How to Request and Verify Reverse DNS (PTR) for Your VPS Print

A reverse DNS record, commonly called a PTR record or rDNS, maps an IP address back to a hostname.

This is the reverse of a standard DNS A record:

mail.example.com -> 192.0.2.25

The corresponding PTR record points in the other direction:

192.0.2.25 -> mail.example.com

Reverse DNS is especially important for mail servers. Many receiving mail systems check whether the sending IP address has a valid hostname. However, a PTR record is only one part of a properly configured mail server and does not guarantee email delivery.

Who Controls the PTR Record?

A PTR record is normally controlled by the company that owns or assigns the IP address, such as the hosting provider or upstream network provider.

You generally cannot create the PTR record inside the ordinary DNS zone for your domain. Adding a PTR record to the same area where you manage A, MX, or TXT records will not normally configure reverse DNS for the server IP.

For a VPS hosted by DJ Hosting Solutions, submit a support ticket with the required information, and our team will review or forward the PTR request to the appropriate network provider.

Before Requesting Reverse DNS

Complete the following steps before submitting your request.

1. Choose a fully qualified hostname.

   Use a complete hostname such as:

   mail.example.com

   Do not submit only a short name such as:

   mail

   Do not include http://, https://, a path, or an email address.

2. Create the forward DNS A record.

   The desired hostname should already point to the VPS IP address:

   mail.example.com -> 192.0.2.25

3. Confirm that the IP address is assigned to your VPS.

   The requested PTR must use an IP address currently assigned to your active service.

4. Use one stable hostname.

   For a mail server, the hostname should normally match the identity configured for the server's mail service and SMTP HELO or EHLO response.

Information to Include in Your Request

Include all of the following information in your support ticket:

• The VPS or service associated with the request
• The assigned IP address
• The complete hostname you want the PTR to use
• Confirmation that the hostname's A record points to the same IP address
• A brief description of the server's intended use

Example:

Subject: Reverse DNS/PTR Request

Hello,

Please set the PTR/reverse DNS for my VPS IP address as follows:

IP address: 192.0.2.25
Requested hostname: mail.example.com

I have created the A record for mail.example.com, and it points to 192.0.2.25.

The server will be used as a mail server.

Thank you.

How to Verify the PTR Record

After we confirm that the change has been completed, you can verify it using one of the following methods.

Google Admin Toolbox

1. Open Google Admin Toolbox Dig.
2. Enter the server IP address.
3. Select PTR as the record type.
4. Run the lookup.
5. Confirm that the result shows the requested hostname.

Example result:

mail.example.com.

The final period after the hostname is normal. It indicates that the result is a fully qualified domain name.

macOS or Linux

Run this command to check the PTR record:

dig +short -x 192.0.2.25

Expected result:

mail.example.com.

Then check the forward A record:

dig +short mail.example.com

Expected result:

192.0.2.25

For the preferred configuration, both lookups should match:

mail.example.com -> 192.0.2.25
192.0.2.25 -> mail.example.com

Windows

Use these commands in Command Prompt or PowerShell:

nslookup 192.0.2.25
nslookup mail.example.com

The reverse lookup should return mail.example.com, and the forward lookup should return 192.0.2.25.

DNS Caching and Update Times

A completed PTR change may not appear immediately through every DNS resolver. Some networks may continue to show a previous result until the cached record expires.

The amount of time depends on the previous record, its TTL, the resolver being used, and the upstream network provider. For this reason, DJ Hosting Solutions cannot guarantee an exact global propagation time.

If the correct result appears through an independent DNS lookup service but not on your local device, the difference is usually caused by DNS caching.

PTR Records and Email Delivery

A valid PTR record is an important part of mail-server configuration, but it does not guarantee inbox placement or successful delivery.

A mail server may also need:

• A matching forward DNS A record
• A correctly configured server hostname
• An appropriate SMTP HELO or EHLO identity
• SPF
• DKIM
• DMARC
• Valid TLS configuration
• A secure and properly maintained mail server
• A clean IP and domain reputation
• Compliance with the recipient's sending requirements
• Compliance with the DJ Hosting Solutions Acceptable Use Policy

Unsolicited bulk email, spam, phishing, malware distribution, and other abusive activity are not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PTR the same as reverse DNS?

A PTR record is the DNS record type used to provide reverse DNS for an IP address. In most support conversations, PTR, rDNS, and reverse DNS refer to the same requested configuration.

Can I create the PTR record in my regular DNS zone?

Usually, no. The PTR record is managed by the owner or delegated operator of the IP address block. Submit a support ticket if DJ Hosting Solutions assigned the IP to your VPS.

Why does the result end with a period?

A result such as mail.example.com. includes a trailing period to indicate the DNS root. This is normal and does not mean the hostname is incorrect.

Can one IP address use multiple PTR hostnames?

DNS can technically return more than one PTR value, but mail-server configurations generally work best with one clear and stable hostname for each sending IP address.

Do I need reverse DNS for a normal website?

Reverse DNS is usually not required merely to host a website. It is most commonly requested for mail servers and certain network services that verify the identity associated with an IP address.

Does a PTR record guarantee that my messages will reach the inbox?

No. PTR is only one signal used by receiving mail systems. Authentication, server configuration, message quality, sending practices, domain reputation, and IP reputation also affect delivery.

Need Assistance?

To request reverse DNS for an eligible VPS IP address, submit a support ticket through the DJ Hosting Solutions Client Area and include the IP address, requested hostname, and confirmation of the matching A record.