Where to find the server address you need

The server address is a text string — usually something like "play.example.com" or an IP address like "192.168.1.5" — that tells your Minecraft client which computer to connect to. You get this address from whoever runs the server: the friend who set it up, the server hosting company, a Discord community, or the website advertising the server.

If a friend invited you, ask them directly in a message or call. They should give you the exact address and the port number if it is not the default (25565). If you are joining a public server advertised online, the address is usually listed on the server's website or in the Discord channel promoting it. Copy the address exactly as written — capitalization does not matter, but typos will prevent you from connecting.

For servers you pay for through a hosting company like Aternos, Nitrado, or Minehut, log into your account on their website and look for a section labeled "Server Address", "Connection Info", or "Details". The address will be displayed there, sometimes alongside instructions for your specific version of Minecraft.

Key Takeaways

  • The server address comes from the person or organization running the server, not from Minecraft itself.
  • Copy the address exactly as given, including any numbers or hyphens, and paste it into the Multiplayer menu rather than typing it by hand.
  • The default port is 25565, so you only need to add a port number if the server owner specifically told you a different one.
  • If you cannot connect after entering the address, check that you have typed it correctly and that the server is currently online.

How to enter the server address in Java Edition

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Click "Add Server" in the bottom left corner. A window will open with two fields: "Server Name" and "Server Address".

In the "Server Name" field, type any name you want — this is just a label for your own reference, like "Friend's Survival" or "PvP Arena". In the "Server Address" field, paste the address you received. If the server owner gave you a port number different from 25565, add a colon and the port number at the end, like "play.example.com:25566".

Click "Done" to save the server to your list. The server will now appear in your Multiplayer menu. Click on it and then click "Join Server" to connect. If the server is online and the address is correct, you will load into the world within a few seconds.

How to enter the server address in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Xbox, mobile, and Nintendo Switch) handles servers differently than Java Edition. Open Minecraft and go to the "Play" tab. Scroll down to find "Servers" or "Featured Servers".

Look for an option to "Add Server" — the exact location varies slightly by device, but it is usually a plus icon or a button at the bottom of the server list. Enter the server name (your own label) and paste the server address into the address field. Leave the port blank unless the server owner told you to use a non-standard port.

Some Bedrock servers are also available through the "Realms" feature, which is Minecraft's official subscription service. If the server you want to join is a Realm, the owner will send you an invite link instead of an address, and you can join directly from your Friends list.

What to do if the address does not work

If you see an error message like "Failed to connect to the server" or "Connection timed out", the problem is usually one of three things: the address is typed incorrectly, the server is offline, or your internet connection is blocked.

First, delete the server from your list and add it again, this time pasting the address directly from a message or email instead of typing it. Typos are the most common cause. If that does not work, ask the server owner whether the server is currently online — many servers shut down during off-hours or go offline for maintenance.

If the address is correct and the server is online but you still cannot connect, your network may be blocking the connection. This happens sometimes on school or workplace networks. Try connecting from a different network (like a phone's hotspot) to test. If it works on a different network, you will need to ask your network administrator to unblock the server's port, or you will only be able to play from home.

Understanding server addresses and ports

A server address can be written two ways: as a domain name like "play.example.com" or as an IP address like "203.0.113.42". Both point to the same computer. Domain names are easier to remember, while IP addresses are what the internet actually uses behind the scenes.

The port number is a secondary address that tells the server which service you want to connect to. Most Minecraft servers use port 25565, which is the default, so you do not need to type it. If a server uses a different port, the owner will tell you — for example, "203.0.113.42:25566" means connect to that IP address on port 25566.

Some servers also require a password or whitelist, which means only certain players are allowed in. If the server owner said you need a password, they will give it to you separately — it is not part of the address itself. Whitelisted servers automatically check whether your username is on the list when you try to join.

Finding public servers if you do not have an address

If you want to play on a public server but do not have a specific address, several websites list active servers with their addresses and descriptions. Minecraft Server List, Planet Minecraft, and Top Minecraft Servers all host directories where you can browse by game mode (Survival, Creative, PvP, Skyblock) and player count.

Click on a server listing to see its address, player reviews, and connection instructions. Copy the address from the listing page and follow the steps above to add it to your Multiplayer menu. Keep in mind that public servers can be run by anyone, so read reviews and check the server rules before joining.

Discord is another common place to find servers. Many communities post their server address in a dedicated channel, along with rules and information about what kind of gameplay they offer. Joining the Discord first lets you ask questions and meet other players before you connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the server address the same as my Minecraft username?

No. Your username is what other players see when you play. The server address is the location of the computer running the server. You need both to join — the address to find the server, and your username to log in.

Can I use a server address from a YouTube video or stream?

Sometimes, but not always. If the video is recent and the server is still running, the address should work. Older videos may have addresses for servers that are no longer online. Check the video comments to see if other viewers have successfully used the address recently.

What does it mean if the server address has numbers separated by dots?

That is an IP address — the numerical form of a server location. It works exactly the same as a domain name address. Enter it the same way in your Multiplayer menu, and add the port number with a colon if the server owner gave you one.

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

No. Once you add the server to your Multiplayer list, Minecraft saves it. You can click on it and join anytime without re-entering the address. The server will stay in your list until you delete it.

Why does my server address have a colon and numbers at the end?

The numbers after the colon are the port number. Most servers use the default port 25565, so you do not need to add anything. If a server uses a different port, the owner will include it in the address they give you — for example, "example.com:25566". Enter it exactly as written.