How to Locate Your Minecraft Server Address

Before anyone can join a Minecraft server, they need the correct server address. Where that address lives depends on how the server is hosted. A rented server usually shows it in the hosting panel. A self-hosted server uses an address from the computer and network it runs on. Console players have a separate Bedrock Edition limitation to work around.

What a Minecraft Server IP Means

A Minecraft server address is the network location players enter when connecting through the multiplayer menu. It may appear as a numeric IP with a port, such as `123.45.67.89:25565`, or as a readable hostname or subdomain.

Both formats can point to the same server. The numeric address is direct, while a subdomain is easier to remember and share. Nobody wants to recite a string of numbers in voice chat unless absolutely necessary.

Finding the Address for a Hosted Server

If your Minecraft server is hosted through HolyHosting or another provider, the address is normally shown on the main server panel. You should not need terminal commands or router settings for this part.

1. Log in to your HolyHosting control panel.
2. Open the server you want players to join.
3. Look for the server address, IP, or `IP:Port` field near the top of the page.
4. Copy the full value, including the port if one is shown.
5. If a subdomain is available, copy that too as a simpler option for players.

The port matters. If the panel shows an address like `123.45.67.89:25565`, share the whole thing unless the panel specifically tells you the port is optional.

Finding the Address on a Self-Hosted PC Server

When the server runs from your own computer, the address depends on who is joining. Players on the same Wi-Fi or local network can use your local IP. Players outside your home need your public IP, plus correct port forwarding.

Windows

1. Press `Windows Key + R` to open the Run box.
2. Type `cmd`, then select `OK`.

1. In Command Prompt, run:

```bash ipconfig /all ```

1. Find the active network adapter, then note the `IPv4 Address` value.

Your active adapter depends on whether the computer uses Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or another connection. If several adapters appear, use the one currently connected to your network.

macOS

Open `System Settings`, go to `Network`, and select your active connection. Choose `Details`, then look for the IP address listed for that connection.

You can also use Terminal:

```bash ipconfig getifaddr en0 ```

Use that for Wi-Fi on most Macs. For wired Ethernet, try:

```bash ipconfig getifaddr en1 ```

Local IP vs Public IP

The address from `ipconfig` or macOS network settings is usually your local IP. It works only for devices on the same home network as the server computer.

For friends outside your network, search `what is my IP` in a browser. The result shown by the search engine is your public IP. That is the address external players need for a self-hosted server.

A public IP alone is not always enough. Your router also needs port forwarding so Minecraft traffic reaches the correct computer. For Java Edition, the default server port is `25565`. Router menus vary, but the goal is the same: forward incoming traffic on the Minecraft port to the internal IP of the server machine.

Hosted servers avoid this router work because the provider assigns an address that is reachable from outside networks by default.

Minecraft Servers on Consoles

Minecraft on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch uses Bedrock Edition. Console editions generally do not provide a normal custom IP field like the PC multiplayer menu does. Instead, they focus on Featured Servers.

Joining a private server from a console often requires a DNS-based workaround or a platform-specific method. The exact steps differ between Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, so follow instructions for the console you are using.

Common Questions

How do I join with the server IP?

In Minecraft Java Edition, open `Multiplayer`, select `Add Server`, paste the server address into the `Server Address` field, name the server, and select `Done`. The server will appear in your list.

Why can players on my network join, but friends cannot?

They are probably using your local IP. Friends outside your home need your public IP, and your router must forward the Minecraft server port to the server computer.

Can my Minecraft server IP change?

Hosted server addresses usually stay the same unless the server plan, location, or assigned address changes. Home internet public IPs can change when the router reconnects or the ISP updates the connection. Dynamic DNS can help by giving your self-hosted server a hostname that updates when the IP changes.

Where do I find public server IPs?

Public servers usually list their addresses on websites, community Discord servers, or server listing sites. For private servers, ask the owner for the current address.

Final Notes

Finding a Minecraft server address is simple once you know the setup. Hosted servers show the address in the panel. Self-hosted PC servers require local or public IP details depending on who is joining. Console players need Bedrock-specific connection steps because custom IP entry is limited on those platforms.