The internet protocol address of your computer, Xbox, or PS4 is the Minecraft server address. It is a special numeric code that can distinguish a network. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie to the blocky universe, understanding how to find the Minecraft server's IP address is essential for connecting with friends and exploring new realms.

You might occasionally need to know the IP address of the Minecraft server so that other users can connect to it.Understanding the difference between a dedicated IP address and a shared one can also be beneficial, as a dedicated IP ensures consistent connectivity and can enhance your server’s performance. To learn more about this, check out our article on What is a Dedicated IP?.

Quick TL;DR — Get the Server IP in 30 Seconds

  • To join a Minecraft server, you need its IP address + port
  • You can find a server IP in the Multiplayer server list
  • If you're hosting:
    • Use ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux) to find your local IP
    • Use tools like what is my IP to find your public IP
  • Default ports:
    • Java Edition → 25565
    • Bedrock Edition → 19132
  • To allow others to connect, you may need port forwarding

If you want a deeper explanation of server connections and formats, revisit our full guide on Minecraft server IP address for more technical insights.

👉 Scroll down for step-by-step instructions.

how to find the Minecraft server's IP

How to find the Minecraft server's IP address? Minecraft Server IP Address and Port

Before embarking on your quest to find a Minecraft server's IP address, it's crucial to grasp the concept of IP addresses and ports. An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network, while a port serves as an endpoint for communication. In the context of Minecraft, the server's IP address, combined with a designated port, forms the gateway to virtual adventures.

Minecraft server IP address and port example

To begin, launch Minecraft and navigate to the server selection screen. Here, you'll encounter a list of servers, each accompanied by an IP address and port number. The format typically looks like this: IP Address

Copy this information for the server you wish to join.

When considering your options for hosting a Minecraft hosting, you might explore different types of Virtual Private Servers (VPS). An IPv6 VPS can provide enhanced connectivity and address availability, making it a great choice for hosting gaming servers, including Minecraft. Additionally, a residential IP VPS offers a unique advantage, as it can help bypass certain restrictions and provide a more stable connection for players seeking a smoother experience.

For gamers looking to optimize their gameplay, choosing the right server type is essential. A Minecraft VPS is tailored for this purpose, providing dedicated resources that ensure your server runs efficiently without interruptions. If you're serious about performance, you can also consider using a game dedicated server or even a bare metal server for maximum power and stability.

If you want to go deeper into setup and optimization, check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a Minecraft server on VPS to get started quickly.

By understanding these components, you’ll be better equipped to select the ideal setup for your Minecraft adventures, ensuring you can join your friends and embark on epic quests seamlessly. If you're looking for a reliable solution to host your game, consider exploring Game VPS for optimal performance and low latency.

For better performance and reduced lag, many players choose optimized hosting solutions like game VPS hosting or low latency configurations explained in this guide on low latency game VPS hosting.

To enhance your gaming experience even further, consider exploring our guide on the best Minecraft server hosting providers, which can help you choose the right platform for a lag-free experience.

Public vs Private (Local) IP — What Each Means for Minecraft Servers

When setting up or joining a Minecraft server, it's important to understand the difference between two types of IP addresses:

  • Public IP: This is your internet-facing address. Players outside your network use this to connect to your server.
  • Private (Local) IP: This is used inside your home network (LAN). Useful when friends are on the same Wi-Fi.

When to use each:

  • Same network → use local IP
  • Different locations → use public IP
Playing on same Wi-Fi Private (Local) IP 192.168.1.100
Friends connecting remotely Public IP 85.214.xxx.xxx
Using a domain Domain / DNS mc.example.com

How to Find Your Public IP (Host Side)

Visit websites like:

  • whatismyip.com
  • ifconfig.me

Your IP will be displayed instantly

How to Find Your Private/Local IP (LAN Host)

Windows:

  • Open CMD
  • Run: ipconfig
  • Look for IPv4 Address

Mac/Linux:

  • Open Terminal
  • Run: ifconfig or ip a

Default Ports & Editions (quick table)

If you're exploring popular servers, you might also be interested in learning about Hypixel IP and how large public servers manage connections and performance.

