Setting up a custom domain name for your Minecraft server transforms it from a forgettable IP address like 192.168.1.1:25565 into something memorable like play.myserver.com. Your friends can actually remember it, and it makes your server look professional.
Quick Answer: Adding a Domain to Your Minecraft Server
To add a domain name to your Minecraft server, you need to purchase a domain from a registrar, create an A record pointing to your server’s IP address, and optionally set up an SRV record to handle custom ports. The DNS changes typically take 1-48 hours to propagate globally, after which players can connect using your domain instead of the raw IP address.
Why Use a Domain Name Instead of an IP Address
Nobody wants to memorize 192.168.1.1:25565 when they could just type play.awesomeserver.net. Domain names make your Minecraft server easier to share, more professional-looking, and protect you if you ever need to change hosting providers or IP addresses. Update the DNS records once, and your players never need to know your IP changed.
Plus, if you’re running a server with friends or building a community, a custom domain makes everything feel more legitimate. It’s the difference between “join my server at this random number string” and “check out CraftKingdom.com.”
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Here’s what you need to have ready:
- A registered domain name from providers like Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Google Domains
- Your server’s public IP address (not the local 192.168.x.x one)
- Access to your domain’s DNS management panel
- Your Minecraft server port number (default is 25565)
If you’re hosting from home, make sure you have a static IP address or set up dynamic DNS. Most residential ISPs give you dynamic IPs that change periodically, which breaks the domain connection.
Step-by-Step: Connecting Your Domain to Minecraft Server
Step 1: Find Your Server’s IP Address
Log into your server hosting control panel and locate your dedicated IP address. For GameTeam.io users, this is displayed prominently on your server dashboard. If you’re self-hosting, visit whatismyip.com from the machine running your server to find your public IP.
Important: Don’t confuse your local network IP (starts with 192.168 or 10.0) with your public IP. Minecraft clients need the public-facing address.
Step 2: Create an A Record
Log into your domain registrar’s control panel and navigate to DNS management. You’ll create an A record that points your domain to your server IP.
Here’s what to enter:
- Record Type: A
- Host/Name: @ (for root domain) or “play” (for subdomain like play.yourdomain.com)
- Value/Points to: Your server’s IP address
- TTL: 3600 (1 hour) or leave as default
Most people use a subdomain like “play” or “mc” rather than the root domain. This keeps your main website separate from your game server.
Step 3: Add an SRV Record (Optional but Recommended)
If your Minecraft server runs on a port other than 25565, you need an SRV record. This tells Minecraft clients which port to use automatically, so players don’t need to type :25566 or whatever custom port you’re using.
SRV record configuration:
- Service: _minecraft
- Protocol: _tcp
- Name: Your subdomain (or @)
- Priority: 0
- Weight: 5
- Port: Your server port (e.g., 25565)
- Target: Your domain name (e.g., play.yourdomain.com)
The full SRV record name usually looks like: _minecraft._tcp.play.yourdomain.com
Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation
DNS changes don’t happen instantly. Propagation typically takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 48 hours, though most changes go live within 1-2 hours. You can check propagation status using tools like whatsmydns.net.
During this waiting period, some players might be able to connect while others can’t—that’s normal. Once propagation completes globally, everyone will be able to use the domain name.
Step 5: Test the Connection
Open Minecraft and add your server using the domain name instead of the IP address. If you set up the SRV record correctly, you shouldn’t need to include the port number.
If it doesn’t work immediately, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Verify your A record points to the correct IP
- Double-check your SRV record syntax
- Flush your DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows, sudo dscacheutil -flushcache on Mac)
- Wait longer for DNS propagation
- Try connecting with the port explicitly: yourdomain.com:25565
Common Domain Setup Mistakes
Using the wrong IP address: Make sure you’re using your public IP, not your local network IP. This is the #1 mistake people make.
Forgetting the SRV record: Without an SRV record, players must manually enter the port number if you’re not using 25565. The A record alone only works for the default port.
Not updating firewall rules: Your domain works at the DNS level, but if your firewall or router blocks the Minecraft port, connections still fail. Ensure port forwarding is configured correctly.
Mixing up @ and subdomains: Using @ makes your root domain (yourdomain.com) point to the server. Using “play” creates play.yourdomain.com. Be consistent across your A and SRV records.
Advanced: Dynamic DNS for Home Servers
If you’re hosting from home without a static IP, your ISP might change your IP address periodically, breaking the domain connection. Dynamic DNS (DDNS) services automatically update your DNS records when your IP changes.
Popular DDNS providers include No-IP, DuckDNS, and Dynu. Many routers have built-in DDNS support. Set it up once, and your domain always points to your current IP, even after ISP changes.
That said, home hosting comes with limitations—bandwidth caps, slower upload speeds, and potential ISP restrictions. If you’re serious about running a server, consider professional Minecraft hosting starting at just $1/GB with GameTeam.io. New users get 20% off, and you’ll never worry about IP changes or port forwarding again.
Using Cloudflare for Added Protection
Cloudflare offers free DNS management with additional benefits like DDoS protection and faster DNS resolution. You can transfer your domain’s nameservers to Cloudflare while keeping your domain registered elsewhere.
Keep in mind that Cloudflare’s proxy feature (the orange cloud) doesn’t work with Minecraft. You must set your DNS records to “DNS only” (gray cloud) for game servers. The proxy is designed for HTTP/HTTPS traffic, not Minecraft’s protocol.
Multiple Servers, One Domain
Running multiple Minecraft servers? Use subdomains to organize them:
- survival.yourdomain.com → Survival server
- creative.yourdomain.com → Creative server
- modded.yourdomain.com → Modded server
Create separate A records for each subdomain pointing to different IP addresses, or use different SRV records pointing to different ports on the same IP. This approach works great for networks running multiple game modes or versions, similar to how Palworld servers handle custom hostnames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both an A record and an SRV record?
You only need the A record if your server uses port 25565 (default). The SRV record is necessary when using custom ports, as it tells clients which port to connect to automatically.
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain names typically cost $10-15 per year for common extensions like .com or .net. Some extensions like .gg or .games cost more ($30-50/year) but look more gaming-focused. Avoid expensive “premium” domains unless you really want that specific name.
Can I use a free domain?
Free domains from services like Freenom work technically, but they often have reliability issues and can be reclaimed without warning. For a serious server, spend the $10/year on a proper domain.
Why can’t players connect even after DNS propagation?
Check that your Minecraft server is actually running and accessible via IP address first. If the IP works but the domain doesn’t, the issue is DNS-related. If neither works, the problem is with your server configuration, firewall, or port forwarding.
Can I change my domain later without affecting players?
Yes, but you’ll need to announce the new address. Unlike changing your IP (which the domain masks), changing the domain itself requires players to update their server list. Some server owners keep both domains active during transitions.
Final Thoughts
Adding a domain name to your Minecraft server takes about 10 minutes of actual work and makes your server infinitely more accessible. The DNS propagation wait is the only annoying part, but once it’s done, you’ll never have to think about it again unless you change hosting providers.
Focus on getting the A record right first, then add the SRV record if you need custom port handling. Test thoroughly before announcing your new domain to players, and keep your old IP address in the server list as a backup until you’re confident everything works perfectly.
