14.215.184.93.in-addr.arpa. 3600 IN PTR example.com.
A PTR record (pointer) provides reverse DNS: from an IP address to a name. IPv4 addresses are written backwards under in-addr.arpa (93.184.215.14 → 14.215.184.93.in-addr.arpa); IPv6 addresses are written nibble by nibble under ip6.arpa.
Who controls it
Reverse zones are delegated along with address blocks, so the PTR for an address is set by whoever holds the block — your ISP, hosting or cloud provider — not by your domain’s DNS host.
Why it matters
Mail servers commonly reject or penalise mail from IPs without reverse DNS, or whose PTR name doesn’t resolve back to the same IP (forward-confirmed reverse DNS). Network tools like traceroute also show PTR names.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I set a PTR record?
- In your hosting or cloud provider's panel, or by asking your ISP. Your domain registrar can't set it.
- How do I look up a PTR record?
- Use the reverse DNS tool on this site, or the DNS lookup with type PTR and the reversed in-addr.arpa name.