Sponsored by
What is a dedicated IP and how do I get one?
Alongside encrypting your internet traffic and protecting your digital anonymity, the ability to change your IP address is at the heart of any VPN's function.
Although your IP address is a number that can be used to work out where you are physically in the world, VPNs let you change your virtual location from one place to another.
By assigning you to a server in a different location, the VPN gives you a new IP which can help to mask your real identity and online activity for a more private and secure online experience – not to mention the ability to access otherwise region-restricted content.
What is an IP address?
An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique set of numbers that identify you while online. This digital home address of sorts can be used by online services to know where to send the information you request.
You send a request from your device to a server (for a web page or to stream a video, for example) and that server then knows the return sender address, so it can send you the information you requested back to your specific device.
This could be compared to phone numbers, where yours is unique and can be used as a way to contact you directly. Unlike a phone number, though, an IP frequently changes. Sometimes this can be within hours; sometimes after days, weeks or months.
Constantly changing IPs can be good in some ways. For example, it makes you a little less easy to be tracked online (although doesn't prevent the problem of cookies, etc). But it can have its downsides, too, like prompting additional security checks, access reauthorisations and for anybody who uses their IP for hosting.
What is a dedicated IP?
A dedicated IP is a designation that's assigned to one single user, rather than being shared among other people. That can mean you have a consistent point of access when you're online.
By using a dedicated IP provided by a VPN company like Surfshark, you will have that single, consistent identifier, while also taking advantage of all the security, privacy and encryption that using a VPN supplies.
Note that not all VPN providers offer a dedicated IP as a feature, and sometimes it will be a premium add-on service. Generally, it's aimed at business users, remote workers, travellers, and anyone who regularly needs access to secure or restricted systems.
Why should I get a dedicated IP?
While a dedicated IP may not be required by everyone, it can serve its purpose really well for those that can benefit from its (literally) unique offering. Here are some of the more common reasons people use dedicated IPs:
- Accessing work systems remotely: Lots of corporate networks, servers, and internal tools restrict access to approved IP addresses. A dedicated IP means your IT team can whitelist your connection, making remote work smoother and more secure.
- Avoiding CAPTCHAs and security checks: Shared IPs (particularly when using a VPN) are often red-flagged by websites, meaning you have to deal with frequent CAPTCHA challenges and login verification steps. A dedicated IP can helpfully reduce these interruptions.
- Running servers or hosting services: If you host a website, email server, or game server, a fixed IP makes setup, access, and reliability far easier.
- Secure online banking and finance apps: Banks and financial platforms may block or flag logins from constantly changing IP addresses. A dedicated IP provides consistency and can reduce false security alerts.
- Safer access while travelling: Connecting to the internet from hotels, airports, or public Wi‑Fi networks? A dedicated IP offers a familiar, trusted access point that’s less likely to trigger blocks or security warnings.
All that can add up to smoother access, not so many digital speed bumps, and greater stability – all from simply having a secure dedicated IP address.
How to get a dedicated IP
As mentioned above, not all VPN providers offer a dedicated IP. So if it's a tool that could be helpful for you, make sure your VPN offers it before you sign up.
Surfshark, for example, provides dedicated IPs as an optional add-on to its standard subscription. So you will get all the usual Surfshark VPN features – like AES-256 encryption, choice of protocols, and unlimited device connections – only with the added benefit of the dedicated IP.
This is how to get a dedicated IP with Surfshark specifically (it's very straightforward):
– Sign up for Surfshark or log into your existing account.
– Purchase the 'Dedicated IP' add-on from your account dashboard.
– Open the Surfshark app on your chosen device.
– Navigate to the Dedicated IP section and select your assigned location.
– Connect, and your device will now use your personal, fixed IP address.
Once activated, you'll keep that same IP every time you connect for a consistent identity across web, apps and networks.
If you're using a different VPN provider, those exact steps may vary slightly. But the key is to pick a VPN that offers a dedicated IP so you can add that to your plan if needed. That should mean from sign-up to everyday use, you'll be online with a dedicated IP within minutes.
