If you’re wondering if Surfshark can give you a static IP for your online adventures, here’s the straightforward breakdown you need to hear. Getting a static IP address, especially with a VPN, can feel like navigating a maze, but Surfshark actually offers a couple of neat ways to achieve a consistent online address, depending on what you’re truly looking for. We’re going to pull back the curtain on Surfshark’s ‘Static IP’ servers and their ‘Dedicated IP’ add-on, showing you how they work, who they’re for, and why having a fixed IP might be exactly what you need for smoother remote work, gaming, or just plain fewer annoying CAPTCHAs. So, stick around, because by the end of this, you’ll know exactly which Surfshark option is right for keeping your digital footprint consistent and your online life simpler.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Surfshark, let’s just quickly cover what an IP address even is. Think of your IP address as your device’s unique home address on the internet. It’s how websites know where to send information when you browse, stream, or play games online. Every device connected to the internet has one.

Now, most of us use what’s called a dynamic IP address. This is like getting a new address every time you move or, in internet terms, every time your router restarts, or your internet service provider ISP decides to change it up. Dynamic IPs are super common because they’re cost-effective for ISPs and offer a bit of built-in privacy through obscurity – it’s harder to consistently track you if your address keeps changing.

But then there’s the static IP address. This is a fixed address that doesn’t change, ever. It’s permanently assigned to your device or, in our case, to a specific VPN server. This might sound a bit less private at first glance, but for certain situations, having that consistent digital address is a must. Only about 30% of IP addresses on the internet are static, with the rest being dynamic.

Why Most People Don’t Really Need a Static IP

Honestly, for most everyday internet users, a dynamic IP address is perfectly fine. If you’re just browsing social media, watching YouTube videos, or checking your email, a changing IP doesn’t really affect your experience. In fact, many VPNs default to dynamic IPs precisely because it adds a layer of anonymity by constantly rotating your online identity.

So, Why Would YOU Need a Static IP?

This is where things get interesting! While dynamic IPs are great for general use, a static or dedicated IP from a VPN service like Surfshark can solve a lot of specific headaches. It offers a kind of reliability and consistency that dynamic IPs just can’t match. People often look for static IPs when they’re dealing with:

• Annoying CAPTCHAs and Constant Logins: Ever get hit with a “Prove you’re not a robot” challenge every other website, or have to re-enter your login details over and over? This often happens when a service sees your IP address changing frequently, making it think you might be a bot or a security risk. A static IP makes your connection look more stable, reducing these interruptions.
• Secure Remote Access for Work or Personal Servers: Many corporate networks, private databases, or even your own home-hosted media server like Plex rely on IP whitelisting. This means they’ll only grant access to specific, pre-approved IP addresses. With a static IP, you can confidently add your VPN’s fixed address to that whitelist, ensuring you can always connect securely, no matter where you are.
• Online Banking and Financial Transactions: Banks and other financial institutions are super sensitive about security and for good reason!. If they see you logging in from wildly different IP addresses in short periods, they might flag your account, request extra verification, or even temporarily block access. A consistent static IP can make your online banking experience much smoother and less prone to these security checks.
• Hosting Your Own Servers Gaming, FTP, Web: If you’re running a game server for your friends, an FTP server to share files, or even a small personal website from your home, a static IP is almost a must. It ensures that your server’s address remains constant, so others can always find and connect to it without you having to constantly update them on a new IP.
• Managing IoT Internet of Things Devices: Smart home devices and other IoT gadgets sometimes benefit from a static IP for more reliable remote control and management, especially if you’re trying to access them from outside your home network.
• Avoiding the “Bad Neighbor” Effect: On a shared dynamic IP, if another user does something that gets the IP address flagged or blacklisted by a website, you might suffer the consequences too. With a dedicated IP, that risk is eliminated because the IP is exclusively yours.
• Smoother Streaming: While Surfshark is generally excellent for streaming, some services can be finicky. A static IP might help prevent them from detecting frequent IP changes, potentially leading to a more consistent streaming experience.

