Reverse DNS maps an IP address back to a hostname using a PTR record. It is often relevant to mail servers and other infrastructure. Owning a domain does not automatically give you control of the reverse DNS for the server's address.
IN THIS ARTICLE
01 Confirm who controls the address
The DNS Manager checks actual IP allocation and reverse-zone authority. An A record that you can edit is not sufficient proof that an IP belongs to you. Eligible addresses can come from the dedicated or assigned IPs on your active service, or an address explicitly allocated to your account. Shared hosting customers may need support or the IP provider to make this change.
02 Prepare the hostname
Choose a stable fully qualified hostname, such as mail.example.com. Ensure its forward A or AAAA record resolves to the intended IP. For a mail server, also coordinate the hostname used by the mail software and the service's email authentication. PTR alone does not authorise sending or guarantee inbox placement.
03 Create or update the PTR
- Open the appropriate domain's Reverse DNS section, or the account-wide reverse-DNS view.
- Select an eligible address shown for your account.
- Enter the complete destination hostname, without an
https://prefix or a path. - Review the existing PTR and confirm that the change is appropriate for every service using the address.
- Save and wait for the provider operation to complete.
- Query the address in reverse and resolve the hostname forward to check the intended relationship.
Why can I not select an IP address for reverse DNS?
Check that it is actually assigned to your active service and that the package offers reverse DNS. The reverse zone may belong to another infrastructure provider even though Nabtech hosts the forward zone. Send support the IP address, intended hostname and associated service. Do not add a PTR row to an unrelated forward zone and expect it to change the IP owner's reverse zone.
04 Multiple PTR records
Some server assignments allow more than one PTR, but that option depends on policy and provider capability. Use a deliberate naming arrangement rather than adding several hostnames to work around a missing permission. Removing a PTR stops that reverse mapping; it does not delete the IP address or its forward A/AAAA record.