DNS · Website glossary

PTR record

Quick answer · What is PTR record?

A DNS record that points a name to another name, commonly used in reverse DNS lookup.

IN PRACTICE

PTR record: an example

A mail server's IP address may have a reverse record identifying its hostname.

KEEP IN MIND

Reverse DNS is usually controlled by the IP address operator, not by editing the website's ordinary A record.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of PTR record?

A mail server's IP address may have a reverse record identifying its hostname.

Where is reverse DNS usually controlled?

Reverse DNS is usually controlled by the IP address operator, not by editing the website's ordinary A record.

Which concepts should I read alongside PTR record?

Reverse DNS: A lookup that maps an IP address to a name using the reverse DNS namespace, commonly through PTR records.
A record: A DNS record that associates a name with an IPv4 address.