Reverse DNS (PTR) for Mail Servers
Most DNS records turn a name into an address. A reverse DNS, or PTR, record does the opposite: it turns an IP address back into a name. For mail servers this small record carries surprising weight in whether your email is trusted.
Many receiving servers check that a sending IP has a matching reverse DNS entry, and reject or downgrade mail that does not.
Why Mail Servers Care
A legitimate mail server almost always has a proper reverse DNS record that matches its forward record. Spammers using hijacked machines often do not, so the check is a useful filter.
Getting It Right
Reverse DNS is set by whoever owns the IP address, usually your hosting or email provider, not in your own domain's DNS.
- Confirm the IP your mail server sends from.
- Ask the provider to set the PTR record to your mail host's name.
- Ensure the forward record points back to the same address.
- Verify the pair matches with a lookup tool.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.