Edition Default Port Protocol
Java 25565 TCP
Bedrock 19132 UDP

Java (default 25565)

Minecraft Java Edition servers use port 25565 by default. If you're hosting a Java server and players are joining over the internet, this is the port you usually need to allow through your router and firewall.

Bedrock (default 19132)

Minecraft Bedrock Edition commonly uses port 19132 over UDP. If you're hosting Bedrock for mobile, console, or Windows players, make sure you're checking the correct edition and port before troubleshooting connectivity.

Java vs Bedrock Server Connection Basics

How to Find Your Server IP When Hosting (technical)

From server.properties (Java)

If you're hosting a Java server, open the server.properties file and look for server-ip and server-port. In many setups, server-ip may be left blank, which means the server listens on all available interfaces, while server-port is usually set to 25565.

From host control panel (VPS/Provider)

If your Minecraft server is running on a VPS or hosting provider, the easiest method is usually checking the control panel. Most providers display the assigned public IP address directly on the server overview page, dashboard, or deployment details.

Using whatismyip / external checkers (public IP)

If you're hosting from home, you can use an external checker such as whatismyip.com or ifconfig.me to see the public IP address your router exposes to the internet. This is the address remote players typically need, along with the correct port.

How to Find the IP Address of a Minecraft Server

How to find the IP address of a Minecraft server

  1. Step 1: Launch Minecraft
    Fire up your Minecraft client and proceed to the main menu. If you don't have the game installed, head to the official Minecraft website and download the latest version.
  2. Step 2: Access Multiplayer
    Click on the "Multiplayer" option on the main menu. This will open a screen displaying all the servers you have previously joined or added.
  3. Step 3: Add a Server
    If the server you seek is not on the list, click the "Add Server" button. A new window will appear, prompting you to enter a server name and the IP address. Paste the IP address and port you copied earlier.
  4. Step 4: Join the Server
    Once you've added the server, click "Done" and return to the main multiplayer screen. Select the server from the list and click "Join Server" to immerse yourself in the Minecraft world.

If you are wondering how to find the Minecraft Server's IP address bedrock, uncovering the server's IP address follows a similar process. Once you have the IP address, you can enhance your gaming experience by using some of the best Minecraft commands to unlock new features and gameplay mechanics.

 

Where to Find the IP Address in Minecraft

While joining a server is straightforward, you might wonder where to find the IP address within the game itself. Minecraft conceals this information intentionally to streamline the user interface, but fear not – the steps are straightforward.

  1. Step 1: In-Game Menu
    While within a Minecraft server, press the "Esc" key or open the in-game menu using your designated key.
  2. Step 2: Server Information
    Look for an option labeled "Server Information" or "Server Settings" in the menu. Clicking on this will reveal the server's IP address and additional details.
  3. Step 3: Jot Down the Details
    Take note of the IP address and any other relevant information displayed. This can be useful for future reference or sharing with friends.

 

How to find the IP of a server you’re connected to (player)

Java: Server List + server.properties note

In Java Edition, the easiest way to identify a server address is by checking the Multiplayer server list where the saved server entry usually displays the domain or IP. If you're the host, you can also compare that with the server.properties configuration to confirm the port being used.

Bedrock: Server listing / third party services

In Bedrock Edition, featured servers and custom servers may show a domain, IP, and port depending on platform support. Some third-party server lists also publish server endpoints, but many communities prefer sharing a hostname instead of a raw IP address.

Realms / console considerations (no visible IP)

Minecraft Realms typically do not expose a visible public IP address to players. On consoles, platform limitations may also prevent the game from showing a direct server IP in the same way as a manually added Java server.

How to Find Minecraft Server Address in Windows?

How to find server address on Minecraft PC? Your computer's IP address serves as the Minecraft server.

  1. First, click on the Windows+R Keyboard Shortcut. The Run window will appear when you click on these keyboard shortcuts. Run is an additional option when you right-click on the Windows icon.

