> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.abusix.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started with Blackhole MX

## **Introduction**

If you use your domains only for HTTP (or other services) but not for email, [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx) will help prevent your domain from being spammed in the future by using it in the meantime to analyze unsolicited email traffic.

Simply point your domain(s) [MX](https://abusix.com/glossary/mail-exchanger/) records to [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx); if you wish, you can change them anytime. With [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx), you always maintain complete control over your domains.

> 💡 **Important** Please ensure that the domains you point via [MX](https://abusix.com/glossary/mail-exchanger/) record to the [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx) service is currently not used for email. Once you point your domain to [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx), we will intercept all traffic; therefore, only donate your domain if you do not want to receive any email traffic on that domain while it is directed to us.

## [******How blackhole.mx works******](http://blackhole.mx)

We accept all kinds of domains, and each additional domain helps fight internet abuse. Furthermore, our use of your domain(s) will never burn nor spoil their reputation.

When you point your domain to the [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx) systems, the email traffic sent to the domain(s) receive a 550 hard bounce response from the [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx) servers, which means there is no email service currently in operation for the domain.

By bouncing messages, legitimate senders take action and avoid sending [spam](https://abusix.com/glossary/spam/) to the domain in the future.

This approach, allows you to put your domain back in service, and use it for a real email service at any time you wish.

## **How to activate your domain(s) to participate.**

To participate, point your domain to the [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx) systems with a [DNS](https://abusix.com/glossary/domain-name-system/) [MX](https://abusix.com/glossary/mail-exchanger/) record.

### **Configure your domain in a domain management web application**

Domain Registrars, Hosting providers and ISPs often offer convenient customer domain management web applications to configure [mx](https://abusix.com/glossary/mail-exchanger/) records.

* **Name**: The domain or subdomain for the [MX](https://abusix.com/glossary/mail-exchanger/) record. Use *@* to deliver email.
* **Priority**: The order in which the record is evaluated and used. We recommend using “10.”
* **Value**: The mail server’s address, “[void.blackhole.mx](http://void.blackhole.mx).”
* **TTL**: We recommend using “1 hour.”

### **Configure your domain in a BIND zone file**

```
yourdomain.tld. IN MX 10 void.blackhole.mx.
```

### **Let us know**

If you have pointed your domain(s) to the [blackhole.mx](http://blackhole.mx) system, please drop us an email at [support@abusix.com](mailto:support@abusix.com) letting us know you have done so.

> ❗**Important** If you plan to point a domain portfolio to our systems, please let us know ahead of time so we can take the appropriate steps!

## [******How to deactivate blackhole.mx in the future******](http://blackhole.mx)

Without notice to Abusix, you may change your [MX](https://abusix.com/glossary/mail-exchanger/) record(s) at any time, redirecting your domain for another purpose.