Bulk checking and cleaning MX records for a list of domains can be achieved through various methods. Command-line tools like `dig` and `nslookup` are frequently recommended, with `dig` being noted for its scripting capabilities for automation. MXToolbox SuperTool and similar online tools offer MX record lookups, with some providing paid API access for bulk checks. SQL scripts, along with database extensions, are useful for categorizing and cleaning records, especially identifying dotMX, null MX, and hosted domains. Validating MX records includes checking for syntax errors like trailing dots and ensuring correct IP addresses. Proper MX record configuration is vital for email deliverability; in the absence of MX records, RFC guidelines suggest falling back to the A record. Cleaning typically involves removing invalid, outdated, or misconfigured records via the domain's DNS settings. Maintaining accurate MX records and performing checks after DNS changes are crucial for email delivery reliability.
11 marketer opinions
To bulk check and clean MX records, various methods can be employed. Command-line tools like `dig` and `nslookup` are popular, often used in scripts to automate checks for multiple domains. Online tools such as MXToolbox also offer bulk checking capabilities, sometimes via paid APIs. Cleaning involves identifying and removing invalid, outdated, or misconfigured MX records through the domain's DNS settings. Valid MX records are crucial for proper email routing and deliverability. When no MX record is available, senders should fall back to the A record. Checking for common errors like trailing dots or incorrect IP addresses is also important during validation.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow shares how to use the `dig` command in a bash loop to check MX records for multiple domains listed in a file. Suggests the command `for i in $(cat domains.txt); do dig mx $i; done`.
10 May 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from MXToolbox Support explains that MXToolbox SuperTool can perform MX record lookups for a domain. Suggests that for bulk checking, users can use their API with a paid plan, which enables scripted and automated MX lookups.
7 Apr 2025 - MXToolbox
5 expert opinions
Bulk checking and cleaning MX records involves several methods highlighted by experts. Command-line solutions like `dig` can be used with a file input to test multiple domains, generating a CSV output. SQL scripts can categorize domains that don't accept mail based on dotMX, null MX, or hosted domains. Validation should include checking for syntax errors like trailing dots and incorrect IP addresses. Correct MX records are crucial for email delivery, and incorrect records can lead to bounces or lost emails. DNS lookup tools can verify MX records.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks mentions having a database extension that performs MX lookups on a list of domains, recording MX records, NX domains, and domains that host parked domains.
17 Dec 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares how they use SQL scripts to clean up MX records, categorizing domains that don't accept mail into dotmx, null MX, and MX for hosted domains.
16 Oct 2021 - Email Geeks
4 technical articles
Documentation highlights various methods for checking MX records. Google's Dig tool in the Admin Toolbox provides detailed record information but requires manual input. The `dig` command, as detailed by ISC, offers options for specifying query types and output formats, with `+short` for cleaner output. `Nslookup` also allows querying of MX records via the command line by specifying 'set type=mx'. When no MX records are found, RFC specifications dictate falling back to the A record for delivery.
Technical article
Documentation from Google explains the use of their Dig tool in the Admin Toolbox to query DNS records including MX records. It requires manual input of each domain but provides detailed record information.
3 Feb 2025 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from Nslookup explains how to use the command-line tool nslookup to query DNS records including MX records. Specifies that entering `set type=mx` before entering the domain name will allow the user to see what the MX records are for that domain.
13 Jul 2022 - Network Tools
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