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A Minecraft server address is a hostname or IP address that tells the game where to connect—but you may not need one. Public and dedicated servers use addresses; a friend’s Bedrock world, a Realm, or a LAN game can often be joined through Minecraft’s menus instead. First identify which kind of multiplayer session you’re joining, then use the matching steps below.
First, check whether you use Java or Bedrock
Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Bedrock Edition is available on supported Windows PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. They use different server software and connection methods; a Java server address does not automatically work in Bedrock, or vice versa. Some servers support both editions, but confirm that with the server operator. Minecraft’s edition information explains the platform distinction.
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A server address might look like play.example.net, 203.0.113.25, or—in Java—play.example.net:25565. These are examples only. Use the exact address and port the operator provides. An address is not the server’s display name, a player’s username, a world seed, a Realm invitation, or a Discord link.
Find a public server’s address
- Visit the server’s official website or its official community page and look for its Minecraft connection details. You can also browse the official Minecraft Server List.
- Check whether the server accepts Java, Bedrock, or both, and note any required game version, port, or account rules.
- Copy the address exactly. Be cautious with addresses from unverified search results, and don’t download an unfamiliar launcher or “verification” program just to join.
Enter an address in Java Edition
- Open Minecraft: Java Edition and choose Multiplayer.
- Choose Add Server to save the server, or Direct Connection to try it without saving.
- Enter the supplied address. If the operator gave you a port, include it after a colon, as in
play.example.net:25565. The port shown here is illustrative, not a universal requirement. - Select Join Server.
If no port was supplied, don’t guess: ask the operator whether the address is complete and which port to use. Java’s official server software is for Java Edition; see Minecraft’s server download page.
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Enter an address in Bedrock Edition
On a supported PC or mobile device, open Play > Servers > Add Server. Enter a name for your list, then put the hostname or IP in Server Address and the port in the separate Port field. Select Add and Play or Add Server, depending on the interface.
Minecraft identifies 19132 as Bedrock’s default port, but a server may use another one. Enter the port the operator specifies; don’t paste address:port into the address field when the screen has separate fields. Menu labels and manual server options can vary by device and version. Minecraft’s Bedrock server instructions describe these fields and note that console versions are limited to featured servers for manual additions.
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If you’re trying to join a friend
- Bedrock friend’s world: You may not need an address. Add the friend in Minecraft, have them start the world and go online, then open Play > Friends and select the joinable game. The host generally needs to be online. See Minecraft’s friend-world instructions.
- Realm: Ask the owner to invite you. After accepting, join from the Realms list; guests do not need the owner to stay online. Realms use an invitation rather than a manually entered IP address. See Minecraft’s Realm instructions.
- Dedicated server: Ask your friend for the exact address, edition, port if needed, game version, and whether an allowlist is enabled.
- Java LAN game: If you’re on the same local network, the world should normally appear under Multiplayer after the host opens it to LAN.
LAN games usually don’t need a typed address
Java Edition
The host opens a single-player world, presses Esc, chooses Open to LAN, then Start LAN World. Minecraft displays a message with the LAN port. Other players on the same local network should look for the game under Multiplayer; they typically don’t have to enter that port themselves. It is a local-network connection, not a public internet address. See Minecraft’s Java multiplayer guidance.
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Bedrock Edition
The host edits or creates a world, opens its Multiplayer settings, and enables Multiplayer Game and Visible to LAN Players. After starting the world, the other player opens Play > Worlds and looks for the entry marked LAN. If it is missing, check the network control at the top of the Worlds tab to ensure LAN games are displayed. See Minecraft’s Bedrock LAN instructions.
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Everyone must be on the same local network. On Windows, a trusted home network may need the Private network profile for discovery, but don’t make an untrusted public Wi-Fi network private just to join a game. Minecraft’s Windows LAN guidance covers this distinction.
If you host the server, use the right address for the players
The address depends on where players are connecting from and how the server is hosted:
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- Players on your home network: They may need your computer’s private/local IP address, often in ranges such as
192.168.x.x,10.x.x.x, or172.16.x.xthrough172.31.x.x. A LAN session may instead be discovered automatically. - Players connecting over the internet: They generally need your network’s public IP address or a domain name pointing to it, plus the configured server port. A server behind a home router may also require router port forwarding and firewall access.
- Managed hosting: Use the address and port shown in the hosting provider’s control panel. Don’t substitute your home network address.
A local IP is not the public address internet players need. Conversely, whether a home public IP works for someone inside the same home depends on router behavior. If you self-host, keep the server running, allow the required traffic through the firewall, and configure the router correctly. The hostname is often easier to maintain than an IP address that can change. Share a home public IP only with intended players; a server address is not proof that a server is safe. For network issues, consult Minecraft’s Java multiplayer troubleshooting guide.
If the address doesn’t work
- Check the edition. Confirm the server accepts your edition. Cross-play is not automatic.
- Check the spelling and format. Remove accidental spaces and make sure the port is in the right field for your edition.
- Confirm the port. A correct hostname with a wrong port can still fail. Ask the owner or check the hosting panel rather than assuming a default.
- Check whether the server is online. A privately hosted server or friend’s ordinary world may only be available while the host is online. Realms are different.
- Match versions. Check the server’s required release and whether you or the server are using a preview, snapshot, or incompatible mod setup. Snapshot multiplayer requires matching snapshot versions.
- Read the error message. A server can be reachable but reject you because your account is not on its whitelist or allowlist. Ask the operator to confirm access permissions.
- Check the network path. Firewalls, VPNs, router NAT, missing port forwarding, a changed public IP, or an ISP’s carrier-grade NAT can prevent internet connections. Don’t disable security protections indiscriminately; configure access only for the intended server.
- For LAN, verify local discovery. Confirm everyone is on the same network, the host enabled LAN visibility, and the relevant firewall allows Minecraft on a trusted network.
- On console, check available options. Manual server entry may not be available in the same way as on PC or mobile; use the supported featured-server or friend-join options for your platform.
If the problem persists, ask the server owner to confirm the exact edition, address, port, version, and allowlist status. Minecraft’s Bedrock connectivity guide and Java troubleshooting guide cover additional connection checks.
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