Name server (NS) and mail exchanger (MX) records perform different jobs. NS records identify where a domain’s authoritative DNS is hosted, while MX records identify which mail servers accept email for the domain.
What Is an NS Record?
An NS record delegates a DNS zone to authoritative nameservers. If the registrar lists one provider’s nameservers but records are edited at another provider, the changes will not affect public DNS.
A domain normally uses at least two authoritative nameservers for resilience. Nameserver changes should be planned carefully because an incomplete zone can interrupt the website, email, and verification services.
What Is an MX Record?
An MX record tells sending mail systems where to deliver messages for a domain. Its value must be a hostname, not an IP address. That hostname should resolve through an A or AAAA record.
How MX Priority Works
Lower numbers have higher preference. For example, a server with priority 10 is tried before a server with priority 20. Multiple records do not automatically provide useful backup unless every listed server is configured to accept mail for the domain.
Safe Nameserver Change Checklist
- Export the current DNS zone.
- Recreate required A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, CAA, and service records at the new provider.
- Verify email-security records such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
- Confirm the new nameservers answer authoritatively.
- Update delegation at the registrar.
- Monitor the website, email delivery, and DNS answers during the transition.
MX Record Checklist
- Use the exact mail-server hostname supplied by the email provider.
- Remove obsolete MX destinations.
- Set priorities according to the provider’s instructions.
- Do not point MX directly to a CNAME.
- Confirm the destination hostname resolves correctly.
- Test inbound and outbound email after changes.
Common Troubleshooting Checks
If mail fails, confirm the domain’s authoritative nameservers first, then query its MX records. Check whether the destination resolves, whether the mail provider has verified the domain, and whether the mailbox or tenant is active. Delivery errors can also result from SPF, DKIM, DMARC, reputation, or provider configuration—not only MX records.
Related Domain Guides
See the DNS zone file guide, domain technical contact guide, and domain troubleshooting SOP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do MX records control outgoing email?
MX records primarily direct incoming email. Outgoing email is handled by the configured mail service and authentication settings.
Will changing nameservers affect email?
It can. If the new DNS zone is missing correct MX or TXT records, mail delivery and authentication may fail.