The DNS PTR record is a not-so-popular type. However, in this ocean of DNS records, there are a few of them that you absolutely should know. One of them is exactly the PTR record. You’ve come to the perfect page if you’re wondering why it’s so essential.
DNS PTR record – meaning and format
PTR record(or Pointer record) is one of the DNS record types that use the IP address to determine whether or not it has a reverse zone. It contains information about the reverse IP address and makes sure that messages we send to targeted users don’t end up in their spam folder.
The purpose is to prove that the specific IP address is indeed associated with the domain name. This record confirms that there is no scam if someone checks it. It is simple to validate the various components or extra services, such as a mail server, using the PTR record.
The structure of the DNS PTR record is straightforward. Probably, if you decide to create this type of record, it will have to look like this:
- TYPE: PTR – the type of the record
- HOST: 34.68.123.56 – the IP address of the domain (it could be IPv4 or IPv6)
- POINTS TO: example123.com – the domain name
- TTL: 1h – the limit of its validity
How to check the PTR record?
To check the PTR record, you need to do a reverse search, also known as Reverse DNS lookup.
- On Windows
Here we use the nslookup command. To begin with, you should look for the Command Prompt. Once you open it, type nslookup 34.68.123.56 (This is in our example. So, you have to type the Internet Protocol you are interested in). If your query finds a PTR record, the result will be the domain name.
- On Linux and macOS
In this case, we use the Terminal tool directly. Start it up and enter the command dig -x 34.68.123.56. The result here will be the same – if your query finds a PTR record, the domain name will be returned.
Why do you need a DNS PTR record?
DNS PTR record is especially important for those who manage an outgoing mail server. It is not required, but it can help ensure that everything runs smoothly. One of the most important reasons is to prevent spam email filtering. Many email servers use pointer records to avoid spam by rejecting messages from IP addresses that do not have rDNS or are unlikely to be legitimate. Most likely, if you don’t have reverse DNS, your emails will end up in the spam folder of your targeted users. This is why it is very important to set up PTR records.
Conclusion
You now have a better understanding of what a DNS PTR record is and how to use it. Next, reduce the bounce rate of your sent emails by applying them to your domain. It’s not difficult. It’s only a matter of understanding what to look for.