In the Spotlight: Locating Your Minecraft Server's IP Address

9th May 2022

Minecraft, the popular sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios, offers players the ability to create and explore their own virtual worlds. Whether you're setting up a server to play with friends or joining an existing server, one of the essential pieces of information you'll need is the server's IP address. The IP address serves as the unique identifier for your Minecraft server, allowing players to connect and join the gameplay experience. In this article, we will shed light on how to locate your Minecraft server's IP address, enabling you to easily connect with others and embark on exciting multiplayer adventures.

Understanding the Basics: What is an IP Address?

An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. It serves as a unique identifier, enabling devices to communicate with each other over the internet. In the context of Minecraft servers, the IP address is used to establish connections between players and the server, allowing them to interact and play together in the same virtual world.

Finding Your Minecraft Server's IP Address:

1. Locating the IP Address for a Server You Own:

   If you're setting up your own Minecraft server, finding its IP address is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps:

   a. Open the Minecraft server software on the computer hosting the server.b. Look for a line that says "Server IP" or "IP Address" in the server properties file or server console. This line typically follows the format "server-ip=" or "ip=".c. The IP address displayed after the equals sign is the IP address for your Minecraft server.

2. Obtaining the IP Address of an External Server:

   To join an existing Minecraft server hosted by someone else, you'll need to obtain the server's IP address. There are a few ways to do this:

   a. Contact the server owner or administrator: If you know the person who runs the server, you can ask them directly for the IP address. They may provide it to you via chat, email, or a dedicated server website.

   b. Server listing websites: There are various Minecraft server listing websites available that provide information about different servers, including their IP addresses. Visit these websites and search for the server you want to join. Once you find the server, the IP address should be displayed alongside other server details.

   c. Minecraft server forums or communities: Engaging with the Minecraft community through forums, social media groups, or dedicated server communities can be a great way to discover new servers and gather information, including IP addresses. Participate in discussions, ask for server recommendations, and you're likely to find the IP addresses shared by fellow players.

Connecting to a Minecraft Server using the IP Address:

Once you have the IP address for the Minecraft server you want to join, follow these steps to connect:

1. Launch Minecraft on your device.
2. From the main menu, click on "Multiplayer" to access the multiplayer server list.
3. Click on "Add Server" or "Direct Connect" to manually input the server information.
4. Enter the IP address you obtained in the appropriate field.
5. Optionally, give the server a name for easier identification.
6. Click "Done" or "Join Server" to connect to the server using the provided IP address.

Note: It's important to ensure that you are using the correct Minecraft version and any required mods or plugins specified by the server owner. Incompatible versions or missing mods can prevent successful connection to the server.