DNS guide

PTR Record Setup Guide

A PTR record maps your sending IP back to a hostname — reverse DNS. Mail servers check this when email arrives. No PTR record means many servers reject your email before even checking SPF or DKIM.

What forward-confirmed reverse DNS requires

Step 1: IP → PTR lookup → mail.yourdomain.com
Step 2: mail.yourdomain.com → A lookup → same IP. Both must match. If step 2 returns a different IP, the check fails.

How to set up

PTR records are controlled by your hosting provider — not your domain registrar. Look for Reverse DNS in your VPS control panel.

Check PTR and mail stack

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Related: PTR record · Reverse DNS · PTR mismatch error

Step by step

Step 1 Log into your hosting provider control panel.
Step 2 Find Reverse DNS or PTR settings for your IP.
Step 3 Set the PTR hostname to a hostname you control (e.g. mail.yourdomain.com).
Step 4 Add an A record for that hostname pointing back to the same IP.
Step 5 Run DNS Preflight with your sending IP to confirm the PTR check passes.

FAQ

What is a PTR record?

A DNS record that maps an IP address back to a hostname. Used by mail servers to verify your sending infrastructure.

Where do I set up a PTR record?

At your hosting provider — not your domain registrar. Look for Reverse DNS in your VPS or server control panel.

What hostname should my PTR point to?

A hostname you control that has an A record pointing back to the same IP. mail.yourdomain.com is the convention.

Does missing PTR cause email to bounce?

It can. Many corporate mail servers reject email from IPs with no PTR. Others increase spam score. Always set a PTR for mail servers.

How do I verify my PTR is correct?

Run DNS Preflight with your sending IP — it checks PTR existence and forward confirmation.

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