NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on is a must-have for users who need a permanent IP that isn’t shared by other users.
Best of all, it’s affordable, safe, and easy to use!
But to make the process easier, I’ll discuss everything you need to know in this guide – including how to purchase, set up, and use your dedicated IP add-on!
Let’s jump in!
What Is a Dedicated IP? Static vs. Dynamic
You’re probably most familiar with dynamic IP addresses, even if you don’t realize it.
This is because most ISPs implement dynamic IPs instead of static IPs, which are more effective and practical.
Let’s define both words:
- A dynamic IP is an IP address that changes.
- A static IP is an IP address that stays the same.
You might be surprised that most VPNs also use dynamic IPs, though this seems more obvious when considering you share a server network with your VPN provider’s other customers.
However, unlike ISPs, who typically offer static IP options for customers, VPN providers don’t always give you a choice.
Luckily, NordVPN is one of the few VPN providers to offer such a static IP add-on – otherwise known as a “Dedicated IP” in the VPN industry (meaning you don’t share it with other users).
How to Purchase a NordVPN Dedicated IP?
Purchasing NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on is easy as pie!
Just follow these steps:
- Click here to sign up with NordVPN (and get an ENORMOUS discount in the process)! This will be your main account.
- Next, click here and sign up again with a new account.
- After choosing a plan, select the “Got coupon?” link at the bottom of the page and type in “norddedicatedip.” It’ll cost you $70 for one year.
- Complete your purchase. This will be your Dedicated IP account.
- Next, navigate to NordVPN’s website and start a live chat with their 24/7 support.
- Include in your message both of your accounts and which country you want a Dedicated IP in. The available countries are:
- The US (Buffalo, Los Angeles, and Dallas)
- Germany (Frankfurt)
- The UK (London)
- The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
- France (Paris)
- Wait for NordVPN to set up your Dedicated IP. This can take 1-3 business days from the moment you inform them of the purchase, and they confirm it.
Connecting to Your NordVPN Dedicated IP via Windows & Mac
- In the app’s left-hand menu, you’ll see “Dedicated IP” under the dropdown “Specialty servers.”
- Hover your mouse over “Dedicated IP” and select the three dots that appear.
- Choose your assigned Dedicated IP server.
That’s it!
Enjoy your Dedicated IP on Windows or Mac.
Connecting to Your NordVPN Dedicated IP via Android & iOS
- Back out of settings and slide up from the bottom of the app. Tap “Search.”
- Type the server name of your assigned Dedicated IP and connect to it.
You’re done!
Enjoy using your NordVPN Dedicated IP on iOS and Android.
Connecting to Your NordVPN Dedicated IP via Linux
You can also use your Dedicated IP on Linux, though doing so might seem more confusing than the above setups, as there’s no visual app (everything is done in Terminal).
But don’t worry, it’s just as easy!
Follow these steps:
- Open Terminal (ctrl + alt + t) and ensure your selected protocol is OpenVPN TCP or UDP.
- If you need to change your protocol, type the following command:
- nordvpn set protocol tcp OR
- nordvpn set protocol udp
- Have your assigned Dedicated IP server handy.
- Using your assigned server, type in the following command:
- nordvpn connect country_code_server_number
That’s it!
You’re set to use NordVPN’s Dedicated IP on Linux.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP?
Like with most things, there are pros and cons to using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on – and whether the pros seal the deal or the cons break it is ultimately up to you.
But to give you a better idea of the complete picture, let’s discuss both.
Pros of Using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP
Here’s a list of the pros of using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on:
Avoid Bans While Gaming (& Keep Your Real IP Safe)
If you use your NordVPN Dedicated IP for gaming, you’re less likely to be blacklisted/banned, as no one else will have access to your IP (and thus can’t break ToS, making the shared IP useless).
This is a super bonus, considering NordVPN’s super-fast speeds that make it ideal for gaming!
In that same vein, if you host multiplayer games on your own gaming server (like in Minecraft), you can do so without sharing an IP with other users and without giving away your real IP.
Bypass Verification
You can bypass many annoying verification steps, like the “suspicious activity” CAPTCHA given by Google when it detects too many NordVPN users on a single server/IP.
Secure Your Business Servers
For businesses, NordVPN’s Dedicated IP allows you to keep your business servers secure by still encrypting your connection without the risk of shared servers – for example, if you have a list of authorized IPs.
Easier Online Banking
You can avoid your bank account getting locked due to suspicious activity (connecting from different VPN servers) without jeopardizing your security.
