How to Configure MX Records for Google Workspace (2025 Update)

Introduction

In 2025, Google Workspace updated the way you configure your MX (Mail eXchanger) records. Instead of the old multiple “aspmx” records, Google now supports a single MX record pointing to smtp.google.com. This simplifies DNS configuration and reduces maintenance overhead. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to set this up correctly.

What Changed in 2025?

• Google now allows using a single MX record (smtp.google.com) as the primary mail destination. 

• The legacy “aspmx” style MX records (for example, aspmx.l.google.com, etc.) are still supported for backward compatibility. 

• Domains that already use the legacy MX setup do not need to change immediately—your email will keep working. 

• However, new domains or new configurations are recommended to use the simplified single-record method.

Step-by-Step: Configure MX Records in DNS

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into your domain DNS management console
   This is usually at your domain registrar or DNS provider (where you registered or manage your domain).

2. Locate the MX records section
   In the DNS settings, look for zones or resource records labeled “MX,” “Mail Exchange,” or “DNS Records.”

3. Remove old or conflicting MX records
   If there are existing MX entries (e.g. legacy “aspmx” entries), remove them. Having multiple or conflicting MX records may cause email delivery issues. 

4. Add a new MX record with these values

   Field	Value
   Type	MX
   Name / Host / Alias	Leave blank or use @ (root) or the appropriate subdomain (if setting MX for a subdomain)
   TTL	Use default or set to 1 (if allowed)
   Priority / Preference	1
   Value / Destination / Answer	smtp.google.com (some DNS panels may expect a trailing dot: smtp.google.com.)

5. Save/apply the changes
   Once you’ve entered the record, save it.

6. Activate Gmail in Google Admin console

   • Sign in to the Google Admin console with administrator credentials. 

   • Navigate to Account → Domains → Manage domains (or similar). 

   • Click Activate Gmail for your domain to complete the setup. 

7. Wait for DNS propagation
   DNS changes (including MX record updates) can take up to 72 hours to fully propagate across the internet. 

8. Verify correctness & troubleshoot (if needed)

   • Use Google’s Admin Toolbox (e.g. Dig tool) to check if the MX records published match smtp.google.com. 

   • Double-check for typos, formatting, trailing dots, or priority issues. 

   • Ensure your domain has been verified. 

   • Contact your registrar or DNS provider support if the record fails to show. 

Tips & Best Practices

• Always remove old MX entries before adding the new one.

• Use the lowest priority number (1) as Google recommends.

• Be mindful of DNS provider formatting: some require trailing periods, some automatically append them.

• Monitor email delivery after change; some emails may still route via old paths until full propagation.

• Keep your domain verification intact; MX records alone do not substitute domain ownership validation.