Using Gmail with MXroute

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to configure Gmail as your mail client for MXroute, allowing you to leverage Gmail's interface while using MXroute's reliable email infrastructure.

Prerequisites

• An active MXroute account
• Access to your domain's DNS management
• A Gmail account

Step 1: Initial MXroute Setup

After purchasing your MXroute service:

1. Log into the MXroute admin console
2. Change your initial password to something secure
3. Make note of your server details from your "Important Account Information" email

Step 2: Configure Essential DNS Records

To ensure proper mail delivery, add these DNS records for your domain:

MX Records

Type	Host	Priority	Value
MX	@	10	Your primary MX record from "Important Account Information" email
MX	@	20	Your secondary MX record from "Important Account Information" email

TXT Records for Authentication

Type	Host	Value
TXT	@	Your SPF record from "Important Account Information" email
TXT	DKIM selector	Your DKIM record from "Important Account Information" email

CNAME Record for Webmail

Type	Host	Value
CNAME	mail	Domain from your primary MX record

Step 3: Verify DNS Configuration

After configuring your DNS:

1. Use Google's Admin Toolbox to verify your MX, TXT, and CNAME records
2. Allow up to 4 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate
3. Confirm that your MX records are correctly pointing to MXroute servers

Step 4: Configure SSL Certificate

Secure your email communications:

1. Navigate to SSL Certificates in your MXroute admin console
2. Select Let's Encrypt to generate a free SSL certificate
3. Configure the certificate for your mail domain
4. Wait for the certificate to be issued and installed

Step 5: Create Email Account

Set up your email account:

1. Go to Email Manager in your MXroute admin console
2. Click "Add Account" and enter your desired username
3. Generate a strong password (or use the random generator)
4. Record these credentials securely - you'll need them for Gmail

Step 6: Configure Gmail

Connect your MXroute account to Gmail:

1. Open Gmail and go to Settings (gear icon) > See all settings
2. Navigate to the "Accounts and Import" tab
3. Under "Check mail from other accounts," click "Add a mail account"
4. Enter your full MXroute email address and follow the prompts
5. Use POP3 or IMAP based on your preference:
   • IMAP settings (recommended for syncing across devices):
     • Server: Your mail server from "Important Account Information" email
     • Port: 993
     • SSL: Required
   • POP3 settings:
     • Server: Your mail server from "Important Account Information" email
     • Port: 995
     • SSL: Required
6. Enter your MXroute username and password
7. Configure sending options:
   • SMTP Server: Your mail server from "Important Account Information" email
   • Port: 465
   • SSL: Required
   • Username: Your full email address
   • Password: Your MXroute account password
8. Complete verification by clicking the link sent to your MXroute address (accessible via webmail)

Step 7: Final Verification

Ensure your setup is working properly:

1. Compose a new email in Gmail and check that your MXroute address appears in the "From:" dropdown
2. Send a test email to yourself and another account
3. Use mail-tester.com to verify your email setup and deliverability
4. Aim for a perfect 10/10 score on mail-tester for optimal deliverability

Troubleshooting

• DNS Issues: Verify records are correct and have propagated using MXToolbox
• Connection Problems: Check your server name, username, and password
• Authentication Errors: Ensure DKIM and SPF records are properly configured
• Gmail Limitation: Gmail may occasionally mark legitimate emails as spam - train its filter by marking messages as "not spam"

Additional Resources

• MXroute DKIM Documentation
• Custom Webmail Configuration
• DirectAdmin Email Management

By following this guide, you'll have successfully integrated your MXroute email with Gmail, allowing you to use Gmail's interface while benefiting from MXroute's infrastructure and deliverability.