Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to join multiplayer servers or host their own games for friends.
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What is a Minecraft Server Address?
A Minecraft server address is essentially the digital location where a multiplayer Minecraft world is hosted. Think of it like a street address for a house – it tells your game client exactly where to connect to join other players. The address typically consists of an IP address (like 192.168.1.100) or a domain name (like mc.hypixel.net), sometimes followed by a port number.
Types of Server Addresses You’ll Encounter
Server addresses come in different formats depending on how the server is set up:
- IP addresses: Four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 25.67.123.45)
- Domain names: Easy-to-remember text addresses (e.g., play.mineplex.com)
- Addresses with ports: Include a colon and number at the end (e.g., 192.168.1.5:25566)
- Local network addresses: Usually start with 192.168 or 10.0 for home networks
Finding Your Own Server Address
For Servers You’re Hosting
If you’re running a server on your own computer, you’ll need your public IP address for others to connect. Visit whatismyipaddress.com or similar sites to find this. For local testing, use “localhost” or “127.0.0.1” – but remember, only people on your network can connect this way.
For Rented or Third-Party Servers
Hosting providers typically give you the server address in your control panel or welcome email. Look for sections labeled “Server Information,” “Connection Details,” or “Getting Started.” Popular hosts like Apex Hosting, Shockbyte, or Aternos display this prominently in your dashboard.
How to Connect Using a Server Address
Once you have the address, connecting is straightforward:
- Open Minecraft and click “Multiplayer”
- Select “Add Server” or “Direct Connect”
- Enter the server address in the “Server Address” field
- Click “Done” (for Add Server) or “Join Server” (for Direct Connect)
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Can’t connect? Here are common fixes:
- Check the address: Ensure you’ve typed it correctly, including any port numbers
- Verify the server is online: Ask the server owner or check server status websites
- Firewall settings: Make sure Minecraft is allowed through your firewall
- Version compatibility: Confirm you’re using the correct Minecraft version for the server
Port Forwarding for Home Servers
If you’re hosting from home, you’ll likely need to configure port forwarding on your router. The default Minecraft port is 25565, but you can use others if needed. Access your router’s admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1) and forward the chosen port to your computer’s local IP address.
Understanding server addresses opens up the entire world of Minecraft multiplayer, from small friend groups to massive public servers with thousands of players.
TL;DR
A Minecraft server address is the IP or domain name that tells your game where to connect for multiplayer. Find it from your hosting provider, use whatismyipaddress.com for self-hosted servers, or get it from friends running private servers.
