How to use a domain for a Minecraft server

A domain like play.example.net is easier to remember than an IP address, looks more professional, and lets you move to a new machine without telling every player a new address. Setting it up takes a few minutes in your domain's DNS settings.

Step 1: an A record to your server's IP

In the DNS settings of your domain, add an A record:

• Name: the subdomain you want, for example play (for play.example.net). Use @ for the domain itself.
• Value: your server's IP address, for example 203.0.113.10.

If your server uses the default Java port 25565, you are already done: players can type play.example.net. If your DNS provider offers a proxy or “orange cloud” option for websites, turn it off for this record, because normal web proxies don't pass Minecraft traffic.

Step 2: an SRV record for a custom port

Many hosts give you a different port, like 25570. An SRV record tells Java Edition which port to use, so players still don't have to type it. Add a record of type SRV with these values:

• Service and protocol: _minecraft and _tcp. Some panels want the full name in one field, like _minecraft._tcp.play.
• Priority: 0 and Weight: 5 (any values work when you have one server).
• Port: your server's real port, for example 25570.
• Target: a hostname that points to the server, such as the A record from step 1 or the hostname your host gave you. The target must be a name, not an IP address.

Written out, the record looks like this:

_minecraft._tcp.play.example.net. SRV 0 5 25570 mc.example.net.

For more background, read server IP and port explained.

Bedrock players

Bedrock Edition doesn't read SRV records. Bedrock players type your domain in the address field and the port in the separate Port field. The domain still works for them through the A record, so point it at the same machine and tell them the Bedrock port, for example 19132.

Waiting for DNS

New DNS records often work within minutes, but changes can take longer to reach every network because resolvers cache old answers. The time depends on the TTL value of the record. If your own PC still shows the old result, restarting the game or flushing your DNS cache can help.

Test it

Enter your domain in our server status checker. It shows whether the server is online and which SRV record it found, if any. Once it works, use the domain everywhere, including your listing on CraftRank, so you never have to update the address after changing hosts.