A dedicated IP is an IP address used only by your hosting account instead of being shared with other sites.
Every server on the internet has an IP address, a number like 203.0.113.25 that other computers use to find it. On shared hosting, hundreds of websites usually share one IP address. A dedicated IP means one address is assigned to your account alone.
It works a bit like a phone line. A shared IP is an office switchboard where calls are routed by name. A dedicated IP is your own direct number.
How shared and dedicated IPs work
With a shared IP, the server works out which site a visitor wants from the domain name in the request. For HTTPS, a technology called SNI (Server Name Indication) lets the server pick the right SSL certificate for each site on the same IP. Every modern browser supports SNI.
With a dedicated IP, any traffic to that address goes to your account. You can reach your site by typing the IP into a browser, and services can allow or block your server by its IP.
When you need a dedicated IP
Most websites don't. You might need one if:
- A payment gateway, bank or API only accepts connections from an allowlisted IP.
- You send lots of email and want your own sending reputation, separate from other accounts.
- You run a service that has to be reached by IP, like certain game servers or a private FTP setup.
- Old software without SNI support needs to connect to your site over HTTPS.
Dedicated IP and SEO
A dedicated IP doesn't improve your search rankings. Google has said for years that shared hosting is fine and that it doesn't treat sites on shared IPs differently. Speed, content and links matter far more. The idea that you need one for SSL is also out of date, since SNI made shared-IP HTTPS normal.
Dedicated IP and email deliverability
A dedicated IP can help email deliverability, but only if you look after it. A brand new IP has no reputation, so large senders "warm it up" by increasing volume slowly. If you send very little email, a well-managed shared IP may actually perform better. Good SPF, DKIM and DMARC records matter more than the IP for most small businesses.
Common dedicated IP mistakes
- Buying one for SEO, where it has no effect.
- Forgetting to update your A record, so the domain still points at the old shared IP.
- Changing hosts and losing the IP, which breaks any allowlists that relied on it. Ask partners to update their records before you move.
AblePage doesn't sell dedicated IPs. Every plan runs on a shared IP, which suits nearly every website. You can check any address with the free IP checker.