Incoming Filtering: Getting Started & MX Configuration
Welcome to SpamExperts Incoming Filtering. This service acts as a protective shield (gateway) in front of your actual mail server. Before an email reaches your inbox, it is checked in the SpamExperts cloud for viruses, spam, and phishing.
1. How does the routing work?
For emails to be filtered, they must physically pass through the SpamExperts servers first. You control this via the MX Records (Mail Exchange) in your DNS settings. Without this adjustment, the filter will remain ineffective.
2. Configuring MX Records (The most important step)
Log in to your domain's DNS management. Remove all existing MX entries and replace them with the following three destination addresses:
| Priority | Hostname / Target Value |
|---|---|
| 10 | mx.spamexperts.com |
| 20 | fallbackmx.spamexperts.eu |
| 30 | lastmx.spamexperts.net |
3. Waiting Time & Propagation
DNS changes do not spread globally immediately. Depending on your DNS provider's "TTL" (Time to Live) setting, it can take between 1 and 24 hours for all email traffic to pass through the filter. During this transition period, you may still receive some unfiltered emails.
Once the filter is active, you should (if possible) configure your own mail server to only accept emails from SpamExperts IP addresses. This prevents spammers from bypassing the filter by targeting your server IP directly.
Common Setup Errors
- Forgetting old MX records: If you leave old entries active, part of your mail will bypass the filter.
- Incorrect priorities: Ensure that
mx.spamexperts.comalways has the lowest numerical value (highest priority). - Missing destination routing: Ensure that the correct IP or hostname of your destination mail server is entered under "Destinations" in the SpamExperts panel.
