Setting Up Inbound Email Routing with Mailgun
Understanding Inbound Email Routing
Inbound email routing allows you to capture and process emails sent to your domain using Mailgun. This feature enables you to forward messages to another address, send them to a webhook, or process them within your CRM workflows.
Domain Configuration: Root vs. Subdomain
Before configuring Mailgun, it's essential to understand how domain handling works. A domain can only have one set of MX (Mail Exchange) records. This means you cannot use Mailgun and another email service (like Gmail or Outlook) to receive emails on the same domain simultaneously.
Key Limitation
If your MX records point to Mailgun, emails will be handled by Mailgun's routing system. If they point to another provider like Google Workspace, emails will go to that inbox instead. Mailgun does not provide a traditional inbox—it only routes or forwards emails.
Recommended Setup
To ensure reliable email delivery and avoid conflicts:
- Use a subdomain for Mailgun (e.g., mg.yourdomain.com)
- Keep your root domain connected to your primary email service
- This allows you to send emails via Mailgun while receiving emails in your standard inbox
Setup Steps
- Set up Mailgun for your domain or subdomain. You can use the same Mailgun account for multiple sub-accounts by creating unique subdomains for each (e.g., subaccountname.agency.com).
- Ensure the Mailgun domain is configured for only one sub-account in your CRM. Check Agency View > Settings > Email Services > Location Settings to verify.
- Test the setup by sending an email to an address on your configured domain or subdomain. Inbound emails will appear in the Conversations tab.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Mailgun MX records without removing existing ones
- Attempting to use two providers for inbound email on the same domain
- Expecting Mailgun to provide a mailbox (it only routes emails)
Final Recommendation
Always use a subdomain for Mailgun when setting up cold email and inbound routing. This ensures clean separation, no disruption to your primary inbox, and reliable email delivery. If you encounter issues, contact support or consult your DNS provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Mailgun and Gmail on the same domain?
No. A domain can only have one set of MX records for receiving emails.
Why doesn't adding Mailgun MX records to my root domain work?
If your domain already has MX records for another provider, email systems cannot split inbound emails between multiple services, causing delivery issues.
Can I still send emails from my root domain using Mailgun?
Yes. Sending emails is not affected by MX records.