    Open the Run window in Windows to find your Minecraft server address

  2. Then, enter "cmd" in the Run window. There should be a black command window called Command Prompt on your display.

    Open Command Prompt in Windows to check your Minecraft server IP

  3. Finally, insert "ipconfig /all" command and press Enter. If you connect through a wired connection, your computer's IP address will be listed under the ethernet and IPv4 addresses. Keep the Command prompt window active if you wish to set up your Minecraft server; otherwise, close it.

    Use ipconfig in Windows to find your Minecraft server IP address

How to find the Minecraft server address on PS4?

  1. Start by turning on your PS4 and activating the dashboard by pressing the PS button on your controller.

    Open the PS4 dashboard to find the Minecraft server address

  2. On the Home screen, choose the Settings icon.

    Open Settings on PS4 to locate the Minecraft server address

  3. In the Settings window, choose Network and click View Connection Status.

    Open Network settings on PS4 to view connection status

    PS4 connection status screen showing where to find the IP address

  4. Next to the IP address column on the new page is where you can find the Minecraft server address.

If you're looking to set up your own server for free, check out our guide on free Minecraft server hosting for the best options available.

 

How to Find the Server Address on Minecraft Xbox?

How to Find the Minecraft Server's IP Address Xbox One?

  1. Launch your Xbox and go to the Dashboard.
  2. Select Settings > All Settings from the dashboard page.

    Open Xbox settings to find the Minecraft server IP address

  3. Next, choose Network > Network Options > Advanced settings.

    Open Xbox network advanced settings to check your IP address

  4. Select IP settings in the Advanced Settings box. It is located under the IPv4 section.

    Xbox IP settings screen showing the IPv4 address

 

How to Find My Minecraft Server IP Address on Mac

How to find the Minecraft server's IP address on Mac?

  1. Step 1: Open Minecraft
    Launch Minecraft on your Mac and reach the main menu. Ensure you have the version compatible with your operating system.
  2. Step 2: Access Multiplayer
    Navigate to the "Multiplayer" option. Here, you will see a list of servers you've joined or added.
  3. Step 3: Server Details
    Click on the server for which you want to find the IP address. The details, including the IP address and port, should be visible on this screen.
  4. Step 4: Note Down the Information
    Copy the IP address and port for future reference. You can use this information to share with friends or join the server later.

 

How to Find Server IP Address Minecraft Java

  1. Open Minecraft Java edition on your computer. Make sure you have the latest version installed for optimal gameplay.
  2. Click on the "Multiplayer" option from the main menu. This will display a list of servers that you have joined or added.
  3. Select the server you are interested in, and the server details, including the IP address and port, should be visible on the screen.
  4. Copy the IP address and port to your clipboard or note them down. This information is crucial for connecting to the Java edition server.

To improve visuals and performance, many players install mods like OptiFine, which can significantly enhance your Minecraft experience.

 

How to Find Server IP Address Minecraft Mobile

  1. Open Minecraft on your mobile device. Whether you're using iOS or Android, the process remains relatively consistent.
  2. Navigate to the "Servers" or "Play" tab, depending on your version. Here, you will find a list of available servers.
  3. Choose the server you want to join, and the server details, including the IP address, should be visible on the screen.
  4. Record the IP address and any additional information provided. This data will be essential for connecting to the server from your mobile device.

 

 

Platform

Steps to Find Minecraft Server IP Address

Mac

1. Open Minecraft

2. Go to Multiplayer

3. Select desired server

4. View Server Address (IP + Port)

Java Edition

1. Launch Minecraft Java Edition

2. Click Multiplayer

3. Choose a server

4. IP & Port shown in details

Mobile (Bedrock)

1. Open Minecraft Mobile

2. Tap Play > Servers

3. Select a server

4. IP & Port shown before joining

 

How to set up the Minecraft server?

  1. Install Minecraft and Java Edition Server. Create a dedicated folder on your device to store all server files, and make sure you have enough storage space.
  2. Right-click on the .jar file and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Open the eula.txt file in the server folder and change:
    eula=falseeula=true
  4. Open Command Prompt (CMD) and navigate to your Minecraft server folder.
  5. Run the server using:
    java -jar Minecraft server.1.9.5.jar
    (You can replace the filename with your actual .jar file name)
  6. Check if your server is visible online by entering your server IP address on a server checker.
  7. Use localhost if you are connecting from the same machine. Other players must use your IP address to connect.
  8. Configure port forwarding to allow external players to join your server.
  9. Once everything is set up, your server should be fully functional and ready for players.

