How to Connect a Custom Domain to Your Minecraft Server

Using a custom domain (like play.mycoolserver.net) instead of a long IP address makes it much easier for players to remember and connect to your Minecraft server. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Get Your Server Information

Before you start, you need two key pieces of information from your server provider's control panel:

• Your Server's Numerical IP: This is the series of numbers that identifies your server. You must use the numerical IP, not a hostname (like g2.valuegamenode.com).

  • Example: 123.45.67.89

• Your Server's Port: This is the number after the colon (:).

  • Example: 25678

  • If your address has no port number, it's using the Minecraft default, which is 25565.

You will also need access to your domain's DNS settings, which are managed on the website where you purchased your domain (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare).

Step 2: Create the DNS Records

Log in to your domain registrar's website and navigate to the DNS management page. The records you need to create depend on your server's port.

Method A: For Servers on the Default Port (25565)

If your server's port is 25565, you only need one A record. This record points your domain directly to your server's IP address.

1. Create a new DNS record with these settings:

   • Type: A

   • Name/Host: The subdomain players will use. For play.mycoolserver.net, enter play. To use your main domain (mycoolserver.net), enter @.

   • Value/Points to: Your server's numerical IP address (e.g., 123.45.67.89).

   • TTL (Time To Live): Leave this on the default setting (usually "Automatic").

Example A Record:

With this, players can now connect using play.mycoolserver.net.

Method B: For Servers on a Custom Port (e.g., 25678)

If your server uses any port other than 25565, you need two records: an A record and an SRV record.

Part 1 — Create the A Record

First, create an A record that points a subdomain to your server's IP. This will act as a target for the SRV record.

• Type: A

• Name/Host: play (or another subdomain like srv).

• Value/Points to: Your server's numerical IP address (e.g., g2.valuegamenode.com).

• TTL: Leave at default.

Example A Record:

Part 2 — Create the SRV Record

Next, create the SRV record to direct Minecraft to the correct port.

• Type: SRV

• Service: _minecraft

• Protocol: _tcp

• Name: The subdomain you want players to use. For play.mycoolserver.net, enter play.

• Target: The full subdomain from the A record you just made: play.mycoolserver.net.

• Priority: 0

• Weight: 5

• Port: Your server's custom port number (e.g., 25678).

• TTL: Leave at default.

Example SRV Record:

Now, players can connect using play.mycoolserver.net without needing to type the port.

Step 3: Wait and Troubleshoot

DNS changes are not instant. It can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 48 hours for them to work everywhere. This is called DNS propagation.

If it's still not working after an hour, check these common issues:

• Typos: Double-check that the IP address and all record values are copied exactly. A single wrong number will cause it to fail.

• Wait Longer: DNS changes can sometimes take a full day to update globally. Be patient.

• Cloudflare Users: If you use Cloudflare, make sure the cloud icon next to your A record is grey (DNS Only), not orange. The orange cloud (Proxy) is for websites and will block Minecraft connections.

• Wrong IP: Ensure you used the numerical IP in the A record's "Value" field, not a server hostname.

Once propagation is complete, your custom domain is ready to use!