What is a Server Address in Minecraft?

A Minecraft server address is a domain name like play.shulker.com or an IP address like 192.168.4.100 that lets you join a specific multiplayer world, without it, players can't find or join your world.

Types of Server Address

Minecraft servers use two main types of addresses, each with different advantages for server owners.

IP Address

An IP address is a numerical label assigned to your server by your hosting provider or internet service provider. It looks like 123.45.67.89 and directly identifies your server's location on the internet.

Example: 142.230.125.78

IP addresses work immediately, no setup required. However, they're difficult to remember and can change if you switch hosting providers or restart your network.

Domain Name

A domain name is an easily readable address that points to your server's IP address. Instead of remembering 142.230.125.78, players can type play.yourserver.com.

Example: mc.server.com or mc.shulker.com

Domain names require purchasing a domain and configuring DNS records, but they offer major advantages: they're memorable, professional-looking, and don't change even if your server IP changes.

IP Address with Port

When multiple servers run on the same machine, each needs a unique port number added to the address. The default Minecraft port is 25565, but custom ports appear after a colon.

Example: mc.server.com:25566 or 192.168.1.1:19132

If your server uses port 25565, players don't need to type it, Minecraft assumes it automatically. Any other port must be included or players won't connect.

Why is Server Address Important For Minecraft Servers?

Your server address determines whether players can access your world. Here's why it matters:

• Player accessibility: Without a working server address, no one can join, even if your server is running perfectly. Every connection attempt requires the correct address and port combination.
• Server identity: Your address is how players recognize and remember your server. A clean domain name like play.shulker.com builds credibility better than 78.142.19.203:25567.
• Whitelist and security: Server addresses help you control who connects. When you whitelist players or configure firewall rules, you're managing access to a specific address and port.
• Server migration: If you move to a new host, your IP address changes. Servers using domain names can update DNS records once and players can keep using the same address.

How To Check Your Minecraft Server IP?

Finding your server IP depends on where your server is hosted. Here are the most common methods:

Hosting Provider Dashboard

If you're using a Minecraft hosting service, your server address appears in the control panel homepage. Look for labels like "Server Address," "Connection Details," or "Server IP."

Most panels display both the IP address and domain name if one is configured.

IP Lookup

If you're hosting from home, your public IP address is different from your internal network IP. Find it by:

• Visiting whatismyipaddress.com from the computer running your server
• Running curl ifconfig.me in terminal (Linux/Mac)
• Typing ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux/Mac) in command line and looking for your local IP

Remember: Home-hosted servers need port forwarding configured on your router, or players outside your network can't connect even with the correct IP.