What a server address is and where to find it

A server address in Minecraft is the text code that tells your game where to connect when you want to play with other people. It looks like a web address — something like "play.example.com" or a string of numbers like "192.168.1.5" — and you paste it into the "Server Address" field when you join a multiplayer world.

The person running the server gives you this address. If you are joining a friend's world, they will send it to you directly through Discord, text, or email. If you are joining a public server (a large community server you found online), the server's website or launcher page will list the address prominently, usually near the "Join Now" button or in a section labeled "Server Info" or "Connect".

The address itself is just information — it does not cost anything and does not require any setup on your end. You simply copy it and paste it into the right place in your game.

Key Takeaways

  • A server address is a text code (like "play.example.com") that tells Minecraft where to connect for multiplayer play, and the server owner provides it to you.
  • For Java Edition, paste the address into the "Server Address" field when you click "Multiplayer" and then "Add Server".
  • For Bedrock Edition on Windows, Nintendo Switch, or mobile, the process is similar but the menu layout differs slightly depending on your device.
  • If the address does not work, check that you copied it exactly (including dots and numbers), that the server is currently online, and that your internet connection is stable.
  • Some servers use a domain name (like "play.example.com") and others use an IP address with a port number (like "192.168.1.5:25565"), but both work the same way.

How to enter a server address in Java Edition

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click the "Multiplayer" button on the main menu. Click "Add Server" (or "Direct Connection" if you only want to join once without saving it). A window will open with a field labeled "Server Address" — this is where you paste the code the server owner gave you.

Paste the address exactly as you received it. Do not add spaces before or after, and do not change any letters or numbers. If the address includes a port number (the part after the colon, like ":25565"), include that too. Click "Done" and the server will appear in your list. Click it and then click "Join Server".

If you used "Direct Connection" instead of "Add Server", you will join immediately without saving the server to your list. You can use "Add Server" later if you want to save it so you do not have to paste the address again.

How to enter a server address in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. The steps are similar but the menu names differ slightly. Open Minecraft and go to the main menu, then select "Play". Look for a tab or button labeled "Servers" or "Friends" — the exact name depends on your device.

On Windows, click the "+" button to add a new server and paste the address into the "Server Address" field. On Nintendo Switch, go to "Friends" and look for an option to add a server by address. On mobile (iOS or Android), tap the "+" icon and enter the address in the server field. The process is the same: paste the address exactly as given, including any port numbers.

Bedrock servers often use a different format than Java servers, so make sure the address you received is actually for Bedrock Edition. If someone gives you a Java server address and you are on Bedrock, it will not work — you will need a Bedrock version of that server instead.

What to do if the server address does not work

If you paste the address and get an error message or cannot connect, start by checking three things. First, copy the address again directly from the source (the person or website that gave it to you) and paste it into a text editor like Notepad to make sure you have it exactly right, with no extra spaces. Second, ask the server owner whether the server is currently online — many community servers go down for updates or maintenance, and a working address will not connect to an offline server.

Third, check your own internet connection by opening a web browser and visiting any website. If the web page loads, your internet is working. If it does not, restart your router and try again. Once your internet is stable, try the server address again.

If the address still does not work and the server is online, the problem may be that your network is blocking the connection. This happens sometimes on school or workplace networks. If you are on a restricted network, try connecting from a different location (like home or a coffee shop with public wifi) to see if the address works there. If it does, your home network is fine and the issue is with the network you were on before.

The difference between domain names and IP addresses

Some server addresses look like websites — "play.example.com" or "survival.myserver.net". Others look like a series of numbers — "192.168.1.5" or "203.0.113.42:25565". Both are valid server addresses; they just point to the server in different ways.

A domain name (the website-style address) is easier to remember and share. An IP address (the numbers) is what the domain name actually points to behind the scenes. From your perspective, they work identically — you paste either one into the server address field and Minecraft connects the same way. The server owner chooses which format to give you, and you do not need to convert between them.

Some addresses include a port number at the end, like ":25565" or ":19132". This tells Minecraft which specific port on the server to connect to. Include the port number exactly as written if it is part of the address you were given. If no port number is listed, do not add one — Minecraft will use the default port automatically.

How to save a server so you do not have to paste the address again

In Java Edition, when you click "Add Server" instead of "Direct Connection", you get to name the server and save it to your list. Type a name you will recognize (like "Sarah's World" or "Survival Server"), paste the address, and click "Done". The server will now appear in your multiplayer menu every time you open the game, and you can join it with one click instead of pasting the address each time.

In Bedrock Edition, the process is similar — when you add a server, you give it a name and the address is saved. The server will appear in your servers list on the "Play" screen. If you ever need to change the address (because the server owner moved it to a new location), you can usually edit the server by clicking or holding on it and selecting "Edit".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a server address from a friend's Java server on my Bedrock Edition game?

No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate versions of Minecraft and do not connect to the same servers. You need a server address that is specifically for the version you are playing. Ask your friend whether they have a Bedrock version of their server, or whether they can give you a Bedrock server address instead.

What does it mean if I get a "Connection refused" error?

This usually means the server is offline or the address is wrong. Double-check that you copied the address exactly, including any port numbers. If the address is correct, the server may be down for maintenance or updates. Contact the server owner to confirm the server is running and the address is still current.

Do I need to pay to use a server address?

No. The server address itself is free information. Some servers are free to join, and some require a paid membership or donation to access certain features, but that is a choice the server owner makes — the address and basic connection are always free.

Can I create my own server address?

Yes, but it requires setting up a server, which is a separate process. You would need to either run server software on your own computer, rent a server from a hosting company, or use a service like Realms. Once your server is running, you will have an address to share with others. This is different from joining an existing server with an address someone else provided.

Why does my server address have numbers after a colon?

The numbers after the colon (like ":25565") are the port number. Servers use ports to organize connections, and different servers may use different ports. Include the port number exactly as written if it is part of the address you were given. If no port is listed, do not add one.