A server address is the location where a Minecraft world lives on the internet

When you play Minecraft alone on your computer, the game runs everything locally — the world, the rules, the other players' positions. When you play on a server, a computer somewhere else runs the world instead, and your game connects to it. The server address is the text you type into Minecraft to find and connect to that computer. It looks like play.example.com or 192.168.1.5:25565 — a domain name or an IP address, sometimes followed by a port number.

You need the server address the same way you need a street address to visit someone's house. Without it, your game has no idea where to look. The person running the server gives you this address, and you paste it into the "Server Address" field in Minecraft's multiplayer menu. Your game then sends a connection request to that address, the server responds, and you load into the world.

Key Takeaways

  • A server address is a domain name or IP address that tells your Minecraft game where the world is running.
  • You enter the server address in Minecraft's multiplayer menu under "Add Server" or "Direct Connection."
  • The address might include a port number at the end (like :25565), which tells your game which door to knock on at that location.
  • If the address does not work, the server may be offline, the address may be typed wrong, or your internet connection may be blocked by a firewall.

How server addresses are written

Server addresses come in two formats. A domain name is the human-readable version: play.hypixel.net or mineplex.com. These are easier to remember and share. An IP address is a string of numbers separated by periods: 192.168.1.100. Both point to the same computer; the domain name is just a nickname that gets translated to the IP address behind the scenes.

Many addresses also include a port number at the end, separated by a colon: play.example.com:25565. The port is like a door number on a building. Minecraft's default port is 25565, so if no port is listed, your game assumes :25565. Some servers use different ports, and if you use the wrong one, your connection will fail even if the address is correct.

Where to find a server address

The person or organization running the server will give you the address directly. This might come through a Discord invite, a website, a friend's message, or a server listing site like minecraftservers.org or planetminecraft.com. Always get the address from a source you trust, because connecting to an unknown server carries the same risks as visiting an unknown website — the server operator can see your username, IP address, and what you do in the world.

If you are looking for a public server to join, server listing sites let you browse by game mode (survival, creative, PvP) and player count. Each listing usually shows the server address, the number of players online, and a description. Copy the address exactly as shown, including any port number, or your connection will fail.

How to enter a server address in Minecraft

The steps differ slightly between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. In Java Edition, open the game, click "Multiplayer," then "Add Server." A window opens with a field labeled "Server Address." Paste or type the address there, give the server a name if you want, and click "Done." The server now appears in your list. Click it and select "Join Server."

In Bedrock Edition (Windows 10, console, mobile), the process is similar but the menu layout differs. Go to "Play," then "Servers," then "Add Server." Enter the server address in the "Server Address" field, add a port number if needed, and save. The server appears in your list, and you can join from there.

If you are joining a friend's world on the same local network (your home WiFi, for example), the address might be a local IP address like 192.168.1.5 instead of a public domain. These addresses only work when you are on the same network.

Why a server address might not work

If you type the address correctly but cannot connect, the server is likely offline. Servers go down for maintenance, updates, or when the owner shuts them down. Wait a few minutes and try again, or check the server's Discord or website to see if there is a status update.

A typo in the address is the second most common reason. Domain names are case-insensitive, but they must be spelled exactly right. If the address is play.example.com and you type play.exampl.com, the connection fails. Copy and paste the address instead of typing it by hand.

Your firewall or internet provider might also block the connection. Some networks restrict outgoing connections to certain ports. If you can reach other servers but not this one, ask the server owner what port they use and whether your network might be blocking it. Changing your network is usually not practical, but the server owner might be able to help you troubleshoot.

The difference between server address and server name

The server address is the technical location: play.example.com:25565. The server name is what you call it in your own list: "My Friend's World" or "Hypixel Survival." You choose the name when you add the server, and it is only visible to you. The address is what actually connects you, so it must be exact. The name is just for your own organization.

This distinction matters because you cannot find a server by its name alone. If someone tells you they play on "The Big Survival Server" but you do not have the address saved, you will need to ask them for the actual server address or find it on a listing site. The name is only useful as a reminder for servers you have already added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out a server's address if I only know the server name?

No. The server name is just a label you create in your own game. If you want to join a specific server, you need to find the address from the server's website, Discord, or the person who invited you. Server listing sites are the best place to search if you have forgotten where you found it.

Is it safe to join a server from an unknown address?

The server operator will see your username and IP address. If you trust the source where you found the address, it is as safe as visiting any website. Avoid addresses from strangers or suspicious links. Stick to well-known servers or ones recommended by friends.

What does the port number do?

The port is a channel on the server's computer. Port 25565 is Minecraft's default, but some servers use different ports to run multiple worlds on the same computer or to avoid network restrictions. If the address includes a port, you must include it exactly or the connection will fail.

Why does my local server address start with 192.168?

Addresses starting with 192.168 are private IP addresses used only on local networks. They only work when you are connected to the same WiFi or network as the server. If you try to use one from outside that network, it will not connect.

Can I change a server address after I add it?

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 and save. This is useful if the server moves to a new address or if you typed it wrong the first time.