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DNSPTREmail3 min read

Configure Reverse DNS (PTR)

What is rDNS, why it matters for email, how to set it from the panel and verification.

What is Reverse DNS?

Normal DNS translates domain → IP. Reverse DNS (rDNS) does the opposite: IP → domain. It's configured through PTR records.

terminal
Normal DNS:   yourdomain.com → 203.0.113.10
Reverse DNS:  203.0.113.10 → yourdomain.com

Why does it matter?

rDNS is critical for:

  • Email deliverability: Email servers (Gmail, Outlook) verify that the IP has a valid PTR. Without rDNS, your emails may go to spam or be rejected.
  • Credibility: Demonstrates you control both the IP and domain.
  • Readable logs: Logs show names instead of IPs.

Configure rDNS from the panel

  1. Log in to the client area: billing.baires.host
  2. Go to Services → Your VPS
  3. Find the Network section
  4. Find the Reverse DNS or PTR Record option
  5. Enter the domain you want to associate with the IP (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)
  6. Save changes

Prerequisites

Before configuring PTR, make sure:

  • The domain you use has an A record pointing to the same IP
  • That is: mail.yourdomain.com → 203.0.113.10 (A record) AND 203.0.113.10 → mail.yourdomain.com (PTR record)

Both must match for verification to succeed.

Verify the configuration

bash
# Verify PTR with dig
dig -x 203.0.113.10 +short
# Should show: mail.yourdomain.com.

# Verify with nslookup
nslookup 203.0.113.10
# Should show the associated name

# Verify the corresponding A record
dig mail.yourdomain.com A +short
# Should show: 203.0.113.10

Propagation

PTR changes can take between 15 minutes and 24 hours to propagate. If it doesn't reflect after 24 hours, contact support.

Common issues

  • PTR not updating: Wait 24 hours. If it persists, contact support.
  • Email still going to spam: Also verify SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
  • Mismatch: PTR must match exactly with the A record.

Recommendations

  • Configure PTR immediately if you'll send emails from your server
  • Use a dedicated subdomain for email (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)
  • Verify complete email configuration with mail-tester.com
  • If you use multiple IPs, configure PTR for each one
  • Combine PTR with SPF, DKIM and DMARC for maximum deliverability
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