# Configuring Email Routing in cPanel

> Email routing in cPanel controls where your domain's emails are delivered - choosing the right option prevents bounces and delivery failures.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/email-basics/configuring-email-routing-in-cpanel
Updated: 2026-06-04

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Email routing in cPanel controls where your domain's emails are delivered. Choosing the right option - whether you host email locally, use a third-party provider, or need a backup server - prevents bounces and delivery failures.

## The four email routing options

### Local Mail Exchanger

Use this if you host your email on your cPanel account. Emails sent to you@yourdomain.com are stored on your hosting server. This is the default setting for most cPanel users and requires no external mail service configuration.

### Remote Mail Exchanger

Use this if you use an external email provider such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Zoho Mail. Your cPanel server does not store incoming mail; instead, it routes all email traffic according to your MX records.

If you switch to a third-party provider, you will also need to:

- Obtain the correct MX records from your provider.
- Add any additional DNS records they require in cPanel - Zone Editor:
  - **SPF** - prevents email spoofing.
  - **DKIM** - verifies email authenticity.
  - **DMARC** - reduces email fraud.
- Refer to your provider's own setup guide if you are unsure which records are needed.

### Backup Mail Exchanger

Use this if your hosting account should act as a standby mail server. If your primary mail provider goes offline, your cPanel server temporarily holds emails and forwards them once the primary server comes back online.

### Automatically detect configuration

This option attempts to choose between Local and Remote Mail Exchanger automatically, based on your MX records.

:::warning
Automatic detection is not always reliable. Set your routing manually to avoid delivery issues.
:::

## MX records and email routing

MX records tell other mail servers where to deliver email for your domain. The table below shows how each routing option relates to your MX records.

| Routing option | Where MX records point |
|---|---|
| Local Mail Exchanger | Your cPanel server |
| Remote Mail Exchanger | Your third-party provider |
| Backup Mail Exchanger | Both your primary provider and your cPanel server (as a lower-priority backup) |

To view or update your MX records, go to cPanel - Zone Editor and filter by MX record type.

## Why the right setting matters

Choosing the wrong routing option can cause:

- Emails bouncing or being rejected.
- Messages disappearing because they are delivered to the wrong server.
- Outgoing mail being flagged as spam or blocked.

To keep email delivery working correctly:

- Set the correct routing option in cPanel.
- Check and update your MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records whenever you change email providers.
- Test your setup after making any changes.

:::tip
Not sure which option to choose? Our support team is available 24/7 - open a ticket and we will help you get it sorted.
:::

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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/email-basics/configuring-email-routing-in-cpanel · © Kualo Ltd._