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Check reverse DNS of an IP address

Check the PTR record of a mail server IP: hostname, confirmation back to the same IP and a hint about the provider's default names.

What the reverse DNS check covers

  • PTR record: Whether the IP address has a hostname. Several records are allowed but confuse some recipients.
  • Confirmation: Whether this hostname points back to the same IP (forward-confirmed reverse DNS).
  • Hostname: Whether it looks like a default name of the provider, for example with “dynamic” or the IP in the name.

Learn more: Reverse DNS for mail servers

FAQ

What is reverse DNS and why does it matter for email?

Reverse DNS assigns a hostname to an IP address (PTR record). Receiving mail servers check it to see whether a properly set up mail server is behind the IP. If it is missing or does not match, emails often land in spam.

What does confirmation (forward-confirmed) mean?

The hostname from the PTR record must point back to the same IP address. Only then is reverse DNS considered confirmed.

Where do I change the PTR record?

With the provider of the IP address, that is your hosting or server provider, not your domain provider. Most have a field for it in the customer area.