What this check shows
A PTR record maps an IP address back to a hostname through the reverse DNS hierarchy. It is commonly checked for mail servers, logging and infrastructure diagnostics.
Enter an IP address such as 8.8.8.8, an IPv6 address or a reverse lookup name such as an in-addr.arpa or ip6.arpa FQDN to compare the hostname returned by different resolvers.
When to use it
- Mail server reverse DNS checks
- Validating server identity
- Investigating log attribution
- Confirming provider-managed PTR changes
How to read the result
- PTR records are normally controlled by the owner of the IP address, not by the domain's regular DNS provider.
- Forward-confirmed reverse DNS requires the PTR hostname to resolve back to the original IP address.
- Missing PTR records can affect mail reputation but do not normally prevent basic IP connectivity.
Command examples
Use these dig commands when you need to compare DNSRadar with a terminal check or collect evidence for a DNS provider.
dig -x 8.8.8.8 +short
dig @1.1.1.1 -x 8.8.8.8
dig 8.8.8.8.in-addr.arpa PTR +shortQuestions
Can I configure PTR in my normal DNS zone?
Usually not. The hosting or network provider that owns the IP range must configure reverse DNS.
What should I enter for IPv4?
You can enter the IP address directly. DNSRadar converts 1.2.3.4 to 4.3.2.1.in-addr.arpa before running the PTR lookup.
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