Finding Your Minecraft Server's IP: A Step-by-Step Guide

17 September, 2023

Minecraft, the iconic sandbox game, is best enjoyed in the company of friends on a multiplayer server. However, before you can invite your friends to join your Minecraft server, you'll need to share its IP address with them. The IP address acts as a digital location marker that allows players to connect to your server over the internet. In this step-by-step guide, we'll demystify the process of finding your Minecraft server's IP address so you can start your multiplayer adventures.

Step 1: Launch Minecraft

Begin by launching Minecraft on your device. Ensure you are running the same Minecraft edition and version as your server to ensure compatibility.

Step 2: Open or Create a World

You can either open an existing single-player world or create a new one. The server's IP address remains the same for a specific world, so choose the world you want to play on your server.

Step 3: Start Your LAN World

Once your world is loaded, press the "Esc" key (or equivalent menu button on your device) to open the pause menu. From there, click on the "Open to LAN" option.

Step 4: Configure LAN Server Settings

A new window will appear, allowing you to configure your LAN server settings. You can choose the game mode, enable or disable cheats, and set other preferences. Make your selections based on your preferences.

Step 5: Start LAN World

Click the "Start LAN World" button to activate your LAN server. Minecraft will display a message confirming that the server is now open to other players on your local network.

Step 6: Share the IP Address

Your server's IP address, along with a port number, will be displayed in the message. It will look something like this: "Local game hosted on IP:Port." Note down this IP address as you will need to share it with your friends.

Step 7: Connect to the LAN Server

If you want to join your own LAN server, open the multiplayer menu in Minecraft and you should see your LAN world listed there. Click on it to connect.

Step 8: Share the IP Address with Friends

To invite friends to join your LAN server, provide them with the IP address you noted down earlier. They should open Minecraft, click on "Multiplayer," and then "Direct Connect." In the "Server Address" field, they should enter the IP address and port you shared, separated by a colon (e.g., 192.168.1.100:12345). Click "Join Server" to connect.

Note: Your LAN server is only accessible to players on the same local network as you. If you want to create a server that can be accessed over the internet, you'll need to set up a dedicated server or use a third-party hosting service.

Connecting with Friends

Finding your Minecraft server's IP address is a straightforward process, and sharing it with friends allows you to enjoy multiplayer adventures together. Whether you're exploring vast landscapes, building impressive structures, or battling hordes of monsters, playing on a shared server enhances the Minecraft experience. Now that you know how to find your server's IP address, you can dive into the exciting world of multiplayer Minecraft with your friends by your side.