What Server Address Do You Use for Minecraft?

If you've ever tried to join a Minecraft server and stared blankly at the "Server Address" field, you're not alone. It looks simple — just a text box — but what goes in there depends entirely on what kind of server you're trying to join. Here's how it all works.

What Is a Minecraft Server Address?

A server address (sometimes called a server IP) is the network location of a Minecraft server. It tells your game client exactly where to connect on the internet or your local network. Think of it like a street address for a building — without it, your game has no idea where to go.

Server addresses come in two formats:

• IP address — a numerical string like 192.168.1.105 or 74.91.119.209
• Domain name — a readable hostname like play.hypixel.net or mc.cubecraft.net

Both do the same job. Domain names are just easier to remember and type.

Types of Minecraft Servers and Their Addresses

The address you need depends on what kind of server you're connecting to.

🌐 Public Multiplayer Servers

These are the large, community-run servers that anyone can join. Each has its own unique domain name or IP address, published on their official website or server listing platforms.

Some of the most well-known public servers use addresses like:

You find these by visiting the server's website or looking up a server list directory. The address is always publicly listed — you simply copy it into Minecraft's "Server Address" field.

🖥️ Locally Hosted Servers (LAN Play)

If someone on your local network is running a Minecraft server (or has opened their world to LAN), you connect using their local IP address — typically something in the range of 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x.

To find this address:

• On Windows: open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and look for the IPv4 address
• On Mac: go to System Settings → Network → select your connection → find the IP
• On Linux: use ip addr or ifconfig in the terminal

The port is usually 25565 by default. If the server uses a different port, you append it with a colon: 192.168.1.105:25566.

☁️ Self-Hosted Servers (Dedicated or Rented)

If you're running your own Minecraft server at home or through a hosting provider, the address will be either:

• Your public IP address (found by searching "what is my IP" in a browser)
• A custom domain you've pointed to your server through DNS settings

Hosting providers like Apex Hosting, Shockbyte, or Bisect Hosting assign you a server address the moment you set up your plan — usually a domain name like yourname.apexmc.co or a raw IP with a custom port.

How Ports Work in Server Addresses

Minecraft's default port is 25565. When a server runs on this port, you don't need to include it in the address — Minecraft assumes it automatically.

When a server runs on a non-default port, you must add it manually using this format:

serveraddress.com:PORT 

For example: play.example.net:19132

This is especially relevant on Minecraft Bedrock Edition, which uses port 19132 by default instead of 25565. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are not cross-compatible unless the server explicitly supports both (using software like Geyser).

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: Different Server Ecosystems

This distinction matters more than most players realize.

Java Edition (PC only) uses a traditional server address system with port 25565. Most large community servers were historically built for Java.

Bedrock Edition (PC, console, mobile) uses port 19132 and has a separate Featured Servers list baked into the game. On consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you can only connect to servers that appear on that featured list — you can't type in arbitrary server addresses due to platform restrictions.

On Bedrock for PC and mobile, you can add custom servers manually under the "Servers" tab by entering any valid IP address or domain and port number.

What If the Address Isn't Working?

A few common reasons a server address fails to connect:

• Wrong port — double-check whether the server uses a non-default port
• Server is offline — public servers have downtime; check their official site or social media
• Edition mismatch — trying to join a Java server on Bedrock or vice versa without Geyser support
• Firewall or network block — some school or workplace networks block Minecraft traffic on port 25565
• Whitelist — private servers may require your username to be added before you can join

The Variable That Changes Everything

The "right" server address isn't a single answer — it's specific to your situation. Whether you're on Java or Bedrock, playing solo with friends on a LAN, renting a hosted server, or joining a public community server, the address format and how you find it differs meaningfully.

Your edition, your platform, whether you're hosting or joining, and whether it's a private or public server all shape which address applies to you — and what you'll need to do to connect successfully.