A custom domain lets players join your Minecraft server using an address such as play.example.com. You set this up at the DNS provider for your domain.
If you do not have a domain yet, you can purchase one on our site here: register a domain name. We also offer web hosting plans, but if you just want DNS hosting, submit a support ticket and we can provide free DNS hosting.
If you only want a quick panel subdomain, use this guide instead: How to add a subdomain to your Minecraft server.
Before you start
- Open your Minecraft server in the control panel and copy the server IP address and port.
- Decide what address players should use. Most servers use a subdomain such as
play.example.comormc.example.com. - If your DNS provider has proxy options, such as Cloudflare orange-cloud proxying, set the Minecraft record to DNS only. Minecraft traffic will not work through a normal website proxy.
Adding the DNS records
Most Minecraft Java servers use an A record for the hostname and an SRV record when the server is not using the default port. Bedrock works a little differently, so use the Bedrock section if players are joining from Bedrock Edition.
Java Edition
If your Java server uses the default Minecraft port, 25565, you normally only need an A record. If your server uses a different port, add an SRV record as well so players do not need to type the port.
| Record type | Name | Value | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | play |
Your server IP address | Points play.example.com to the server IP. |
| SRV | _minecraft._tcp.play |
Target: play.example.comPort: your Minecraft port |
Lets Java players join using play.example.com without typing the port. |
Some DNS providers split the SRV fields into separate boxes. Use _minecraft for Service, _tcp for Protocol, your subdomain name for Name, your Minecraft port for Port, and your hostname such as play.example.com for Target.
Example Java setup
If your server IP is 45.92.36.121, your Minecraft port is 27016, and you want players to use play.example.com, create these records:
| Type | Name | Value or target | Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | play |
45.92.36.121 |
|
| SRV | _minecraft._tcp.play |
play.example.com |
27016 |
After DNS updates, Java players should be able to join using play.example.com. Without the SRV record, they would need to use play.example.com:27016.
Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition players normally connect using the hostname and port separately. You can create an A record for the hostname, but Bedrock players may still need to enter the Bedrock port in-game.
If you are using Geyser or another setup with an extra Bedrock port, use the IP address and port from that Bedrock allocation. For extra port setup, see: How to open an extra port on your Minecraft server.
Wait and test
- Save the DNS records at your DNS provider.
- Wait for DNS to update. This can take a few minutes, but some providers take longer.
- Test the address in Minecraft.
If the domain still does not work, check that the IP address is correct, the SRV target is a hostname and not an IP address, and the record is not proxied through a website proxy. If you are not sure what to set, submit a support ticket and include the domain you are trying to use.
