What a server address is and why you need it

A server address in Minecraft is the location your game uses to connect to a multiplayer world. It looks like a web address — something like "play.example.com" or a string of numbers like "192.168.1.5" — and it tells your client where to send your connection request. Without the correct address, your game cannot find the server, and you will see a connection error instead of joining the world.

You need the server address before you can play on someone else's world. If you are playing on your own computer with friends on your local network, the address is usually short. If you are joining a public server hosted on the internet, the address is longer and more specific. Either way, the address has to be exact — a single wrong character will prevent you from connecting.

Key Takeaways

  • A server address is the location your game connects to, written as a domain name or IP address, and you need it before you can join a multiplayer world.
  • The person running the server or the server's website will provide the address — it is not something you search for or guess.
  • On Windows, Mac, and Linux, you enter the address in the "Server Address" field when you add a new server to your list.
  • If the address does not work, check that you typed it exactly as given, including any numbers or hyphens, and ask the server owner to confirm it is still active.
  • Local network servers (on your home WiFi) use shorter addresses, while public servers use full domain names or IP addresses.

Where to find the server address

The server address comes from the person or organisation running the server. If a friend invited you to play, ask them directly for the address — they should give it to you in a message or email. If you are joining a public server, the address is usually posted on the server's website, Discord channel, or launcher page.

Do not try to search for server addresses online or use a list of random addresses. Servers change addresses, go offline, or are run by people you do not know. The safest approach is to get the address from someone you trust or from an official source you can verify — like a server's own website or a friend who plays there regularly.

If you are setting up a server on your own computer for friends to join, you will need to find your own computer's address. For a local network server, this is usually something like "192.168.1.100" or "localhost". For a server you want to host on the internet, you will need to set up port forwarding and use your public IP address, which your internet provider assigns to you.

How to add a server and enter the address on Java Edition

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Click the "Add Server" button. A window will open with two fields: "Server Name" and "Server Address". The server name is just a label for your own list — you can call it anything. The server address is where you paste or type the exact address the server owner gave you.

Type or paste the address into the "Server Address" field. Make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the address. Click "Done" and the server will appear in your list. Click on it and then click "Join Server" to connect. If the address is correct and the server is online, you will load into the world within a few seconds.

How to add a server and enter the address on Bedrock Edition

Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, or mobile devices). From the main menu, select "Play" and then look for the "Servers" tab. Click "Add Server". You will see fields for "Server Name", "Server Address", and "Port".

Enter the server name as a label for your list. Paste the server address into the "Server Address" field exactly as you received it. Leave the port field alone unless the server owner specifically told you to change it — the default port is usually correct. Click "Save" and the server will appear in your list. Tap it and select "Join" to connect.

What to do if the address does not work

If you see an error message like "Failed to connect to the server" or "Connection refused", the address may be wrong, the server may be offline, or there may be a network problem on your end. First, check that you typed the address exactly as given. Copy and paste it from the source instead of typing it by hand — this prevents typos. Make sure there are no extra spaces or capital letters where there should not be any.

If the address is correct, ask the server owner to confirm the server is currently online and that the address has not changed. Servers sometimes move to new addresses or go down for maintenance. If the server owner confirms the address is correct and the server is online, the problem may be on your network — try restarting your router or checking your internet connection.

If you are trying to join a local network server (a server on your home WiFi), make sure your device is connected to the same network as the server computer. If you are on a different WiFi network or using mobile data, you will not be able to reach a local server.

The difference between domain names and IP addresses

A server address can be written two ways. A domain name looks like "play.example.com" or "survival.myserver.net" — it is a readable name that points to a server. An IP address looks like "192.168.1.5" (for local networks) or "203.45.67.89" (for public servers) — it is a string of numbers that identifies the server's location on the internet.

Both work the same way in Minecraft. You enter whichever one the server owner gave you into the "Server Address" field, and your game will connect. Domain names are easier to remember and share, while IP addresses are what your computer actually uses behind the scenes. If someone gives you a domain name, your computer looks up the IP address automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a server address from a YouTube video or website list?

You can, but be cautious. Servers listed online may be offline, may have changed addresses, or may be run by people you do not know. If you use an address from a public list, join carefully and watch for unusual behaviour. The safest addresses come from friends you trust or from official server websites you can verify.

What does "port" mean, and do I need to change it?

A port is a number that comes after the server address, separated by a colon — like "example.com:25565". It tells your game which door to knock on at that address. Most servers use the default port, so you do not need to change it. Only enter a different port if the server owner specifically told you to.

Why does the address work for my friend but not for me?

The most common reason is a typo — copy and paste the address instead of typing it. If the address is correct, check that you are on the right version of Minecraft (Java or Bedrock). You may also be on a different network — local servers only work if you are on the same WiFi. Ask your friend to confirm the server is online and the address has not changed.

Can I change a server address after I have added it to my list?

Yes. In Java Edition, right-click the server in your list and select "Edit". In Bedrock Edition, select the server and choose "Edit". Change the address to the new one and save. This is useful if a server moves to a new address and you want to keep the same label in your list.

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

Enter it exactly as given, including capital letters if there are any. Addresses are case-sensitive for domain names, though IP addresses are just numbers. If you are unsure, ask the server owner to confirm the address one more time, character by character.