SMTP Error Encyclopedia · Entry 049

Reverse DNS validation failed

Generic · DNS · 550 5.7.25

Exact response pattern550 5.7.25 Reverse DNS validation failed
PermanentGenericDNS

What it means

The sender lacks acceptable reverse DNS or the forward/reverse identity is inconsistent.

Likely causes

  • Missing PTR.
  • PTR hostname does not resolve back to the IP.
  • Generic or mismatched EHLO.

Recommended response

  1. Set a stable PTR.
  2. Make the PTR hostname resolve to the sending IP.
  3. Use a matching EHLO identity.
Operational rule: Preserve the complete SMTP response, remote hostname, sending IP, envelope sender and timestamp. Never diagnose from the three-digit code alone.

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