Setup checklist#
- ☐ Ask your hosting or ESP provider to set a PTR for each sending IP.
- ☐ Use a hostname under your domain (mail1.example.com) rather than the provider's generic name.
- ☐ Create the matching A record so forward and reverse agree.
- ☐ Use the same hostname in the SMTP HELO/EHLO banner.
Audit checklist#
- ☐ Confirm you are not: generic PTRs like 203-0-113-10.provider.net.
- ☐ Confirm you are not: hELO names that do not match the PTR.
Ongoing monitoring#
- ☐ Weekly: review provider dashboards (Postmaster Tools, SNDS) and bounce logs
- ☐ Monthly: re-run the setup verification after any vendor or DNS change
- ☐ Quarterly: full audit against this checklist
Frequently asked questions#
Can I set PTR records in my own DNS?
No. PTRs live in the IP owner's reverse zone. Your hosting provider or ESP sets them, though some offer self-service.