ForceVPS Network Tools

Online PTR Check: Verify Reverse DNS for an IP Address

Use ForceVPS PTR Check to query reverse DNS records from real network locations. Enter an IPv4 or IPv6 address, choose a launch node, and confirm which hostname is published for that address.

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PTR reverse DNS

4 launch POPs

IPv4/IPv6 address families

PTR request

Run PTR Check in Real Time

Check the reverse DNS record for an IPv4 or IPv6 address using the selected ForceVPS node and optional resolver.

IP address

Launch point

Protocol

PTR options

Query parameters

Resolver

Output options

The agent response or a transport error will appear in the console on the right.

CLI

Result console

IP address 8.8.8.8

Type PTR

Protocol IPv4

$ lg dns --node kyiv --family ipv4 --type PTR 8.8.8.8 ; <<>> DiG preview <<>> -x 8.8.8.8 ;; QUESTION SECTION: ;8.8.8.8. IN PTR ;; ANSWER SECTION: 8.8.8.8. 300 IN PTR dns.google.

FAQ

What is a PTR record and reverse DNS?

A PTR record links an IP address to a domain name and is used for reverse DNS lookups. While a standard DNS query finds an IP address from a domain, PTR Check performs the opposite lookup by finding the hostname associated with an IPv4 or IPv6 address.

How can I check an IP address's PTR record online?

Enter an IPv4 or IPv6 address, select the matching protocol, and choose a test location. If necessary, specify a custom DNS resolver or enable the short answer option, and then start PTR Check. The result will show the domain name associated with the IP address.

What is the difference between PTR, A, and AAAA records?

An A record points a domain to an IPv4 address, while an AAAA record points it to an IPv6 address. PTR works in the opposite direction and returns a domain name for an IP address. For correct forward-confirmed reverse DNS, the PTR hostname should resolve through A or AAAA back to the same IP address.

Why does a mail server need a PTR record?

Mail systems check reverse DNS to evaluate the identity and reputation of a sending server. A missing or incorrect PTR record can increase the likelihood of messages being rejected or delivered to spam. A mail server's PTR record should normally point to its fully qualified domain name.

Who can create or change a PTR record?

A PTR record is managed by the owner of the IP address range, usually a hosting provider, data center, or internet service provider. Adding a regular PTR record to the domain's DNS zone does not change reverse DNS. Configure it through the server control panel or contact the IP address provider.

Why does PTR Check show no record or an old value?

The PTR record may be missing, incorrectly configured, or still cached by the DNS resolver after a change. Check the address through another resolver and repeat the lookup after the TTL expires. If the record still does not appear, contact the provider that manages the IP range.

Can a PTR record be configured for IPv6?

Yes, reverse DNS is supported for both IPv4 and IPv6. IPv6 PTR records are stored within the special `ip6.arpa` zone, but the lookup principle remains the same: an associated domain name is returned for the specified IP address.