Dedicated IPs, IP Address
This guide explains what an IP address is, the difference between a shared IP and a dedicated IP address, and the benefits of choosing a dedicated IP for your hosting plan.
Here are the topics discussed in this article.
What is an IP address?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique series of numbers — for example, 123.45.67.89 — that identifies a device or server connected to the Internet. Like a home address, an IP address identifies the physical or virtual location of a specific server.
Without an IP address, your computer cannot communicate with other systems on the Internet.
IP addresses are part of the Domain Name System (DNS), which functions like a massive online address book. Domain names map to IP addresses. When you enter a domain into your browser, your ISP looks up the domain, finds the associated IP address, and loads the correct website. This process happens automatically in a matter of seconds.
Shared IP vs. Dedicated IP address
Most Shared hosting and Reseller hosting accounts include one shared IP address. You can find your shared IP under the General Information section on the right side of your cPanel dashboard.
Shared IP Address
A shared IP is used by multiple websites on the same server. Even though many sites share the same IP address, the DNS system ensures the correct website is displayed to the user. In some cases, hundreds of websites can operate on a single shared IP.
Shared IPs are the default and are more common than dedicated IPs.
Dedicated IP Address
A dedicated IP address is assigned exclusively to one website. No other website on the server uses the same IP. Even if your site shares server resources, your IP address remains unique.
Unless you require specific features offered by a dedicated IP address, most users will function perfectly well using a shared IP.
Can I have a dedicated IP for my hosting plan?
As HostGator continues upgrading its Customer Portal, some hosting products and services have changed availability. Cloud, Reseller, and Optimized WordPress hosting plans are no longer available for new signups, but existing customers will continue receiving support without interruption.
Dedicated IPs for Shared hosting
Shared hosting packages are not eligible for a dedicated IP address at this time.
Dedicated IPs for Reseller hosting
Reseller hosting plans are also not eligible for dedicated IP addresses.
Dedicated IPs for VPS hosting
All VPS plans come with 1 dedicated IP address by default. Customers may request one additional IP at no charge, with a maximum of 2 dedicated IPs per VPS plan.
For questions, contact support via phone or chat.
Dedicated IPs for Dedicated Hosting
All Dedicated hosting servers include 1 dedicated IP address initially. Depending on the server plan, customers can request up to the maximum number of IPs listed below:
| Server Type | IP Addresses |
|---|---|
| Value - NVMe 32 | 3 Dedicated IPs |
| Power - NVMe 64 | 3 Dedicated IPs |
| Enterprise - NVMe 128 | 3 Dedicated IPs |
HostGator follows ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) policies for IP distribution and may deny IP requests lacking proper justification.
A dedicated IP change may take up to 4 hours to propagate. Your site may appear down during this time, and no name server changes are required.
If your hosting package does not include the dedicated IPs listed, please contact support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I really need a dedicated IP address?
A dedicated IP address is not the same thing as a Dedicated hosting account. You can have shared IPs on a Dedicated server or dedicated IPs on a Shared server (when available).
If this is your first website, you likely do not need a dedicated IP.
If you want improved performance, control, or reliability, consider upgrading to Dedicated hosting, which includes a dedicated IP address.