What is a dedicated IP?
A dedicated IP address is a unique address assigned to a specific user or device instead of a random shared one. It’s one of the common types of IP addresses you’ll see in networking.
Dedicated addresses don’t reset or get reassigned to other users, but they do cost extra. After all, IPs are a limited resource, and administrators must maintain their networks and servers. You can purchase dedicated IP addresses from internet service providers (ISPs), virtual private network (VPN) services, or hosting providers.
What is a dedicated IP for Minecraft?
A Minecraft dedicated IP is a unique IP address assigned solely to your Minecraft server. Without a dedicated IP, you would need to enter the MC server’s IP address and specify a port number. It may look like this: 1.2.3.4:12345. A dedicated IP means that players can join servers without specifying a port number. The game assumes it must use port 25565, the default for Minecraft. More importantly, a Minecraft dedicated IP lets you join the server using a domain name.
If you have bought a domain name, you can configure it so that putting the domain address in Minecraft’s server address field redirects players to your dedicated address. You can also use subdomains. In this way, a domain address is like the website address (e.g., mymcserver.com), and players can use the subdomain (e.g., play.mymcserver.com) to join the server.
All this is made possible by the function of DNS, which translates numeric IP addresses into human-friendly names that are easier to remember. You can also convert a numeric address to a name with an SRV record, but SRV records tend to be error prone. Not all ISPs support them, and many users experience issues.
Do you need a dedicated IP for a Minecraft server?
You don’t really need a dedicated IP for your Minecraft server. Your server will work just fine without one. You can play with your friends using a simple IP address with a specified port.
However, dedicated IPs are popular among professional server owners. If you want to have a public presence, use a cool address, and look serious, you may want to consider investing in a dedicated IP. It's not mandatory, though.
Pros of a dedicated IP for Minecraft
Getting a dedicated IP brings a number of advantages:
- Simpler connection for players. A dedicated IP makes it much simpler for players to connect because they can use only the IP address, without adding a port number.
- More stable and predictable performance. With shared IP addresses, multiple servers contend for the same pool of resources. A dedicated IP means other users can’t congest the network, and you avoid port conflicts with other servers. For a server with dozens or hundreds of players, this reliability is worth paying for.
- Better protection from shared IP bans. Shared IP restrictions are a real problem. If someone else on the shared IP gets banned (for botting, griefing, or DDoS activity), your server can get caught in the crossfire. A dedicated IP puts you in control of your own reputation.
- Recognizable branding and easier domain mapping. Dedicated IPs make it simple to connect a custom domain: play.yourservername.com. This is hard to do cleanly with a shared IP and a non-default port.
- Full access to all ports. Some hosting providers limit what ports you can use on shared IPs. A dedicated IP gives you full access, which is especially useful if you run multiple game modes, your server uses custom services, or you manage plugins that require their own ports.
Cons of a dedicated IP for Minecraft
A dedicated IP isn't a perfect solution — consider the following disadvantages:
- Higher monthly cost. Most hosts offer dedicated IPs for an extra $10-20 per month. For a big server, that’s nothing. For a weekend-only survival world with friends? Probably an overkill.
- Reduced online privacy. Your dedicated IP is tied directly to your server. Someone who knows how to look up IP metadata can connect dots more easily, which is not a huge issue for most Minecraft admins but is still worth mentioning.
- More responsibility on your side. With a dedicated IP, all configuration and reputation fall squarely on you. If the IP gets flagged, throttled, attacked, or blocklisted, you have to fix it.
Things to consider before getting a dedicated IP for a Minecraft server
Not everyone needs one, but if any of the scenarios below apply to you, a dedicated IP is worth it:
- You run a public or large community server. If people are joining your server from TikTok, Discord, or server lists, don’t make them type in weird ports. A simple, port-free IP makes joining easier and keeps more players around.
- You manage an allowlist community. Allowlist servers rely on stability and predictable access. A dedicated IP helps keep things steady.
- You host multiple services. If you’re running several Minecraft instances, proxy servers (like BungeeCord or Velocity), external dashboards, maps (Dynmap), or voice chat plugins, you’ll appreciate having full port access and clean routing.
- Security and reputation are important to you. If your server is ever targeted by trolls, bots, or DDoS attacks, a dedicated IP lets you manage your reputation without relying on others’ behavior.
- You rely on mods or plugins that use custom ports. Modded servers often run additional services behind the scenes, which can make shared hosting messy fast. A dedicated IP simplifies everything.
- You run roleplay or progression-based communities. These servers rely on consistent uptime and reliable access. If players can’t join easily, the whole progression system suffers. A dedicated IP reduces joining issues and cuts down on admin support time.
- You run a monetized server network. If your server earns money via ranks, cosmetics, or passes, take the user experience seriously. A dedicated IP signals professionalism and improves uptime.
- You host competitive or event-based gameplay. Tournaments and speedrunning challenges benefit from stable network performance. In these situations, dedicated IPs provide technical advantages that outweigh the costs.
What is an alternative to a dedicated IP for Minecraft?
What if you want to play online with friends without hosting a dedicated IP Minecraft server? Fortunately, you can choose some alternatives, such as Meshnet.
What exactly is Meshnet? NordVPN’s Meshnet is a virtual network that works like a local area network (LAN). It enables players to create a private Minecraft server. Once devices are connected via Meshnet, they can communicate as if they were in the same room. In reality, all players can be on different continents.
Solving problems with Minecraft
Connecting devices via Meshnet can help to solve some common problems, such as the “Unable to connect to world” Minecraft error, often caused by the server running in private mode.
If you and your friends play online in LAN mode, make sure everyone uses Meshnet. It creates a private tunnel that outsiders can’t access, increasing Minecraft safety.
If you have network problems or see a “Minecraft server timed out” message when playing over Meshnet, check whether your device and the host device are connected to the same network. You can also review your firewall settings, make sure your antivirus software isn’t blocking you, and check whether your Minecraft versions are the same.
If you’re still experiencing problems, check out our guide on Minecraft LAN not working. Is your game lagging? Then take a look at our article and learn how to fix Minecraft lag.
Why should you choose Meshnet for Minecraft?
Should you use a Minecraft server with a dedicated IP or connect through Meshnet? See our comparison below and decide for yourself.
| Minecraft server with a dedicated IP | Minecraft LAN server with Meshnet |
|---|---|
| You get a cool, memorable address after purchasing and setting up a domain. | No effect on the server’s address (players need to type in the Meshnet IP). |
| Players need to share their IPs publicly. | Players don’t need to reveal their IP addresses. |
| You can forget about specifying ports (it uses the default port). | Players might need to specify the port. |
| Players connect to a server via a public network. | Players game privately in LAN mode. |
| No additional security. | Meshnet creates a secure tunnel for players to connect through. |
If you decide to make a server for yourself in Minecraft, you can also take a look at our video:
Should I get a dedicated IP for my Minecraft server?
Most Minecraft fans don’t make their servers public — they just play with friends, so they don’t need domains and assigned addresses. If you’re one of them, we recommend using Meshnet and playing in LAN mode. Most importantly, this is a safer option because Meshnet creates a private tunnel through which devices connect.
Want to invite friends and start a whole new adventure in Minecraft? Check out our guide on how to set up a private Minecraft server and play with your friends no matter the distance.
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