Inbound email guide
What is mail redirection?
Mail redirection lets a service receive inbound email for your domain on standard SMTP port 25, then forward that mail to your own server on an alternate port.
InboundMail redirection solves receiving problems, not outbound sending.
Primary MXThe redirect service receives mail first for your domain.
Alternate portYour own server can receive on a non-standard SMTP port.
How mail redirection works
- 1. Mail arrivesRemote servers send email to the redirection service on port 25.
- 2. It is reroutedThe service forwards messages to your server on a port your ISP allows.
- 3. You keep hosting mailYour own server still handles the mailbox and final delivery.
When it is useful
- Your ISP blocks inbound SMTP port 25.
- You want to keep running your own mail server.
- You can accept mail on another open SMTP port.
- You need a path around network restrictions without migrating mailboxes.
Mail redirection vs SMTP relay
Mail redirection is for receiving mail when inbound port 25 is blocked. SMTP relay is for sending outbound mail. If both directions are blocked, you may need both services.
Need to keep self-hosted inbound mail working?
DNSExit Mail Redirection receives mail on port 25 and forwards it to your server on an alternate SMTP port.