Some VPS plans include a dedicated IPv4 address, while others might use shared addressing for certain services. Understanding the difference helps you know what you have and whether it matters for your use case.
What "Dedicated IP" Means
A dedicated IPv4 address is assigned exclusively to your VPS — no other customer/server shares it, giving you full, exclusive control over that address's reputation and configuration.
What "Shared IP" Typically Refers To
In some hosting contexts (more common in shared hosting than typical VPS), multiple customers' sites/services share a single IP address, distinguished by hostname-based routing rather than each having their own unique address — most VPS plans include a dedicated IP by default, but verify this for your specific plan.
Why a Dedicated IP Usually Matters More for a VPS
Since a VPS gives you full server control, a dedicated IP is standard and expected — you're not sharing the underlying server resources with others, so a dedicated IP aligns naturally with that isolation.
When IP Reputation Matters
Your IP address's reputation affects things like email deliverability (see email deliverability guides) and, in rare cases, whether the address was previously associated with any abuse before being reassigned to you — a dedicated IP means you have exclusive control over building and maintaining good reputation for that specific address.
Checking Your Assigned IP
curl ifconfig.meOr check directly in your Client Area's service details for your officially assigned IP address(es).
Multiple IP Addresses on One VPS
Some use cases (hosting multiple SSL certificates without SNI, certain email sending configurations) benefit from multiple IP addresses on one server — check whether your plan supports additional IPs, typically as an add-on if needed.
IPv4 Scarcity and Why It's Relevant
See IPv4 vs IPv6: What Every New VPS Owner Should Know for context on why IPv4 addresses specifically are a finite, increasingly scarce resource — relevant to understanding why additional dedicated IPv4 addresses may carry a cost, unlike the more abundant IPv6 space.
What If Your IP Was Previously Used by Someone Else
IP addresses are recycled/reassigned over time — if you notice unexpected reputation issues (e.g. difficulty sending email), it's possible (though not guaranteed) your specific IP has some history; check IP reputation/blacklist status if you encounter unexplained deliverability issues.
Common Questions
Does my VPS plan include a dedicated IPv4 address by default?
Check your specific plan details — most standard VPS plans do, but verify explicitly rather than assuming, especially for specialized or budget-tier plans.
Can I request a different IP if I have concerns about my current one?
Contact support to ask — policies on IP reassignment vary by provider.
Continue Reading
- IPv4 vs IPv6: What Every New VPS Owner Should Know
- How to Configure Multiple IP Addresses on One VPS
- How to Check if Your Email Server Is Blacklisted (RBL Check Guide)
Browse more articles in Getting Started / VPS Basics.
