Dedicated IP in Minecraft Explained

A dedicated IP is a unique IP address assigned exclusively to your Minecraft server. Unlike shared IPs where multiple servers use the same address, differentiated by port numbers like :25565, a dedicated IP lets players connect using just the IP address itself, no port number required. It's cleaner, more professional, and easier for players to remember.

Most budget hosting uses shared IPs, where dozens of servers share the same IP address, each distinguished by a different port number:

• 123.45.678.90:25567
• 123.45.678.90:25568
• 123.45.678.90:25569

A dedicated IP eliminates the port number entirely. Your server gets its own unique address:

• 123.45.678.90 (just the IP)
• Or with a custom domain: play.yourserver.com

Why Dedicated IP is Important?

Easier to share and remember: Players don't need to copy-paste or memorize port numbers. "Just connect to 198.51.100.42" is simpler than "connect to 198.51.100.42:25567."

More professional appearance: Serious servers look cleaner without port numbers cluttering the server address.

Required for certain setups: Some proxy configurations like BungeeCord and DNS setups work better or exclusively with dedicated IPs.

Better for whitelists and firewalls: Server admins can whitelist or block traffic more precisely when the IP isn't shared with other servers.

Run multiple services: If you're running a Minecraft server, website, voice server, and other services on the same machine, a dedicated IP gives you full control over all ports. You can configure everything without worrying about port conflicts with other customers.

Dedicated IP vs Shared IP

Shared IPs work perfectly well for Java Edition servers. The only real limitation is Bedrock Edition, which doesn't support port numbers at all.

IP Reputation and Blacklists

Dedicated IPs give you control over your IP reputation. With shared IPs, if another customer sends spam, hosts malicious content, or gets DDoS attacked, your IP can get blacklisted or flagged. This rarely affects Minecraft servers directly but can impact other services you run on the same IP.

With a dedicated IP, only your actions affect your IP's reputation. You're isolated from other customers' behavior.

Do You Need A Dedicated IP?

A dedicated IP is a convenience upgrade, not a technical necessity. If you're running a small private server, stick with a shared IP and port number. But if you're building a public community, using a custom domain, or running a server network, a dedicated IP eliminates friction for players and makes your server look more established.