---
title: Understanding How Replies and Bounces work with Inboxroad
description: "When you integrate Inboxroad’s SMTP relay, your domain’s **MX records** and email headers determine how different types of messages — like replies and bounces — are handled. This article explains the difference and clarifies how your setup should look. ## 1.…"
url: "https://www.inboxroad.com/help/understanding-how-replies-and-bounces-work-with-inboxroad/"
updated: "2025-11-05"
category: Sending Emails
---

# Understanding How Replies and Bounces work with Inboxroad

When you integrate Inboxroad’s SMTP relay, your domain’s **MX records** and email headers determine how different types of messages — like replies and bounces — are handled. This article explains the difference and clarifies how your setup should look.

## 1. Bounces vs. Replies

  There are two types of incoming messages you might receive after sending an email:

**1.Bounces -**These are automatic notifications sent by receiving mail servers when your message cannot be delivered (for example, because the recipient address doesn’t exist).

- Bounces are routed through the **Return-Path** address.
- The Return-Path is linked to the **Inboxroad MX record** (for example, `smtp.deliverabilitymanager.net`).
- These messages are processed automatically by Inboxroad to update your bounce statistics.

**2.Replies -**These are **human replies** from your recipients.

- Replies go to the address you set in the **From** or **Reply-To** header.
- They are delivered directly to your own mailbox — **not to Inboxroad**.

## 2. Why Your MX Record Points to Inboxroad

When you verify your sending domain, Inboxroad asks you to point your **MX record** to:

 smtp.deliverabilitymanager.net  This setup allows Inboxroad to process bounces and complaints efficiently and maintain accurate deliverability reporting.

### **Important:**

This MX record is **only** for bounce handling. It does not affect how replies are delivered to your regular inbox.3. Example SetupTypeHeaderDestinationPurposeBounceReturn-PathInboxroad MXAutomated bounce handlingReplyFrom / Reply-ToYour own mailboxHuman responsesExample headers in your campaign:

 From: info@yourdomain.com Reply-To: info@yourdomain.com Return-Path: bounce@yourdomain.com 4. How to Test ItYou can easily confirm that replies go to your own mailbox:

1. Send a test email to a personal inbox.
2. Reply to that email.
3. Check your `info@yourdomain.com` mailbox — you should receive the reply there.

 5. Common MisunderstandingIt’s a common misconception that pointing your MX record to Inboxroad means Inboxroad also handles replies. In reality, we only process **bounces** and **complaint feedback**. Human replies always go to your own mailbox as long as your **From** or **Reply-To** header is set correctly. 6. TroubleshootingIf you’re not receiving replies:

- Check that your **From** or **Reply-To** address points to an active inbox.
- Make sure your domain’s mailbox is hosted correctly (e.g., via Gmail, Outlook, or your mail provider).
- Do not point all MX records exclusively to Inboxroad — only the one used for bounce processing should point to us.