How to Request a PTR (Reverse DNS) Record

Overview

A PTR (Pointer) record, also known as reverse DNS, maps an IP address to a hostname. This is commonly required when running a mail server, as many receiving mail servers check PTR records to verify the sender.

What is Reverse DNS?

Normal DNS (forward DNS) translates domain names to IP addresses:

mail.example.com → 203.0.113.50

Reverse DNS does the opposite:

203.0.113.50 → mail.example.com

Why You Might Need a PTR Record

• Email servers — Many mail providers reject email from IPs without valid PTR records
• Compliance — Some services require reverse DNS for verification
• Professionalism — Shows your IP resolves to a proper hostname

Requirements

Before requesting a PTR record, ensure:

1. You have a valid domain name
2. The domain has an A record pointing to your VPS IP address
3. The forward DNS is working (the domain resolves to your IP)

Test your forward DNS:

dig +short mail.example.com

This should return your VPS IP address.

How to Request

PTR records are managed by AFRICLOUD (as the IP address owner). To request a PTR record:

1. Log in to your Client Area
2. Open a Support Ticket
3. Select Technical Support as the department
4. Include the following information:
   • VPS IP address
   • Desired PTR hostname (e.g., mail.example.com)
   • Reason for the request

Example Request

Subject: PTR Record Request

Please configure a PTR record for my VPS:

IP Address: 203.0.113.50
PTR Hostname: mail.example.com

The forward DNS is already configured and resolving correctly.

Thank you.

Processing Time

PTR record requests are typically processed within 24 hours. You will receive confirmation via the ticket once complete.

Verifying Your PTR Record

After configuration, verify with:

# Using dig
dig -x YOUR_IP_ADDRESS +short

# Using host
host YOUR_IP_ADDRESS

Or use an online tool like MXToolbox Reverse Lookup.

Important Notes

• PTR records apply to IPv4 addresses only (IPv6 PTR available on request)
• One PTR record per IP address
• The PTR hostname should have a matching forward A record
• Changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate globally