What is a PTR Record?

A PTR Record (Pointer Record) is a DNS record used for reverse DNS (rDNS). Instead of pointing a domain name to an IP address like an A record, a PTR record points an IP address back to a hostname.

Example:

• Forward DNS: mail.yourdomain.com → 192.0.2.10

• Reverse DNS (PTR): 192.0.2.10 → mail.yourdomain.com

What a PTR Record Is Used For

PTR records are commonly used for:

• Email server reputation and deliverability

• Spam filtering checks

• Server identity verification

• Logging and network diagnostics

Many mail servers check PTR records before accepting messages.

Why PTR Records Matter for Email

If you send email from your own server, a correct PTR record can help reduce:

• Spam folder delivery

• Rejected outbound mail

• Suspicious server reputation

Best practice:

• Server IP → PTR → mail.yourdomain.com

• mail.yourdomain.com should also have an A record pointing back to the same IP

This is called forward-confirmed reverse DNS (FCrDNS).

Important Difference: PTR Records Are Not Usually Managed in Domain DNS

Unlike A, MX, TXT, or CNAME records, PTR records are usually controlled by:

• Your VPS provider

• Dedicated server provider

• Cloud hosting provider

• ISP / network owner

Because the IP owner controls reverse DNS zones.

How to Set a PTR Record

If You Use a VPS / Dedicated Server

1. Log in to your server provider panel

2. Find Networking, IP Management, or Reverse DNS

3. Select your server IP

4. Enter the hostname

Example:

5. Save changes

If Managed by Provider

Open a support request and ask them to set reverse DNS for your IP.

Example PTR Record

Important Notes

• PTR records point IP to hostname

• The hostname should resolve back to the same IP

• Only the IP owner/provider can usually edit PTR records

• PTR is especially important for mail servers

How Long Does It Take?

PTR changes usually begin quickly, but full propagation may take:

• A few minutes to begin

• Up to 24 hours globally

Common Problems

Email Rejected

Possible reasons:

• Missing PTR record

• PTR hostname does not match server identity

• Hostname does not resolve back to same IP

Cannot Edit PTR

Possible reason:

• Reverse DNS controlled by hosting provider, not domain DNS panel

Best Practice for Mail Servers

Set these together:

• A Record: mail.yourdomain.com → server IP

• PTR Record: server IP → mail.yourdomain.com

• MX Record: domain receives mail via mail host

• SPF / DKIM / DMARC TXT records

Need Help?

If you need PTR/reverse DNS configured, contact your server provider or email support@govaio.com with:

• Server IP address

• Desired hostname

• Hosting provider name

Govaio Support will guide you on the correct process.