Running a Minecraft server is an exciting way to build a community and share experiences with players worldwide. However, connecting to a server using a numeric IP address can be cumbersome and difficult to remember.
Adding a custom domain name to your Minecraft server simplifies this process and gives your server a professional touch.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of associating a domain name with your Minecraft server. Whether you are hosting your server at home or using a dedicated hosting provider, the steps outlined here will help you achieve a seamless connection.
Why Add a Domain Name to Your Minecraft Server?
Using an IP address such as 123.45.67.89 to connect to a Minecraft server is functional but not user-friendly. A domain name like play.yourserver.com is easier to recall and share.
Additionally, a branded domain increases the credibility and professionalism of your server.
Tip: A memorable domain name can help attract more players and foster a strong community around your Minecraft server.
Prerequisites
Before beginning, ensure you have the following:
- A registered domain name (e.g., from Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains)
- Access to your domain’s DNS management panel
- Your Minecraft server’s IP address (and port if non-default)
- Basic understanding of DNS records
Step 1: Obtain a Domain Name
If you don’t already own a domain, you can purchase one from popular domain registrars. Prices vary based on TLD (.com, .net, .org, etc.) and availability.
Choose a domain name that reflects your Minecraft server’s brand or theme for easier recognition.
| Registrar | Features | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Namecheap | Affordable, free Whois privacy, easy-to-use dashboard | $8 – $12 / year |
| GoDaddy | Popular, large marketplace, frequent promotions | $10 – $15 / year |
| Google Domains | Simple interface, Google integration, reliable DNS | $12 / year |
Step 2: Identify Your Server’s IP Address and Port
To link your domain to the Minecraft server, you must know the server’s IP address. If you are hosting the server at home, you can find your public IP by searching “what is my IP” on Google.
For hosted servers, this information is usually provided in your control panel.
Minecraft servers typically use port 25565. If your server uses the default port, you do not need to specify it in the domain setup.
For non-standard ports, additional configuration is necessary.
Step 3: Access Your Domain’s DNS Settings
Log into your domain registrar’s control panel and locate the DNS management section. This is where you will add or edit DNS records to point your domain or subdomain to your Minecraft server.
The two most common DNS record types used for this purpose are A records and SRV records.
Step 4: Set Up an A Record (For Default Port Servers)
If your Minecraft server runs on the default port (25565), setting up an A record is straightforward.
- Create a new A record
- Set the hostname to your desired subdomain, e.g.,
playormc - Set the value to your Minecraft server’s IP address
- Save your changes
For example, if your domain is example.com and you want to use play.example.com, the A record should look like this:
| Type | Host | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | play | 123.45.67.89 | Automatic / 3600s |
Once DNS propagation completes (usually within minutes to a few hours), players can connect by entering play.example.com as the server address.
Step 5: Setting Up an SRV Record (For Non-Default Ports)
If your Minecraft server is running on a port other than 25565, an A record alone will not work. Minecraft clients connect to the default port unless instructed otherwise.
To route a domain to a custom port, an SRV record must be created.
Here is how SRV records work:
SRV Record directs Minecraft clients to connect to a specific port on a host, allowing the use of custom ports without forcing players to enter port numbers manually.
SRV Record Format
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| Service | The type of service | _minecraft |
| Protocol | Protocol used | _tcp |
| Name | The subdomain you want to use | play |
| Priority | Priority of the record (usually 0) | 0 |
| Weight | Relative weight for records with the same priority | 5 |
| Port | The port your Minecraft server listens on | 25570 |
| Target | The domain or IP your server resolves to | play.example.com |
Example SRV Record Setup
Assuming your Minecraft server is on IP 123.45.67.89 and port 25570, and you want players to connect via play.example.com:
- Create an A record for
playpointing to123.45.67.89 - Create an SRV record with the following values:
- Service: _minecraft
- Protocol: _tcp
- Name: play
- Priority: 0
- Weight: 5
- Port: 25570
- Target: play.example.com
After DNS propagation, players can connect using play.example.com without specifying the port.
Step 6: Testing Your Domain Setup
Once the DNS records are configured, it is important to verify that everything works correctly.
- Use a tool like MXToolbox DNS Lookup to check if your A and SRV records are visible.
- Open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer, and add a new server with your domain name.
- Try connecting to ensure the server resolves properly and the port is correct.
If you experience connection issues, clear your DNS cache or wait longer for propagation. DNS can sometimes take up to 48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.
Additional Considerations
Dynamic IP Addresses
If your server runs on a residential connection, your public IP might change periodically. This will break your domain link unless updated.
To solve this, you can use Dynamic DNS (DDNS) services that automatically update your DNS records when your IP changes. Some popular DDNS providers include No-IP and DynDNS.
Using a Subdomain vs. Root Domain
It is often recommended to use a subdomain like mc.example.com or play.example.com rather than the root domain (example.com) for your Minecraft server. This helps keep your website and server separate and organized.
Port Forwarding
If hosting the server on your local machine, make sure port forwarding is configured correctly on your router to allow external connections. Forward the Minecraft port (usually 25565) to the internal IP address of your server.
Note: Without proper port forwarding, your server will not be accessible from outside your local network, regardless of DNS settings.
Summary of DNS Records for Minecraft Servers
| Record Type | When to Use | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Record | Server using default port 25565 | Point subdomain to server IP | play.example.com → 123.45.67.89 |
| SRV Record | Server using custom port | Direct subdomain to IP and port |
_minecraft._tcp.play.example.com → play.example.com:25570
|
| CNAME Record | Alias one domain to another | Point subdomain to another domain | mc.example.com → play.example.com |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
DNS Records Not Propagating
Propagation can take time. Use tools like nslookup or online DNS checkers to verify.
Clearing your local DNS cache may help:
- Windows: Run
ipconfig /flushdnsin Command Prompt. - MacOS: Run
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderin Terminal.
Unable to Connect to Server
Check firewall settings and port forwarding. Make sure your server is online and listening on the specified port.
SRV Records Not Working
Ensure your DNS provider supports SRV records. Some domain registrars have limited DNS features.
If unsupported, consider moving to a DNS provider like Cloudflare or Google Domains.
Bonus: Using Cloudflare for DNS Management
Cloudflare offers free DNS hosting with robust features, including SRV record support. Setting your domain’s nameservers to Cloudflare allows you to manage DNS efficiently and take advantage of added security and performance benefits.
- Sign up at Cloudflare
- Add your domain and let Cloudflare scan your existing DNS records
- Create or update A and SRV records as needed
- Update your domain’s nameservers at your registrar to point to Cloudflare
Cloudflare does not proxy Minecraft traffic by default, so be sure to set your A record to DNS only (gray cloud) to avoid connection issues.
Conclusion
Adding a domain name to your Minecraft server greatly enhances user experience and branding. By carefully configuring A and SRV DNS records, you can allow players to connect easily using memorable addresses.
Remember to verify your server’s IP address, port, and DNS settings. Patience is key, as DNS propagation may take time.
With these steps, your Minecraft server will be accessible via a custom domain in no time.
Final thought: A well-configured domain name is the gateway to building a thriving Minecraft community. Take the time to set it up correctly and watch your server grow!
