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Last updated: 2026-03-16

What is IP Address?

Definition

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet, including web servers. In hosting, your server's IP address is where your website physically lives. Shared hosting means multiple sites share one IP, while a dedicated IP gives your site its own unique address.

Why It Matters

  • Every website needs an IP address to be accessible
  • Shared IPs can be affected by other sites' behaviour
  • Dedicated IPs are required for some SSL configurations
  • IP reputation affects email deliverability
  • Server location (IP geolocation) impacts performance

How It Works

When you type a domain name in your browser, DNS translates it to an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 for IPv4 or 2001:db8::1 for IPv6). Your browser connects to this IP to load the website. On shared hosting, one IP serves multiple websites—the server uses the domain name in the request to determine which site to show. With a dedicated IP, only your website uses that address.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Dedicated IPs avoid "bad neighbour" effects
  • Required for certain SSL certificate types
  • Enables direct IP access to your site
  • Better email reputation on dedicated IPs
  • More control over server reputation

Disadvantages

  • Dedicated IPs cost extra (typically £2-5/month)
  • IPv4 addresses are increasingly scarce
  • Shared IPs are fine for most websites
  • IP changes during migration can cause brief issues
  • Dedicated IP doesn't inherently improve SEO

Common Misconceptions

  • !You need a dedicated IP for SSL (SNI allows SSL on shared IPs)
  • !Dedicated IP improves SEO (Google has confirmed it doesn't)
  • !Shared IP means shared security risks (Proper server isolation prevents this)
  • !IPv6 is required now (IPv4 still works fine for most hosting)

Do You Need IP Address? Checklist

Consider ip address if any of these apply to you:

  • You know your server's IP address
  • You understand whether your IP is shared or dedicated
  • DNS A records point to the correct IP
  • IP reputation is clean (check blacklists)
  • You've considered whether a dedicated IP is worth the cost
  • IPv6 is configured if supported by your host

Recommended Hosts for IP Address

IONOS

Dedicated IP included on many plans

Read Review

Hosting.com

Affordable dedicated IP add-on

Read Review

Kinsta

Clean IPs with excellent reputation management

Read Review
View All Provider Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a dedicated IP address?
Most websites don't. Modern SNI technology allows SSL certificates on shared IPs. A dedicated IP is useful if you need to access your site before DNS propagates, run specific server applications, or want to avoid shared IP reputation issues.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) with about 4.3 billion possible addresses—now exhausted. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334) with virtually unlimited addresses. Most hosting still uses IPv4, with IPv6 gradually being adopted.
How do I find my website's IP address?
Use online tools like whatismyipaddress.com or mxtoolbox.com. You can also use the command line: "ping yourdomain.com" or "nslookup yourdomain.com". Your hosting control panel usually displays the server IP as well.
Can a shared IP affect my email deliverability?
Potentially yes. If another site on the same IP sends spam, the IP may be blacklisted, affecting all sites on it. For business email, a dedicated IP or a separate email service (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) avoids this risk entirely.
Does my IP address affect SEO?
Google has confirmed that shared IPs don't negatively impact SEO. Server location (which relates to IP geolocation) can affect page speed for local visitors, which does influence rankings. But the IP itself—shared or dedicated—doesn't matter for SEO.
How much does a dedicated IP cost?
Typically £2-5/month as a hosting add-on. Some premium hosts like IONOS include dedicated IPs on certain plans. Some providers charge around £3-5/month. Evaluate whether the benefits justify the cost for your specific needs.
What happens to my IP when I change hosts?
Your IP changes when you migrate to a new host. DNS records must be updated to point to the new IP. During propagation (up to 48 hours), some visitors may still reach the old IP. This is why keeping your old hosting active during migration is important.

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