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:
- Send a test email to a personal inbox.
- Reply to that email.
- Check your
info@yourdomain.commailbox — 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.
