Minecraft Server Domain Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want a friendlier address players can type without memorizing an IP?

This brief guide shows how a readable host like mc.yourdomain.tld routes players to your game. You will learn which DNS entries map a hostname to your host IP and when an SRV record is required for custom ports.

The default port for Minecraft is 25565. If you keep that port, a simple A record often suffices. Use an SRV record when your service runs on a non-default port so clients contact the right address and port combination.

Examples use Namecheap, Name.com, and IONOS, with exact field values rather than screenshots. Expect most changes to appear within minutes, though global propagation can take longer.

By the end, you’ll have a clean connection string like mc.yourdomain.tld that hides the numeric IP and makes sharing easy. For provider-specific notes and a practical reference, see DNS setup for a game host.

Key Takeaways

• Use an A record to point a hostname at your host IP for default ports.
• Add an SRV record when the service uses a custom port so clients find the right port.
• Namecheap, Name.com, and IONOS provide guided DNS tools for record creation.
• Expect quick local updates; global DNS propagation may take longer.
• Result: a memorable host like mc.yourdomain.tld that hides the raw IP.

Before You Start: What You Need and How DNS Routes Minecraft Traffic

Plan a quick checklist before editing DNS so changes go smoothly.

Requirements:

• Public IPv4 address for your host.
• Open port 25565 by default, or your custom port.
• Login access to the registrar or hosting account where DNS records live.

Finding IP and port on IONOS

On IONOS, locate the instance IP under Server & Cloud. Check open ports under Network > Firewall Policies. Note both values before editing DNS records.

What A and SRV records do

An A record maps a simple host label like mc to an IPv4 address so the domain name system resolves your chosen subdomain to physical hardware.

An SRV record gives the client the service and protocol plus the port and target hostname. Use an SRV when your port is not the default. Key SRV fields are Service (_minecraft), Protocol (_tcp), Target (your A-record hostname), Port, Priority, Weight, and TTL.

“Use a subdomain like mc.yourdomain.tld to keep services tidy and avoid conflicts.”

How to add domain name to minecraft server

Using a short subdomain makes the connection string easier to share and remember.

Create the A record

Map a label (mc or @ for the bare domain) to your public IP. Set the Host/Hostname to the chosen label and point the Value or Directs field to the server IP.

Choose a low TTL while testing so changes appear quickly. Click the Add Record or Save button in your provider account when finished.

Create the SRV record

When the port is not 25565, create an SRV that includes Service (_minecraft), Protocol (_tcp or _tcp.sub), Priority (0), Weight (5), Port (your listener), and Target (the A-record hostname).

Make sure the Target exactly matches an existing A record (example: mc.example.com). Use a short TTL during setup.

Bare domain vs subdomain

Use a subdomain like mc.yourdomain.tld for clarity and fewer conflicts. Reserve the bare domain if the whole domain exists solely for the game address.

Provider examples and timing

• Name.com: My Domains > Manage DNS Records. Add an A (Host=mc, Answer=IP) then an SRV (Service=minecraft, Protocol=tcp.mc, Port=25565, Target=mc.example.com, TTL=300). Changes usually appear within an hour.
• Namecheap: For a bare domain use Host=@ for A; for a subdomain use Host=mc. SRV entries use Service _minecraft and Protocol _tcp or _tcp.mc. Save All Changes; expect ~30 minutes.
• IONOS: Add A with Hostname set, then SRV with Service minecraft and Protocol TCP. Use minimal TTL for faster propagation.

If you prefer a guided walkthrough, see this Namecheap support article: link the domain.

Verify, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Your Minecraft Domain Setup

Quick verification cuts guessing and gets players online fast.

Test in the client: Launch Minecraft, open Multiplayer > Add Server, enter your subdomain (for example, mc.yourdomain.tld) as the Server Address, and try to join. A successful connect proves your A and SRV records resolve and the port is reachable.

Common fixes include ensuring the SRV target points at a hostname with an A record, matching the SRV Port to the server listener, and confirming Protocol is _tcp with Service _minecraft.

• Check for missing A records, wrong port values, or typos in hostname fields.
• Allow TTL propagation: Namecheap ~30 minutes, Name.com up to an hour (sometimes 24 hours).
• Use DNS lookup tools to verify A and SRV entries and confirm Priority 0 and Weight 5 values.

Best practices: keep a clear subdomain like mc, document records and account details, then raise TTL after testing to stabilize caching and reduce queries.

“Verify DNS entries, match ports, and document settings for consistent, repeatable setups.”

Conclusion

Finish by confirming the A record points at your public IP and that any SRV entry uses the exact target hostname and port. Check each value and field, then test the address in the client. A correct setup yields a clean minecraft server address for players.

Remember: use an SRV when you run on a non-25565 port. If you keep the default, a single A record often suffices. Document each name and all records while testing.

Propagation varies: Namecheap is often ~30 minutes, Name.com about an hour (rarely 24), and IONOS supports minimal TTL for faster checks. Provider menus differ, but Service, Protocol, Target, Port, Priority and Weight are the same across domains.

Keep a changelog of record edits, raise TTL after validation, and re-test in the game if the first try fails. A friendly address reduces friction when inviting friends.