Finding your Minecraft server IP is simpler than most players think, but the method depends entirely on whether you’re hosting the server yourself or playing on someone else’s. Let me walk you through every scenario so you can connect your friends or join your favorite community server without the usual confusion.
What Is a Minecraft Server IP Address?
A Minecraft server IP address is the unique numerical identifier that tells your game client where to find and connect to a specific server on the internet. Think of it like a phone number—without it, your Minecraft client has no way to locate the server you want to join. Server IPs typically look like 192.168.1.1 for local networks or play.example.com when using a custom domain name.
How to Check Your Own Minecraft Server IP
If you’re running your own server, the process varies based on your hosting setup. Here’s how to find it in different situations:
For Self-Hosted Servers on Your Computer
When you’re hosting a server on your own machine, you’ll need two different IP addresses depending on who’s connecting:
Local Network (LAN) Connections:
- Windows: Open Command Prompt and type
ipconfig. Look for “IPv4 Address” under your active network adapter - Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network, select your connection, and find your IP address
- Linux: Open Terminal and type
hostname -I
Your local IP usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and only works for players on the same network.
External Connections (Friends Outside Your Network):
For players connecting from outside your home network, you need your public IP address. Visit whatismyipaddress.com or search “what’s my IP” in Google. This is the address external players will use, but you’ll also need to configure port forwarding on your router (typically port 25565 for Minecraft Java Edition).
For Hosted Game Servers
If you’re using a hosting provider like GameTeam.io, your server IP is provided in your control panel immediately after setup. Look for:
- The server dashboard or overview page
- Your welcome email from the hosting provider
- The server management console under connection details
Most quality hosting services give you both a numerical IP and a custom domain name for easier sharing. GameTeam.io offers reliable Minecraft hosting starting at $1/GB with 20% off for new customers—no wrestling with port forwarding or dynamic IP issues.
Checking Server Properties File
For server administrators with file access, open your server.properties file in the main server directory. The line server-ip= shows what IP the server binds to. If it’s blank, the server accepts connections on all available network interfaces.
How to Find Another Server’s IP Address
Joining someone else’s server? Here’s where to look for their IP:
In Your Minecraft Client
The easiest method is checking your saved servers list:
- Launch Minecraft and click “Multiplayer”
- Find the server in your server list
- Hover over the server name—some versions display the IP in a tooltip
- Click “Edit” to see the full server address
The server address field shows exactly what you need to reconnect or share with friends.
From Server Listings and Communities
Public servers typically advertise their IP addresses on:
- Server listing websites (Planet Minecraft, Minecraft-Server-List)
- Discord servers and community forums
- Server websites and social media pages
- YouTube descriptions and Twitch panels
Always copy the exact address including any port numbers (shown after a colon, like play.server.com:25565).
Using Command Line Tools
Tech-savvy players can use network utilities to verify server information:
Ping Command: Type ping server-address in Command Prompt or Terminal. This shows the numerical IP and tests connectivity.
Nslookup: Use nslookup server-domain.com to resolve a domain name to its actual IP address. Helpful when a custom domain isn’t working but you want to try the direct IP.
Common Issues When Checking Server IPs
Dynamic IP Addresses
Home internet connections usually have dynamic IPs that change periodically. If your self-hosted server IP stops working, check if your ISP assigned you a new one. Solutions include:
- Using a dynamic DNS service (No-IP, DuckDNS)
- Setting up a static IP through your router settings
- Switching to managed hosting where this isn’t your problem
Port Numbers and Connections
Minecraft servers run on specific ports. The default is 25565 for Java Edition and 19132 for Bedrock Edition. If a server uses a non-standard port, you must include it in the address: 192.168.1.100:25566
Firewall and Network Restrictions
Sometimes you can find the IP but still can’t connect. Check that:
- Your firewall allows Minecraft connections
- The server’s firewall isn’t blocking your IP
- Your school or workplace network doesn’t block gaming ports
- Antivirus software isn’t interfering with connections
For detailed connection troubleshooting, check out our complete guide to fixing Minecraft server connection issues.
Bedrock Edition vs Java Edition Differences
The process differs slightly between Minecraft versions:
Java Edition uses standard IP addresses and port 25565. You can check your server address in the multiplayer menu or server.properties file.
Bedrock Edition (Windows 10, mobile, console) uses port 19132 and sometimes requires additional DNS configuration for custom domains. Console players may have more restrictions connecting to third-party servers.
Cross-Platform Server IPs
Servers running GeyserMC or similar plugins allow both Java and Bedrock players. These typically provide two separate addresses—one for each client type. Make sure you’re using the correct address for your game version.
Best Practices for Managing Server IPs
Keep your server information organized and accessible:
- Document everything: Save your IP, port, and any custom domain in a secure note
- Use memorable domains: Custom domains like play.yourserver.com are easier to share than numerical IPs
- Test from outside your network: Always verify external players can connect using the public IP
- Keep backups: Save your server configuration files including server.properties
- Monitor uptime: Use server monitoring tools to track when your IP becomes unreachable
Professional hosting eliminates most of these concerns. Your IP stays consistent, domains are included, and connectivity issues are handled by support teams.
Security Considerations
Your server IP is semi-public information, but protect it wisely:
Don’t share your home IP carelessly. Your public IP reveals your approximate location and can be used for targeted attacks. Use whitelisting to control who connects to private servers.
Consider DDoS protection for public servers. Hosting providers typically include basic protection, while self-hosted servers are vulnerable without additional security measures.
Use different passwords for your server console and game admin accounts. Your IP might be public, but your administrative access shouldn’t be easily compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find a Minecraft server IP from just the server name?
Not usually. Server names displayed in your multiplayer list are custom labels you or the server owner created. You need to edit the server entry to see the actual IP address or domain associated with that name.
Why does my server IP keep changing?
Most residential internet connections use dynamic IP addressing, meaning your ISP periodically assigns you a new public IP. Set up dynamic DNS or switch to a hosting provider with static IPs to solve this permanently.
What’s the difference between a server IP and server address?
They’re often used interchangeably, but technically a server address can be either a numerical IP (like 192.168.1.1) or a domain name (like play.example.com). Both point to the same server—domains just make addresses more memorable. Learn more about finding and using server addresses.
Can I use localhost as my server IP?
Yes, but only for connecting to a server running on your own computer. Use localhost or 127.0.0.1 when testing your server locally. Other players need your actual network IP to connect.
Do I need to include the port number in the server IP?
Only if the server uses a non-standard port. Minecraft automatically assumes port 25565 for Java Edition, so you can omit it. For other ports, include them after a colon: server.com:25566
Finding your Minecraft server IP is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you’re hosting locally or using a managed service, having quick access to your connection details makes sharing your world with friends effortless. And if you’re tired of dealing with port forwarding and dynamic IPs, professional hosting handles all the technical headaches for you.
