What IP to Give to Friends for Minecraft: The Ultimate Guide
Minecraft is a game that has taken the world by storm. It has millions of players and continues to grow its fanbase every day. One of the best things about Minecraft is that you can play with your friends. But, if you’re new to the game or not tech-savvy, it can be challenging to know what IP to give to your friends to join your server. In this ultimate guide, we’ll address all your concerns and questions around “What IP to give to friends for Minecraft,” so you can start playing with your friends today.
What is an IP Address in Minecraft?
Before we get into the main topic, it’s important to know what an IP address is in Minecraft. An IP address is a series of numbers that help Minecraft servers and clients locate and communicate with each other. In simple words, it is a unique identifier assigned to a device connected to the internet. If you’re playing Minecraft on a server, you’ll need to enter its IP address to join it.
How to Find Your Minecraft Server IP Address
The first thing you need to do is find the IP address of your Minecraft server. There are a few ways to do this, but the simplest method is using the command prompt on your computer.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt on your computer
- For Windows users, press the “Windows Key + R” simultaneously, and type “cmd.” Press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- For Mac users, navigate to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Terminal.”
Step 2: Type the “ipconfig” command
- Type “ipconfig” in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
- For Mac users, type “ifconfig” instead.
Step 3: Locate the IPv4 address
- Scroll down to the “Ethernet Adapter” or “Wireless LAN adapter” section and look for the “IPv4 Address.”
- The IP address listed is the one of your computer, not the Minecraft server. Note it down for later.
Step 4: Find your Public IP Address
- Go to a website that shows your public IP address (e.g., whatismyip.com).
- The IP address listed is your public IP address, which is the one your friends will use to connect to your server.
Private IP Addresses vs. Public IP Addresses
It’s essential to know the difference between private and public IP addresses. Your computer has a private IP address assigned by your router, which is used to communicate within your local network. However, when communicating outside of your network (e.g., with your friends on a different network), you’ll need to use your public IP address.
What IP to Give to Friends for Minecraft?
So, what IP address should you give your friends to join your Minecraft server? The answer is simple: Give them your public IP address. When your friend inputs the public IP address, they can join your server from anywhere in the world.
However, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind. If your computer has a dynamic IP address (which changes every time you restart your router), your friend won’t be able to connect using your previous public IP address. You’ll need to update them every time your public IP address changes.
How to Host a Minecraft Server for Friends
Now that you know what IP to give to your friends, you may want to host a Minecraft server yourself. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Download and Install the Minecraft Server Software
- Go to the official Minecraft website and download the server software.
- Open the server software and wait for the files to generate.
Step 2: Configure the Server
- Open the server.properties file from the server software folder.
- Change the “server-ip” property to “0.0.0.0” to allow anyone to join your server.
- Customize other properties like “max players” and “difficulty” as necessary.
Step 3: Port Forwarding to Allow Friends to Connect
- Login to your router’s settings (usually by typing your private IP in a web browser’s address bar).
- Navigate to the port forwarding section and forward port 25565 to your computer’s private IP address.
- Save the settings, and you’re ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I play Minecraft with friends without a server?
Yes, you can play Minecraft with friends using the “LAN” option within the game. However, it’s only feasible if you and your friends are connected to the same local network.
Q2: What if I have a dynamic IP address?
If you have a dynamic IP address, you’ll need to update your friends every time your public IP address changes.
Q3: Can I use VPN to play Minecraft with friends?
Yes, you can use VPN to play Minecraft with friends. It works by creating a private network between you and your friends, making it possible to connect to each other’s servers.
Q4: Can I play Minecraft with friends online without a server?
No, you can’t play Minecraft with friends online without a server.
Conclusion
Knowing what IP to give to friends for Minecraft may seem daunting at first, but it’s not that hard. All you need is your public IP address and a willingness to learn. We’ve covered everything you need to know in this ultimate guide. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, log in, and start playing Minecraft together.