What a server address is and where to find it

A 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 where to connect. When you want to join someone else's world or a public server, you need this address the same way you need a street address to visit a house.

Server addresses come from different places depending on what you're joining. If a friend is hosting, they'll give you the address directly. If you're joining a public server run by a company or community, the address is usually posted on their website or Discord server. Some servers display their address right on their homepage; others require you to look in a "Server Info" or "How to Join" section.

The address format depends on the server type. Java Edition servers use domain names (like "hypixel.net") or IP addresses. Bedrock Edition servers sometimes use different formats, and some use a "server code" instead of a traditional address. Always confirm which edition the server supports before you try to connect.

Key Takeaways

  • A server address is the location string you paste into Minecraft to connect to another player's world or a public server.
  • Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use different address formats, so check which one the server supports before attempting to join.
  • Public servers post their addresses on their websites or Discord communities; friends hosting private servers will send you the address directly.
  • Port numbers (the numbers after a colon, like :25565) are sometimes required for Java Edition but are rarely needed for Bedrock.
  • If an address doesn't work, the server may be offline, full, or you may have typed it incorrectly — contact the server owner to confirm it's active.

How to enter a server address in 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."

In the "Server Name" field, type whatever you want to call it — this is just a label for your own reference, like "Friend's Survival" or "PvP Arena." In the "Server Address" field, paste or type the exact address you received. If the address includes a port number (it will look like "play.example.com:25565"), paste the whole thing including the colon and number. If no port is specified, leave it blank — Java Edition defaults to port 25565.

Click "Done" to save the server to your list. The server will now appear in your Multiplayer menu. Click it once to select it, then click "Join Server" to connect. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the address exactly as it was given to you, including capital letters and punctuation.

How to enter a server address in Bedrock Edition

Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10/11, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile). From the main menu, select "Play," then look for the "Servers" tab or "Add Server" option depending on your platform.

On Windows, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, click "Add Server." You'll see fields for "Server Name," "Server Address," and "Port." Enter the server name as you want it labeled. Paste the server address into the "Server Address" field. For the port, most Bedrock servers use 19132 — if the server owner didn't specify a port, try leaving it blank or entering 19132. Some Bedrock servers use a "server code" instead of an address; if that's the case, look for a field labeled "Server Code" and paste it there instead.

On mobile devices (iOS or Android), the process is similar but the menu layout differs slightly. Look for a "+" icon or "Add Server" button in the Servers section, then enter the information the same way.

Understanding port numbers and when you need them

A port number is an extra piece of information that comes after the server address, separated by a colon. For example: "play.example.com:25565". The port tells your computer which "door" on the server to knock on.

For Java Edition, the default port is 25565. If a server uses this standard port, the owner usually won't mention it — you can just enter the address without any port number. If they give you an address like "play.example.com:12345," that means the server is running on a non-standard port, and you must include the ":12345" part or the connection will fail.

For Bedrock Edition, the default port is 19132. Again, if the server owner doesn't mention a port, you can usually leave it blank. Some Bedrock servers do use custom ports, so if your connection fails and you've typed the address correctly, ask the server owner whether they're using a non-standard port.

If you're unsure whether to include a port, ask the server owner or check their website. Including a port when none is needed won't hurt, but omitting a required port will prevent you from connecting.

What to do if the server address doesn't work

If you enter the address correctly but still can't connect, the server may be temporarily offline, at full capacity, or experiencing technical problems. The first step is to confirm you typed the address exactly right — check for typos, extra spaces, and correct capitalization. Copy and paste the address from the source rather than typing it by hand if possible.

Next, verify you're using the right edition. A Java Edition address won't work in Bedrock Edition and vice versa. If the server owner didn't specify which edition they're running, ask them directly.

If the address is correct and you're on the right edition, contact the server owner through Discord, email, or their website to confirm the server is currently running. Servers go offline for maintenance, updates, or because the host ran out of money. There's nothing wrong with your setup — the server straightforward isn't available at that moment.

If you see an error message like "Connection refused" or "Connection timed out," the server is either offline or the port number is wrong. If you see "Connection reset by peer," the server may have crashed. In all these cases, waiting a few minutes and trying again often works.

Finding public server addresses

Public servers post their addresses on dedicated websites and communities. For Java Edition, sites like Planet Minecraft, Minecraft Server List, and individual server websites list hundreds of active servers with their addresses displayed prominently. Each listing usually includes the server address, the server type (survival, creative, PvP, etc.), and player count.

For Bedrock Edition, the process is slightly different because Bedrock servers are less common. Many are hosted through the Minecraft Realms service, which doesn't use traditional addresses — you join through the Realms menu instead. For community-hosted Bedrock servers, check the server's Discord or website for the address.

When you find a server you want to join, copy the address from the listing. Some websites have a "Copy" button next to the address; others you'll need to select and copy manually. Paste it directly into Minecraft rather than retyping it to avoid mistakes.

Getting a server address from a friend

If a friend is hosting a private server or running one from their computer, they'll need to give you the address. For a friend's personal server on their home network, they might give you their local IP address (something like "192.168.1.100"). This only works if you're on the same home network — it won't work from outside the house.

If your friend is hosting a server that's accessible from anywhere (using a hosting service or port forwarding), they'll give you either a domain name or a public IP address. Ask them to confirm whether the address works from outside their network, because some setups only work locally.

If your friend gives you an address and it doesn't work, ask them to double-check that the server is running and that they gave you the correct address. Server software sometimes crashes, and addresses can be straightforward to mistype or misremember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an IP address instead of a domain name?

Yes. An IP address like "192.168.1.5" works the same way as a domain name like "play.example.com" — they both point to the same server. Some servers provide both options. IP addresses are usually longer and harder to remember, so domain names are more common for public servers.

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

A realm code is specific to Minecraft Realms, which is a subscription service that hosts worlds for you. A server address is for community-hosted or self-hosted servers. They're not interchangeable — if someone gives you a realm code, you join through the Realms menu, not by entering an address in the Multiplayer screen.

Do I need to remember the server address after I join once?

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

Why does my server address have numbers after a colon?

Those numbers are the port. They tell your computer which specific service on that server to connect to. Most servers use the default port, so you won't see this. If a server uses a non-standard port, the owner will include it in the address they give you.

Can I join a server on a different version of Minecraft than the one it's running?

No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate programs and cannot connect to each other. You must use the same edition the server is running. Some servers support multiple versions of Java Edition (like 1.19 and 1.20), but you still need to be in the Java Edition client.