Static vs dynamic IP addresses
What static and dynamic IP addresses are, which one you have, and when you'd want a static one.
A dynamic IP address can change over time. A static IP address stays the same. Most homes and phones have dynamic addresses, assigned automatically from a pool your provider manages.
| Dynamic | Static | |
|---|---|---|
| Changes? | Can change, for example after a router restart | Stays the same |
| Cost | Included with most plans | Often an extra monthly fee |
| Typical use | Homes, phones, everyday browsing | Servers, business networks, remote access |
| Setup | Automatic | Requested from your provider |
Which one do I have?
If you didn't ask your provider for a static IP, you almost certainly have a dynamic one. You can check by noting the address on our home page and looking again over the next few days or after restarting your router. Some dynamic addresses stay the same for months, so an unchanged address doesn't prove it's static.
When would I want a static IP?
- Hosting a website, game server, or email server at home or in an office.
- Connecting to home cameras or a home network remotely without a third-party service.
- Services that only accept connections from a fixed address, such as some business systems.
For most people, a dynamic address is better: it's free and slightly more private, since your address doesn't stay tied to you forever.
What about private addresses?
Inside your home network, your router hands out private addresses dynamically too. You can give a device a fixed private address, often called a DHCP reservation, in your router's settings. That's useful for printers and game consoles. See our router login guide to open those settings.
Last updated October 2026.