Network Diagnostic Tools

Reverse DNS (PTR)

IP address to hostname

What is a reverse DNS (PTR) record?

Reverse DNS resolves an IP address back to a hostname through a PTR record, the opposite of a normal forward lookup. Mail servers check it to gauge sender reputation, so a missing or generic PTR record can hurt email deliverability. PTR records live in the special in-addr.arpa and ip6.arpa zones managed by whoever controls the IP block.

How reverse DNS and PTR records work

A PTR record maps an IP address to a hostname, the reverse of an A record. The IP is queried as a name in a special zone: 93.184.216.34 becomes 34.216.184.93.in-addr.arpa, and IPv6 uses ip6.arpa. Critically, PTR records are controlled by whoever owns the IP block, usually your hosting provider or ISP, not by your domain's DNS. To set or change one, you request it from them rather than editing your own zone file.

Why mail servers check reverse DNS

Receiving mail servers run a reverse DNS lookup on a connecting IP to judge whether it is a legitimate mail source. A clean setup has the PTR resolve to a real hostname (mail.example.com) whose forward A record points back to the same IP, called forward-confirmed reverse DNS (FCrDNS). A missing PTR, or a generic one like a string of digits in a broadband provider's domain, signals a residential or unconfigured host and often triggers spam filtering or outright rejection. Proper PTR is essential for any server sending email.

How to read and fix your PTR results

A PTR result shows the hostname an IP resolves to, for example 34.216.184.93 PTR mail.example.com. Confirm it is FCrDNS-valid by checking that mail.example.com has an A record returning the same IP. If the lookup returns nothing, no PTR is set; if it returns a generic provider hostname, the default is still in place. Fix either by asking your hosting provider or ISP to set the PTR to a hostname you control, then publish a matching forward A record so the two agree.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PTR record?

A PTR record is a DNS record that maps an IP address back to a hostname, enabling reverse DNS lookups, the opposite of an A record. PTR stands for pointer. It lives in the in-addr.arpa zone for IPv4 or ip6.arpa for IPv6, and is controlled by the owner of the IP block, typically your hosting provider or ISP.

Why is a PTR record important for email?

A PTR record is important for email because receiving mail servers check it to verify a sending IP belongs to a legitimate, properly configured host. A missing or generic PTR makes your mail look like it comes from a residential or unconfigured source, which commonly triggers spam filtering or rejection. A matching PTR and forward record build sender reputation and improve deliverability.

How do I set up a PTR record?

You set up a PTR record by requesting it from whoever owns the IP address, usually your hosting provider or ISP, since PTR records live in their reverse zone, not your domain's DNS. Ask them to point the IP at a hostname you control, then publish a matching A record for that hostname so forward and reverse lookups agree (FCrDNS).

What is the difference between forward and reverse DNS?

Forward DNS resolves a hostname to an IP address using A or AAAA records, while reverse DNS resolves an IP address back to a hostname using a PTR record. Forward lookups are what browsers do to reach a site; reverse lookups are mainly used by mail servers and logging tools to identify and verify the host behind an IP.

Why does my PTR record not match my domain?

Your PTR record may not match your domain because the IP owner left its default generic hostname in place, or set a PTR you did not request a change to. PTR records are managed by your hosting provider or ISP, not your own DNS, so a mismatch means their reverse zone needs updating. Request the correct hostname and add a matching forward A record.

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