To enhance your gameplay experience, consider exploring the best Minecraft seeds that can provide unique landscapes and adventures for your server.

Port forwarding & NAT: How to expose your server to the internet

Quick router examples (Netgear / TP Link / Asus)

To make a home-hosted Minecraft server reachable from outside your local network, you usually need to log in to your router and create a port forwarding rule. On many Netgear, TP-Link, and Asus routers, this setting appears under sections such as Port Forwarding, NAT Forwarding, Virtual Server, or WAN.

  • Open your router admin panel
  • Find the port forwarding or NAT section
  • Forward the Minecraft port to your local device IP
  • Use 25565 for Java or 19132 for Bedrock if those are your active defaults

UPnP vs manual forwarding

Some routers support UPnP, which can automatically open ports for applications. This may be faster for testing, but manual forwarding is often preferred because it gives you more control and makes troubleshooting easier.

How to test if a port is open

After forwarding your port, you can test whether it is visible from the public internet using an external port checker. If the checker says the port is closed, verify that the Minecraft server is actually running, the correct internal IP is configured, and your firewall allows traffic.

How Port Forwarding Works for Minecraft Servers

Using a domain or SRV record to hide ports (A, SRV DNS basics)

Instead of sharing a raw IP and port combination, many server owners use a domain name. An A record points a hostname to your public IPv4 address, while an SRV record can help Java players connect without manually entering the port. This is especially useful if you want a cleaner address such as play.example.com instead of a numeric IP.

IPv6 & Minecraft: when to use it (short primer)

IPv6 can be useful if your provider and player network environments support it, especially when IPv4 availability is limited. However, many Minecraft hosting guides, router interfaces, and player setups still revolve around IPv4, so IPv6 is usually optional rather than required for most server owners.

Troubleshooting — Why you can’t find/connect to a server IP

NAT loopback issues

Some routers do not support NAT loopback, which means players inside the same network cannot connect using the public IP address even though outside players can. In that case, local players should use the private/local IP instead.

Firewall / ISP blocks

If the server is running but nobody can connect, check the operating system firewall, cloud firewall rules if you're on a VPS, and whether your ISP blocks or filters inbound traffic on certain ports.

Dynamic IPs / DDNS

Home internet connections often use dynamic public IP addresses that may change over time. If that happens, players lose access unless you share the new IP. A DDNS service can solve this by linking a fixed hostname to your changing IP.

If your IP keeps changing and causing connection issues, upgrading your setup to a VPS or dedicated environment can eliminate this problem and provide a stable connection for your server.

Can't connect to server Wrong IP or port Check IP + port again
Friends can't join Port not forwarded Set up port forwarding
Works locally but not online NAT / firewall issue Check firewall & router
Server disappears Dynamic IP changed Use DDNS (No-IP, DuckDNS)

Security & privacy — What not to share

Be careful about what information you publish when running a Minecraft server. You should not share your router admin credentials, broader home network details, or screenshots that reveal sensitive settings. When possible, share only the exact server address or hostname players need.

How can others join your Minecraft server?

  1. On your computer, launch Minecraft.
  2. The "Direct Connect" option should be selected.
  3. Enter or paste the server's IP address (this could also be a domain name)
  4. Press "Join Server"

 

Minecraft Server Address Free

  1. Step 1: Online Search
    Use your preferred search engine to look for free Minecraft server addresses. Various websites and communities offer lists of servers that you can join at no cost.
  2. Step 2: Browse Server Lists
    Explore server lists on community forums or Minecraft-specific websites. Look for servers labeled as free and check if they align with your gameplay preferences.
  3. Step 3: Join a Server
    Once you've found a suitable free server, follow their provided instructions to join. This may involve adding the server address in your Minecraft client.
  4. Step 4: Enjoy Free Gameplay
    Connect to the server using the provided address and immerse yourself in the Minecraft experience without any financial commitment.

 

References & Official Sources

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