your email provider should give you the correct values.
Step 4: Enter the Name
For an MX record that applies to your main domain, Hostinger generally uses:
@
The @ symbol represents the root domain.
For example, if your domain is example.com, using @ means the MX record applies to example.com. Hostinger’s official documentation specifically instructs users to use @ when adding MX records for the main domain.
If you are configuring email for a subdomain, the Name field can be different.
Step 5: Enter the Mail Server
Next, enter the Mail Server or Points to value supplied by your email provider.
For example, Hostinger Email currently uses mail servers such as:
mx1.hostinger.com
and
mx2.hostinger.com
with their corresponding priorities.
However, do not automatically use these values if you are connecting another email provider. Always use the MX records provided by your actual email service.
Step 6: Set the Priority
MX records use a priority number to determine which mail server should be contacted first.
A lower number means higher priority.
For example, Hostinger Email uses priority 5 for mx1.hostinger.com and priority 10 for mx2.hostinger.com.
If your email provider gives you different priority numbers, use those numbers instead.
Step 7: Choose the TTL
TTL stands for Time to Live.
It controls how long DNS information can be cached.
If your email provider does not give you a specific TTL, Hostinger recommends using the default value of 14400 seconds, which is four hours.
For most users, leaving the default TTL is the simplest option.
Step 8: Save the MX Record
Review every value before saving.
Check the Name, mail server, priority, and TTL.
Then click Add Record.
If your email provider has given you multiple MX records, add each required record separately.
After saving, the new records should appear in the DNS records list.
Should You Delete Old MX Records?
This is an important step when changing email providers.
If old MX records point to a previous email service, they can interfere with your new email configuration.
Hostinger recommends checking existing MX records when setting up a new email service. If you are switching providers, follow the new provider’s instructions regarding which old MX records should be removed.
Do not delete records blindly. Make sure you know which email service your domain is currently using.
How Long Do MX Changes Take?
After you change your MX records, DNS propagation begins.
The changes may take some time to appear across different DNS servers. Hostinger states that DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate.
During this period, email delivery may not behave consistently everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to add MX record in Hostinger is important when setting up or changing your domain’s email service.
The process involves opening your DNS settings, selecting MX, entering the correct Name, mail server, priority, and TTL, and then saving the record.
Always use the exact MX values provided by your email provider. Incorrect MX records can prevent incoming emails from reaching the correct mailbox.
If you need additional guidance, keep this Hostinger MX record setup reference handy when configuring email DNS records.
