Skip to main content

MX Record Validation: How Email Servers Are Verified

MX records tell the internet which servers handle email for a domain. Learn how MX validation catches domains that can't receive email, even when they appear valid on the surface.

What Are MX Records?

MX (Mail Exchange) records are DNS entries that specify which mail servers accept email for a domain. When you send an email to user@example.com, your mail server looks up the MX records for example.com to find where to deliver the message.

Why MX Validation Matters

A domain can exist without being able to receive email. Many domains are parked, used only for websites, or have misconfigured email settings. MX validation catches these issues.

What MX Validation Checks

  • MX Record Existence: Does the domain have MX records at all?
  • Server Response: Do the mail servers respond to connections?
  • Configuration: Are the MX records properly configured?

Common MX Problems

  • No MX Records: Domain exists but cannot receive email
  • Dead Servers: MX records point to non-responsive servers
  • Misconfiguration: Wrong priority or invalid hostnames

MX Validation in Action

ValidateList performs MX lookups as part of our comprehensive validation process, ensuring that the domain can actually receive your emails before you send them.

Try ValidateList Free

Clean your email list and improve deliverability. No signup required.

Start Validating Now