Where to find the server address

The server address is a string of numbers and letters that tells your game client where to connect. If someone invited you to play on their server, they should have sent you this address directly — it looks like play.example.com or 192.168.1.5:25565. If you don't have it, ask them to send it again or check your Discord, email, or chat history for the message where they shared it.

If you're looking for a public server to join (one that accepts new players), you can find addresses on sites like Minecraft Server List, Planet Minecraft, or Minehut. These sites list active servers with their addresses, player counts, and what game modes they run. Copy the address exactly as it appears — even a single wrong character will prevent you from connecting.

For servers you own or run yourself, the address depends on how you set it up. If you're running the server on your own computer, the address is usually localhost or 127.0.0.1. If it's hosted on someone else's computer or a hosting service, you'll have received login details or a control panel where the address is listed.

Key Takeaways

  • The server address is sent to you by whoever invited you, or you can find it on public server listing sites like Minecraft Server List or Planet Minecraft.
  • Server addresses look like domain names (play.example.com) or IP addresses with a port number (192.168.1.5:25565), and must be typed exactly as written.
  • If you're playing on your own computer, use localhost or 127.0.0.1 as the address.
  • If the address includes a colon and numbers at the end, that's the port number and must be included when you connect.

How to enter the server address in Java Edition

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click Multiplayer from the main menu. Click Add Server and a window will open asking for a server name and server address. The server name is just a label for your own reference — call it whatever you want. Paste or type the address into the Server Address field exactly as you received it.

Click Done and the server will appear in your server list. Click it once to select it, then click Join Server. If the address is correct and the server is running, you'll connect within a few seconds. If you see an error message, double-check that you typed the address correctly, including any numbers after a colon.

How to enter the server address in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, mobile, and Nintendo Switch) handles servers differently. Open the game and go to the Play tab. Look for Servers on the left side and click it. You'll see a list of featured servers, but you can also add your own by scrolling down and clicking Add Server.

Fill in the server name, server address, and port number in separate fields. The port is usually 19132 for Bedrock servers, but the person who invited you should tell you if it's different. Click Play and you'll connect to the server. Bedrock servers work differently from Java servers, so a Java address won't work in Bedrock and vice versa.

What to do if the address doesn't work

If you see "Failed to connect to the server" or a similar error, the most common cause is a typo in the address. Copy and paste it instead of typing it by hand — this eliminates mistakes. Check that you haven't accidentally added extra spaces at the beginning or end.

If the address is correct, the server might be offline or full. Ask the person who invited you whether the server is currently running. Some servers shut down during off-hours or restart at certain times. If it's a public server from a listing site, check the site again to see if the server status shows as online.

If you're trying to connect to a server on your local network (same WiFi or Ethernet), make sure you're using the local IP address, not a public one. Local addresses usually start with 192.168 or 10.0. If you're outside the network, you'll need the public IP address instead, which the server owner can provide.

The difference between Java and Bedrock server addresses

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use different server software and cannot connect to each other. A Java server address won't work in Bedrock, and a Bedrock address won't work in Java. Before you ask for an address, confirm which version of Minecraft the server runs.

Java servers typically use addresses like play.servername.com or 1.2.3.4:25565. Bedrock servers use similar-looking addresses but require the port number to be entered separately in the game client, usually 19132. If you're unsure which version you have, check your launcher — Java Edition has a separate launcher from the Microsoft Store version (Bedrock).

Understanding port numbers in server addresses

A port number is the part after the colon in an address like 192.168.1.5:25565. It tells your game which "door" on the server computer to use. The default port for Java servers is 25565, so if no port is listed, that's what your game will use automatically.

Some servers use different ports, especially if multiple servers run on the same computer. If someone gives you an address with a port number, include it exactly as written. If you leave off the port number and the server uses a non-standard one, you won't be able to connect. Bedrock servers handle ports differently — you enter the port in a separate field rather than as part of the address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play on a server if I don't own Minecraft?

No. You need a legitimate copy of Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition to connect to any server. Cracked or pirated versions cannot join multiplayer servers. If you don't own the game, you can purchase it from the official Minecraft launcher or Microsoft Store.

What if the server address has numbers and letters mixed together?

That's normal. Addresses can be domain names (like play.example.com) or IP addresses (like 192.168.1.5). Both work the same way — just type or paste them exactly as written, including any hyphens, dots, or colons. One wrong character will prevent you from connecting.

Do I need to remember the server address after I add it?

No. Once you add a server to your server list in Java Edition, it stays there. You can click it and join without re-entering the address. In Bedrock, servers you add also stay in your list for future use.

Can someone use my server address to hack me?

A server address alone cannot hack your computer. It's just a location, like a street address. However, only connect to servers from people you trust, because a malicious server could potentially distribute malware or collect information. Stick to servers from friends or well-known public communities.

What's the difference between a server address and a realm code?

Realms is a subscription service that Minecraft hosts for you. Instead of an address, you get an invite code that friends can use to join your world. A regular server address is for servers you run yourself or join on someone else's computer. They're two different ways to play multiplayer.