PTR records

This guide explains what a PTR record does, why mail servers often check it, and who controls it.

A PTR record is a reverse DNS record. It maps an IP address back to a host name. Mail servers and some services check it to decide whether a server is trustworthy.

Example, using a reserved documentation address and name:

10.2.0.192.in-addr.arpa.   PTR   mail.example.com.

Important points:

• A PTR record is controlled by whoever controls the IP address, not by your domain's DNS. For a VPS or dedicated server, reverse DNS is set in the service's settings where the feature is offered.
• Check whether reverse DNS can be changed for your service before you rely on it. Ask support if the option is not shown.
• The name in the PTR record should match a host name that points back to the same address (a forward A record).

Related articles

• A and AAAA records
• DNS record types
• Email authentication records
• VPS server overview

Last reviewed

2026-10-27