The short answer is: sometimes, yes—but it depends on your hosting provider.
Here’s how it works:
What is a Dedicated IP Address?
A dedicated IP address is a unique numerical address assigned solely to your website, rather than sharing a single IP with multiple sites on the same server (as is typical in shared hosting).
Can You Get One on Shared Hosting?
- Many shared hosting providers do offer dedicated IP addresses as an add-on.
You usually pay a small extra monthly or yearly fee for this service, and the host assigns your account its own IP—even though you’re still sharing server resources with other customers. - Some budget hosts don’t support this, or they restrict it to certain plans (often higher-end shared plans or business tiers).
Why Would You Want a Dedicated IP?
- SSL Certificates:
In the past, a dedicated IP was required for SSL certificates, but with Server Name Indication (SNI), this is less of an issue now. Still, some legacy systems may require it. - Direct Access:
You can access your site directly via the IP address, which can be handy for testing or special configurations. - Email Deliverability:
If you’re sending lots of emails from your site, a dedicated IP can help protect your sender reputation (though on shared hosting, email is often still pooled).
How to Get One
- Check with your host’s support or documentation.
- Look for “Add-ons” or “Extras” in your hosting dashboard.
- If it’s offered, you can usually add it with a click or a support ticket.
Anything to Watch Out For?
- Extra Cost:
There’s usually a fee, ranging from a couple of dollars a month to more, depending on the host. - No Performance Boost:
Having a dedicated IP won’t make your site faster or give it more resources—it’s solely about the address, not the horsepower behind your site.
Bottom line:
You often can get a dedicated IP on shared hosting, but it’s not always necessary for most modern websites. If you have a specific need (legacy SSL, special access, email reputation), check with your host—they’ll let you know what’s possible.
