How to Port Forward a Minecraft Server: Expert Tips Included

So you’ve built a custom Minecraft map, invited your friends, and spent hours perfecting every block, only to realize no one can actually join your server. One wrong number, and suddenly you’re trapped in a maze of IPs, firewalls, and router settings.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down how to port forward your Minecraft server step by step (without melting your brain in the process).

Or you could skip the headache entirely and switch to PaperNodes for blazing-fast servers, built-in DDoS protection, and zero port forwarding drama.

What is port forwarding?

Port forwarding is basically your router allowing your game traffic into the party.” Without it, your poor server sits there waiting for players who can’t find the doorbell.

Your router uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to protect your devices by checking IDs and only allows access to those on the list. It keeps your home network safe by only allowing responses to requests made by your devices. By default, anything trying to come in uninvited gets blocked.

When you set up port forwarding, you’re basically telling the router, “Hey, this specific kind of traffic is allowed in.” It’s like giving the bouncer a heads-up that your friends are on the list. When you open a specific port, game data (like from your friends’ computers) can reach your local Minecraft server instead of getting stopped at the gate.

How to port forward a Minecraft server?

First, make sure your Minecraft server is actually running on your computer. It sounds obvious, but some people forget to hit “Start Server” and then spend half an hour wondering why nothing’s working.

Next, you’ll need your server port number, which is that little ID tag your game uses to send and receive traffic. By default, Minecraft Java Edition uses 25565, while Bedrock Edition sticks to 19132–19133.

Then, find your local IP address, a.k.a. your computer’s “home address” inside your network. You’ll need this to tell your router exactly where to send all that glorious Minecraft data.

Finally, make sure you have your router login info handy. Once you’ve got all that, you’re ready to start hosting like a pro.

Step 1: Configure the Minecraft server port

Head to your Minecraft server folder and find a file called server.properties. You’ll see a line that says server-port=25565. That’s your default port.

If you want to use a different port (maybe because you’re running multiple servers or just want to feel special), change that number to something else, like 25566. Then, save the file and restart your server so it actually listens on the new port.

Step 2: Allow Minecraft port through the system firewall

If you’re on Windows, open Windows Defender Firewall, go to Advanced Settings, and add a new Inbound Rule for TCP and UDP on your chosen port.

On macOS, head into System Settings → Network → Firewall → Options and allow incoming connections for Java.

If you’re on Linux, you probably already know your way around ufw or iptables. Just make sure that the same port is open for both TCP and UDP.

Once that’s done, you’ve declared your Minecraft traffic safe to your computer.

Step 3: Log in to your router

Open your browser and type in your router’s gateway IP, something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. If that doesn’t work, Google your router brand + “default gateway.”

Once you’re in, look for a section called Port Forwarding, NAT Forwarding, or Advanced Settings.

Step 4: Set up a port forwarding rule

Click Add New Rule (or something similar) and fill it out like this:

• Name/ID: Minecraft
• Protocol: TCP/UDP (or “Both”)
• External Port: 25565 (or your custom port)
• Internal Port: Same number as above
• Internal IP: Your computer’s local IP (the one hosting the server)

Hit Save or Apply, then give your router a minute to process it. Congrats—you’ve officially created a door to your server.

Step 5: Verify and restart

Restart your Minecraft server so the new settings kick in. Then, double-check that your computer still has the same local IP address. If your router shuffles IPs, set yours as static or reserved in the router settings.

If something’s still not working, go through your firewall and router settings again, since 99% of issues come from a missed checkbox or a typo.

Step 6: Share public IP and connect

Open What's My IP to find your public IP address. Share it with your players in the format your-ip:25565 (or your custom port).

A small word of caution: don’t post your IP everywhere. Treat it like your home address. Share it only with people you trust, or you might invite some uninvited “guests.”

Once everyone’s in and running around, take a moment to celebrate. You just opened your own little corner of the Minecraft universe.

Troubleshooting common port forwarding issues

Port forwarding can be a little dramatic, and it loves to break for reasons that make no sense until 2 a.m. when you’re deep in a troubleshooting spiral. Here’s what to check:

• Check if your ISP is blocking ports (CGNAT): Your internet provider might be using Carrier-Grade NAT, which shares one public IP across multiple users. That means your server can’t be reached directly. To solve this, call your ISP and ask for a static IP or change your ISP if they don’t provide a static IP.
• Update your router’s firmware: Outdated software causes weird network bugs that can break port forwarding entirely. To solve this, log in to your router’s admin panel, look for a firmware update option, and install the latest version.
• Look for conflicting port rules: Sometimes two devices are fighting over the same port, or your firewall is quietly blocking traffic while you wonder why your friends can’t connect. Removing or changing duplicate port entries will make sure your firewall allows incoming connections on the port you’re forwarding.
• Use an online port checking tool: Search “check open port” to see if your port is visible from outside your network. If the port doesn’t show as open, recheck your router settings and confirm your local device’s IP hasn’t changed (it can happen after a reboot).

Additional tips on Minecraft port forwarding

Here’s how to make your setup smoother and less chaotic in the long run:

• Set a static local IP: If your computer’s IP changes every time you restart, your port forwarding rules will break faster than a creeper near redstone. Reserve it through your router’s DHCP settings.
• Try DMZ: DMZ exposes one device directly to the internet. Use this only if nothing else works and you understand the risks.
• Skip port forwarding entirely: You can host through a VPN with port forwarding or use tunneling services like ZeroTier, Hamachi, or Cloudflare Tunnel. They create secure virtual connections without the router hassle.

Simplify Minecraft hosting with PaperNodes

If you’d rather spend your time mining diamonds than fixing router settings, PaperNodes is your shortcut to smooth, secure gameplay.

Papernodes Minecraft servers come with built-in DDoS protection, lightning-fast speeds, 24/7 support, and a Discord community that’s always ready to help.