Configure Reverse DNS (rDNS)

Reverse DNS allows you to resolve an IP address back to a hostname — the opposite of a normal DNS lookup. A correctly configured rDNS record is especially important for mail servers to prevent outgoing emails from being flagged as spam.

What is Reverse DNS?

In a standard DNS lookup, a domain name is resolved to an IP address — for example mail.example.com1.2.3.4. Reverse DNS does the opposite: it maps an IP address back to a readable hostname.

While this may sound purely technical, it has a very real impact: many email providers and anti-spam systems automatically check whether the sending server has a valid rDNS record. If it is missing or does not match the hostname, emails are often delivered straight to spam — or rejected entirely.

Standard DNS
Domain → IP address
mail.example.com → 1.2.3.4
Reverse DNS
IP address → Domain
1.2.3.4 → mail.example.com

Accessing the rDNS Editor

You can manage the rDNS records for your server's IP addresses directly in the PowerPanel:

1.Go to Hardware → Server Management in the PowerPanel
2.Click the Details link for the server you want to configure
3.Navigate to the Reverse DNS section

Editing an rDNS Record

To assign a custom hostname to one of your IP addresses, follow these steps:

1.Find the IP address you want to configure in the list
2.Click the edit icon next to the entry
3.Enter your desired hostname, e.g. mail.yourdomain.com
4.Click the save icon to apply the change

Resetting an rDNS Record

To restore the default rDNS value for an IP address, simply click the reset icon next to the entry. The hostname will automatically revert to the server's default value.

Important — Forward DNS must be set first: Before saving an rDNS record, a valid A record must already exist for the hostname you want to use, pointing to the same IP address. For example, if you want to set the rDNS for 1.2.3.4 to mail.yourdomain.com, the A record mail.yourdomain.com → 1.2.3.4 must already be active. Without this, many mail systems will treat the rDNS entry as invalid.

Having trouble with your rDNS record?

If your changes are not working as expected or you need further assistance, our support team is available via the PowerPanel ticket system.