Requesting a dedicated IP for your hosting account
Learn what a dedicated IP address is, when you need one, how to request it, and how to configure it for email, SSL, or SEO purposes.
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A dedicated IP address is an IP assigned exclusively to your hosting account or VPS, not shared with other customers. VPS servers already come with at least one dedicated IP. On shared hosting, dedicated IPs are available as an add-on.
What is a dedicated IP?
| Shared IP | Dedicated IP | |
|---|---|---|
| Used by | Shared with many accounts on the same server | Only your account |
| Reputation impact | One account's spam affects everyone's IP reputation | Your reputation only |
| SSL certificate | Works fine with SNI (all modern browsers) | Required for some legacy SSL configurations |
| Direct IP access | Shared-direct IP access goes to the server's default site | Direct access to your site via IP |
When you need a dedicated IP
- Email deliverability on VPS/dedicated-a dedicated IP with a proper PTR/rDNS record significantly improves email deliverability
- Isolation from bad neighbors-if you run a high-volume email sender on shared hosting, a dedicated IP prevents your email reputation being affected by other accounts
- Direct IP access-for certain server management or testing scenarios where you need to access your site by IP
- Additional IPs for VPS-hosting multiple services that require separate IP addresses
SSL certificates work fine on shared IPs with SNI (Server Name Indication), which all modern browsers support. You do not need a dedicated IP just for HTTPS. Dedicated IPs are primarily needed for email reputation and direct IP access.
How to request a dedicated IP
For VPS: VPS plans include at least one dedicated IP automatically. Additional IPs can be ordered-open a support ticket to request an additional IP for your VPS, specifying your VPS service name and the reason for the additional IP.
For shared hosting: Open a support ticket requesting a dedicated IP for your shared hosting account. Additional IPs are subject to availability and ARIN/RIPE justification requirements.
Configure the dedicated IP
For email sending, set up a PTR (rDNS) record for the IP after it's assigned. This is a critical step for email deliverability. See: How to set Reverse DNS / rDNS for your server IP
For VPS with multiple IPs, configure the additional IP in your networking configuration. On Ubuntu, add it to Netplan; on AlmaLinux, add a new interface configuration. The UnderHost support team can assist with IP configuration on request.
Related: How to manage your Cloud VPS | Setting up a firewall on your VPS | How to connect to your VPS via SSH | What is a VPS and how does Cloud VPS work?
Need a Cloud VPS?
Launch an UnderHost Cloud VPS when you need root access, dedicated resources, custom software, or more control than shared hosting.