Surfshark’s Take on Static IPs: Two Main Options

This is where it gets a little nuanced with Surfshark, because they actually offer two distinct ways to get a consistent IP address, and it’s important to understand the difference. Why Your Surfshark VPN Might Be Dragging on Firestick

Option 1: Surfshark’s “Static IP Servers” Shared IP

First up, Surfshark has what they call “Static IP” servers. Here’s the deal with these:

• How it Works: When you connect to one of Surfshark’s designated “Static IP” servers in the app, you’ll always get the same IP address from that specific server location. This IP address is fixed to that server.
• It’s Shared: This is the key difference from a “dedicated” IP. While the IP address itself is static meaning it doesn’t change when you connect to that server, it’s shared with other Surfshark users who also connect to that exact same static IP server. Think of it like a popular coffee shop with a specific Wi-Fi network that always has the same external IP. Everyone in the coffee shop uses that same IP, but it never changes for the coffee shop itself.
• Benefits: This option is great for some of the reasons we talked about: reducing CAPTCHAs, accessing certain services that might get suspicious of constantly changing IPs, and general stability. It’s also super easy to use, and you don’t pay extra for it – it’s included with your regular Surfshark subscription.
• Limitations: Because it’s shared, you still might run into the “bad neighbor” effect if another user on that same static IP server does something that gets the IP flagged. Also, these shared static IP servers are only available in a limited number of countries, like the US, Germany, UK, Japan, and Singapore.

How to Connect to a Shared Static IP Server on Surfshark

Getting connected to one of these is really straightforward:

1. Open the Surfshark app on your device Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
2. Go to the “Locations” menu.
3. Scroll down until you find the “Static IP” section.
4. Choose the country and server location you want.
5. Connect! From now on, whenever you connect to that specific static IP server, you’ll get the same IP address.

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Option 2: Surfshark’s “Dedicated IP” Exclusive Static IP Add-on

Now, this is where Surfshark really provides that personalized, fixed IP experience. The “Dedicated IP” is an add-on service that gives you an IP address that is truly, completely, and exclusively yours.

• How it Works: You purchase a dedicated IP as an extra feature for your Surfshark subscription. Once activated, this specific IP address is assigned to you and only you. Every time you connect to your designated dedicated IP location, you’ll get this same unique IP address.
• It’s Exclusive: This is the significant difference from the shared static IP servers. No one else will be using your dedicated IP address. This means you completely avoid the “bad neighbor” effect and enjoy a truly consistent online identity. It’s like having your own reserved parking spot on the internet.
• Specific Use Cases: This is the ideal solution for all the more demanding scenarios:
  • Remote access to corporate networks with strict IP whitelisting.
  • Running private servers without interruption.
  • Ensuring smooth online banking and financial transactions without constant verification.
  • Developers and IT professionals needing stable IP addresses.
• Wider Location Availability: Surfshark has been expanding its dedicated IP offerings. As of recent updates, you can find dedicated IPs in many more locations than the shared static IP servers, including various cities in the US Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Jose, Las Vegas, Canada Toronto, UK London, Germany Frankfurt, France Paris, Netherlands Amsterdam, Japan Tokyo, Singapore, Australia Sydney, and more.
• Pricing: Unlike the shared static IP servers which are included, Surfshark’s Dedicated IP is an additional cost. It typically runs around $3.75 per month, regardless of your core Surfshark VPN plan. You need an active Surfshark VPN subscription to purchase it. This pricing is quite competitive compared to what some other VPN providers charge for their dedicated IPs.

How to Get and Set Up Your Surfshark Dedicated IP

Getting your own exclusive dedicated IP with Surfshark is pretty straightforward:

1. Have an active Surfshark subscription: You need a base plan first Starter, One, or One+.
2. Purchase the Dedicated IP add-on: You can usually do this through your Surfshark account dashboard on their website or directly within the app. Look for the “Dedicated IP” section and the option to upgrade or add it to your plan.
3. Choose your location: Select the country and city where you want your dedicated IP to be located.
4. Activate it in the app: Once purchased and assigned, you’ll typically see a “Dedicated IP” tab or section in your Surfshark VPN app. Just select your dedicated IP location to connect.

A Quick Note on Privacy for Dedicated IPs

While a dedicated IP offers fantastic benefits for stability and access, it’s worth noting that it’s inherently a little less private than a constantly changing shared dynamic IP. Since the IP is exclusively linked to you, any activity traceable to that IP could theoretically be attributed to you if someone were actively trying to track it.

However, Surfshark has a clever solution for this: Anonymous Dedicated IP. After you set up your dedicated IP, Surfshark gives you the option to anonymize it. This means they’ll delete any data that links that specific dedicated IP to your email address, so even Surfshark itself wouldn’t know which IP is yours. Just be aware that once you do this, you can’t reverse it, and Surfshark might not be able to offer support for issues related to that IP if they don’t know it’s yours. Surfshark VPN in Switzerland: Your Ultimate Guide for Digital Freedom and Security!