Trusted Access to Geo-Locked Content
If you’re a fan of unblocking geo-restricted content, NordVPN’s Dedicated IP will make it easier to avoid the cliché “Proxy” or “VPN” error given by many streaming services, such as Netflix (though, keep in mind, you’re limited to the country your Dedicated IP is in).
Cons of Using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP
Here’s a list of the cons of using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on:
Less Privacy & Anonymity
The biggest con of using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP is privacy – or, to be more specific, a lack thereof.
Wherein shared servers mask the footprints of your online activities, thanks to the thousands of users using them, a Dedicated IP is yours alone.
This means you have no one else to hide behind, so be careful what you get up to online when using your Dedicated IP.
Your Dedicated IP is also tied to your email, making it easier to identify you.
Limited to One Location
Your NordVPN Dedicated IP is limited to the location you chose when signing up.
This means you can’t switch servers if one isn’t working – and if you get blacklisted/banned, there’s nothing you can do to fix it (besides purchase a new Dedicated IP).
Costs Extra
This leads me to…cost.
NordVPN’s Dedicated IP costs extra.
In fact, it’s $70 for one year, making it quite pricey for some users.
Read Also: Top VPNs That Offer Dedicated IPs
NordVPN Dedicated IP Pros & Cons: In Closing…
There’s no denying the pros of using NordVPN’s Dedicated IP, but whether those pros outweigh the cons is up to you.
All in all, if you can afford the extra cost, it might pay off to have both.
If you’re considering it, be sure to sign-up using our link so that you can enjoy an EXCLUSIVE discount on us!
FAQ
How Many Devices Can I Connect to My NordVPN Dedicated IP?
You can use your NordVPN Dedicated IP on two devices simultaneously.
However, on your main (non-Dedicated IP account), you can use NordVPN on up to six devices simultaneously.
This means that, theoretically, you can use NordVPN on eight devices simultaneously, with two on your Dedicated IP server and six on any other NordVPN server.
Is NordVPN’s Dedicated IP Safer Than Its Normal VPN Service?
NordVPN’s Dedicated IP and its normal VPN service are encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption, making both secure.
However, one might be safer than the other, depending on your VPN use.
For example, for businesses, a Dedicated IP is probably safer, as it doesn’t involve relying on different VPN servers to access your secure business systems.
On the other hand, using NordVPN’s normal VPN service means your online activities are lost in the traffic of other users.
And, as your NordVPN Dedicated IP is tied to your email, any activities done while using the Dedicated IP can be traced back to you.
Will NordVPN’s Dedicated IP Slow My Connection?
NordVPN’s Dedicated IP will slow your connection very slightly.
However, it’s also likely to be faster than the provider’s other servers, as you’ll be the only one using it (meaning you won’t experience network congestion).
Of course, it also depends on how far you are from the server location.
Either way, the speed loss is likely to be so slight that you don’t notice it without conducting a speed test.
Can I Use NordVPN’s Dedicated IP In a Country With Internet Restrictions?
NordVPN says its Dedicated IP address feature might fail to work in countries with internet restrictions, as “server accessibility from such regions is limited.”
However, NordVPN’s standard VPN service is tested and confirmed to be a secure option for bypassing internet restrictions in strict countries, such as China.
NordVPN Dedicated IP Isn’t Showing Up in the App?
If the NordVPN Dedicated IP feature isn’t showing up in the NordVPN app, try the following troubleshooting steps to fix it:
- Restart the app.
- Check for updates.
- Uninstall and reinstall NordVPN.
- Try NordVPN on a different device and see if it shows up.
- If it’s still not there, contact NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat for help.
Can You Use NordLynx With NordVPN Dedicated IP?
Yes, you can use NordLynx with NordVPN’s Dedicated IP add-on – along with any other protocol offered by the VPN provider.
These include OpenVPN TCP and UDP, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx (a WireGuard fork).
Can I Watch Netflix With NordVPN Dedicated IP?
If you choose a Dedicated IP that’s located in the country of your preferred Netflix library (for example, a US Dedicated IP to access US Netflix), then yes, you can watch Netflix with NordVPN’s Dedicated IP.
In fact, using a Dedicated IP instead of NordVPN’s shared servers means you’re less likely to encounter “proxy” and “VPN” errors.
Does NordVPN Dedicated IP Support Port Forwarding?
No, none of NordVPN’s servers – including its Dedicated IP servers – support port forwarding.
So, if port forwarding is a must-have for you, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
I recommend ExpressVPN (which has port forwarding via its router setup) and Private Internet Access.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a clear understanding of how to purchase, set up, and use your NordVPN Dedicated IP.
You should also be familiar with its pros and cons!
In other words, you’re all set to get started!
Don’t forget to sign up with this link to save BIG on your NordVPN subscription! 🙂
