Step 1: Find Your Local IP
On Windows, run:
ipconfig
On Mac/Linux, run:
ifconfig
Look for an address like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x.
Step 2: Log Into Your Router
Open your router's admin page in a browser (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Log in with your router credentials.
Step 3: Add a Port Forward Rule
Create a new rule with these settings:
- Protocol: TCP
- External Port: 25565
- Internal Port: 25565
- Internal IP: Your server PC local IP
Step 4: Allow Your Firewall
Make sure the Minecraft server is allowed in your firewall settings.
Windows example:
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Minecraft" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=25565
Step 5: Test the Connection
Give your public IP address to a friend and have them connect.
Finding Your Public IP
Search for "what is my IP" in your browser, or check your router status page.
If It Still Doesn't Work
- Your ISP may block ports or use CGNAT
- Your firewall might still be blocking Java
- The server might not be running
See Fix Connection Timed Out for a full troubleshooting checklist.