How To Modify The MX Record Priority In Plesk

MX record is a special kind of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS) that defines which mail server is allowed or authoritative for accepting mail vis-à-vis a given domain. If you are on multiple mail servers, for instance, if you are the second backup mail server, then you are in a position to decide which particular server should be favoured, and this can be done by changing MX record preferences.

Another way to change the MX record priority for the domains you host with the help of Plesk, a popular web hosting control panel, is by using the simple tips mentioned above. Looking at the guidelines above, here is how one can effectively work on it step by step:

1. Log in to Your Plesk Control Panel

Open your web browser and navigate to your Plesk control panel's URL (e.g. Https: This is the address to which you need to forward the domain: on the IP address of your server, there should be a part of 8443 (for example, https://www.your-domain.com:8443). Log in to unlock the possibilities—provide your account details (the username and password).

2. Navigate to the DNS Settings

After successfully logging into the interface, on the left side of the available options, there is a category known as Domains; click on it. This will show all the domains connected to your account that are connected to your account to participate. To change, add, or remove an MX record, choose the domain you wish to modify based on the MX record priority.

3. Access the DNS Settings Editor

When the list of records appears, choose the relevant domain and click the "DNS Settings" button. This button is usually located in the right panel or on the top panel of the web interface and is generally indicated by a globe icon or a DNS icon.

4. Locate the MX Records

To access the MX Records, scroll through the DNS Settings editor until you find the item with this title. This section contains information on all MXs configured for your domain, their priority, and the mail server's host or IP.

5. Modify the MX Record Priority

To modify the priority feature of an existing MX record, click on the pencil icon close to the instance you want to change. This will open an edit window where you can rewrite the priority value to whatever you want it to be.

The priority value is assigned in the range of a 16-bit unsigned integer. Therefore, the value is between 0 and 65535. however, the lower value signifies a higher priority. For instance, if you have an MX record with two preferences, one with preference number 10 and the other with preference number 20, it means that the MX record with preference number 10 is preferred over the one with preference number 20.

To adjust the priority value set to the desired level, return to the "Settings" tab, input the value needed, and click "OK" to apply it.

6. Add a New MX Record (Optional)

If, for instance, you need to add a new MX record, the words "MX Records" on the right from the section title contain the "Add MX Record" button at the bottom of the field. By doing so, you will be privileged to open a new window whereby you can type the priority value, hostname, or IP address of the mail server you want to add.

7. Save and Apply Changes

When you have made the necessary changes to the MX records, click on the "Apply" or "Save Changes" tab, which is either at the top or bottom of the DNS Settings editor.

Relevant to mention is that DNS information may take some time to ripple the Internet, and hence, it is advised that one might have to wait for a few hours (at the longest, 24-48 hours may be required) for the DNS changes to come into effect fully.

With these steps, you can change the priority of MX record(s) in Plesk to accurately configure the priority of your e-mail delivery and effectively combine multiple redundant mail server IP addresses, as you desire.