How to Set Up a Custom Domain for Your Server
Learn how to connect a custom domain to your Minecraft server so players can join using a memorable address instead of an IP.
Why Use a Custom Domain?
Giving your server a custom domain minecraft server address like play.example.com is more professional and easier to remember than a raw IP address. It also lets you change hosting providers without players needing a new address, since you just update the DNS record to point to your new IP.
Step 1: Register a Domain
Purchase a domain from a registrar like Namecheap, Cloudflare Registrar, Google Domains, or Porkbun. Choose a short, memorable name that matches your server's brand. Prices start around $10 per year for common extensions like .com or .net.
Step 2: Create DNS Records
Log into your domain registrar or DNS provider and create the following records:
If Your Server Uses Port 25565 (Default)
Create an A record:
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | play | YOUR_SERVER_IP | 300 |
Players connect using play.example.com. No SRV record needed since the client defaults to port 25565.
If Your Server Uses a Non-Standard Port
Create both an A record and an SRV record:
| Type | Name | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | play | YOUR_SERVER_IP |
| SRV | _minecraft._tcp.play | 0 5 YOUR_PORT play.example.com |
The SRV record tells the Minecraft client which port to use. See our SRV records guide for detailed setup instructions.
Step 3: Wait for Propagation
DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate worldwide. You can check propagation status using online DNS checkers or by running:
nslookup play.example.comOnce the domain resolves to your server IP, players can connect using the custom domain minecraft server address.
Subdomains for Multiple Servers
If you run a network with multiple game modes, create subdomains for each:
play.example.comfor the main proxy/lobbysurvival.example.comas a forced host for survivalcreative.example.comas a forced host for creative
Each subdomain gets its own A record (or CNAME) pointing to the proxy IP. Configure forced hosts in your proxy to route players based on the subdomain they connect through.
Dynamic IPs
If your server's IP address changes (common with home hosting), use dynamic DNS to keep your domain updated automatically. Our dynamic DNS guide covers the setup. A custom domain minecraft server setup with dynamic DNS ensures players always reach your server, even when your IP changes.
Using Cloudflare
If you use Cloudflare for DNS, make sure the proxy toggle (orange cloud) is turned off for your Minecraft records. Cloudflare's HTTP proxy does not support Minecraft traffic. If you want Cloudflare protection for your custom domain minecraft server, use Cloudflare Spectrum instead.
See a polished network in action: Astroworld MC, IP play.astroworldmc.com, Java + Bedrock.