Manual Configuration for Routers and Other Devices

For those of you who are a bit more tech-savvy and want to use your dedicated IP on devices that don’t have the Surfshark app like a router, smart TV, or other IoT devices, Surfshark allows for manual configuration. You can download configuration files often WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols from your account dashboard. You’ll typically need to generate a key pair and then edit the configuration file with the specific server details and your public key before uploading it to your router’s VPN client settings. This setup ensures that all devices connected to that router will use your dedicated IP, extending VPN protection to your entire household.

Surfshark’s Security with Static/Dedicated IPs

No matter if you’re using Surfshark’s shared static IP servers or their dedicated IP add-on, you still get all the core security and privacy features that Surfshark is known for. This includes:

• AES-256 Encryption: Your internet traffic is scrambled with industry-leading encryption, making it unreadable to snoopers.
• Strict No-Logs Policy: Surfshark has an independently audited no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store information about your online activities.
• Kill Switch: This crucial feature automatically disconnects your internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.
• Private DNS: Surfshark uses its own private DNS on each server, including static IP servers, which adds another layer of security and prevents DNS leaks.
• Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, which is super helpful in places with strict internet censorship.

These features work together to ensure that even with a consistent IP address, your online activities remain secure and private. Navigating the Digital Waters: Can Surfshark VPN Still Work in Russia?

Surfshark Pricing and Overall Value for Static/Dedicated IP

When it comes to VPNs, pricing is always a factor. Surfshark is generally considered one of the more affordable premium VPNs, especially if you opt for their longer-term plans. For example, their 2-year plan often comes with additional free months, bringing the average monthly cost down significantly.

As mentioned, the shared static IP servers are included with any Surfshark subscription, so there’s no extra cost there. If you need the exclusivity and robust benefits of a Dedicated IP, it’s an add-on costing around $3.75 per month. This is quite competitive. For comparison, some other top VPNs also offer dedicated IPs, often in a similar price range.

Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out their service and the static/dedicated IP options risk-free to see if it fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a VPN give you a static IP?

It depends on the VPN provider and the specific service you choose. Many VPNs primarily offer dynamic IP addresses, which change with each connection. However, some providers, like Surfshark, offer options for static IPs. Surfshark has “Static IP servers” where you connect to a specific server and always get the same shared IP from that location. They also offer a “Dedicated IP” as a paid add-on, which is an exclusive static IP address assigned only to you.

What is the difference between Surfshark’s “Static IP” and “Dedicated IP”?

This is a common point of confusion. Surfshark’s “Static IP” servers provide you with a fixed IP address as long as you connect to that specific server location, but that IP address is shared with other Surfshark users connected to the same server. In contrast, a “Dedicated IP” is a paid add-on that provides a static IP address that is exclusively yours and not shared with anyone else, giving you a truly personal and fixed online identity. Surfshark VPN and Rutracker: Your Complete Guide to Safe Access

Why would I need a dedicated IP address with Surfshark?

You’d typically need a dedicated IP for situations requiring a consistent and exclusive online identity. This includes securely accessing corporate networks or private servers that use IP whitelisting, hosting your own personal game or web servers, avoiding frequent CAPTCHA challenges, ensuring smoother online banking transactions, or preventing the “bad neighbor effect” associated with shared IPs.

How much does Surfshark’s dedicated IP cost?

Surfshark’s Dedicated IP is a paid add-on service. It typically costs around $3.75 per month, and this is in addition to your regular Surfshark VPN subscription plan. You must have an active Surfshark subscription to purchase the dedicated IP.

Can I get a static IP address for free with Surfshark?

Yes, you can get a form of static IP with Surfshark as part of your regular subscription, without extra cost. Surfshark offers “Static IP servers” which, when connected, will assign you the same IP address from that server location every time. However, this IP is shared with other users. If you need a truly exclusive, personal static IP a “Dedicated IP”, that is a separate paid add-on.

How do I set up a dedicated IP with Surfshark?

First, you need an active Surfshark VPN subscription. Then, you can purchase the Dedicated IP add-on through your Surfshark account dashboard on their website or directly within the app. You’ll choose your preferred location for the dedicated IP. Once purchased and activated, you’ll find a specific “Dedicated IP” section or tab in your Surfshark app to connect to it. Manual configuration files are also available for routers and other devices.

Is a dedicated IP less private than a shared IP?

A dedicated IP is inherently slightly less private than a constantly changing shared dynamic IP because all online activity linked to it can be traced back to a single user you. However, Surfshark offers an “Anonymous Dedicated IP” option where you can remove the link between your dedicated IP and your email address, making it untraceable even by Surfshark itself. Surfshark VPN: The Real Talk from Reddit – Is It Worth Your Money in 2025?