6.8 How to change the PTR record for a dedicated IP
A PTR record, or Reverse DNS, RDNS, is a part of the Domain Name System (DNS) that allows associating an IP address with a corresponding domain name. Unlike a regular DNS record, which links a domain name to an IP address, a PTR record performs the reverse function, that is, it links an IP address to a domain name.
The main purpose of using PTR records is to facilitate tracking and authenticating the sources of traffic coming from a particular IP address. This is especially important for email services, as many mail servers use PTR records to verify the legitimacy of the sender and combat spam.
PTR records can also be useful for diagnosing network issues and debugging applications that require reverse resolution of IP addresses to domain names.
How to Change PTR Records
We inform: when setting up PTR (Reverse DNS) for an IP address, it is recommended to specify the domain name that physically works with that IP address. The best option would be to use the primary domain name, for example yourdomain.com.
Although some email service providers also accept PTR records with subdomains like mail.yourdomain.com, there are certain risks that such records may be filtered as potential spam on some mail servers. Therefore, to avoid any issues with mail delivery, it is recommended to simply use the primary domain name without a subdomain.
The method of changing the PTR record or RDNS for a dedicated IP address may vary depending on the type of service You are using. Below are instructions for changing the PTR for different types of hosting and servers:
Changing PTR on Hosting
Important: on hosting, changing the PTR is possible only if You order an additional IP address, otherwise, a shared PTR for the entire server will be used. Premium hosting automatically provides dedicated IPs for pricing plans starting from the Advanced plan. Reseller hosting allows You to use a personal IP on any pricing plan.
For virtual hosting with an additional IP, the PTR change is performed in the ISPManager control panel, in the IP Address List section. Select the desired IP from the list and click the Change button.
- Enter the desired value in the Reverse Zone field and click OK.
Changing PTR on VPS/VDS
For virtual server services, You can change the PTR in several ways:
1. In the personal account, in the Services ⮕ Virtual Servers section, select the server and click the IP button.
In the properties of each IP address, You can set Your own separate PTR.
2. Using the VM-Cloud control panel, go to the Virtual Machines ⮕ IP Addresses section.
Select the desired IP and click the Change button. You will be presented with a field to enter the PTR record, set the new value and click Ok.
3. If the server uses a control panel like ISPManager, refer to the instructions in the Changing PTR on Hosting section, as the procedure will be identical.
Changing PTR on Dedicated Server and Colocation
1. If Your server uses a control panel like ISPManager, refer to the instructions in the Changing PTR on Hosting section, as the procedure will be identical.
2. If no control panel is used on the server, then to change the PTR record, You need to contact the Support Service. When contacting, specify the IP address and the PTR record that needs to be set.
