Route email through a third-party mail server is often required when using external email providers, transactional email services, or specialised mail platforms such as marketing or application-based mail systems. This setup allows your domain to send and receive email through an external provider rather than through the local hosting server, which can improve deliverability, scalability, and reliability when sending higher mail volumes.
Because email routing affects how messages are delivered to and from your domain, this configuration must be done carefully. Incorrect routing or DNS records can result in email delivery failures or messages being lost. This guide explains how to safely route your domain’s email through a third-party mail server using cPanel, while ensuring proper authentication and mail flow.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Route Email via a Third-Party Server
1. Login to your Domains.co.za account.
2. Select the hosting service linked to the domain you wish to check.
3. Click Manage, then login tocPanel.
4. Navigate to Email and select Email Routing.
5. Select Remote Mail Exchanger.
6. Save the changes.
7. Update MX records to point to the third-party provider.
8. Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC as instructed.
10. Test inbound and outbound email delivery.
Additional Information
- Selecting Remote Mail Exchanger disables local mail handling on the hosting server, meaning all incoming email will be routed to the external provider instead of being stored locally.
- Incorrect or missing MX records can cause email delivery failures, including bounced messages or emails that are never received.
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records must align exactly with the third-party provider’s requirements to prevent emails from being marked as spam or rejected.
- DNS changes are not applied immediately, and full propagation can take up to 24 hours, during which email delivery behaviour can vary.
- Many transactional or third-party email providers require domain verification before allowing mail to be sent or received using your domain.
- Testing both inbound and outbound email after configuration helps confirm that routing, authentication, and delivery are functioning as expected.
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.
3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.
