Which Ports to Open for Minecraft Servers: A Quick Reference
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Minecraft, the popular sandbox game, offers players the opportunity to create and explore vast virtual worlds. When hosting a Minecraft server, one crucial step is ensuring that the necessary ports are open to allow incoming and outgoing connections. Opening the correct ports on your network is essential for players to connect to your server and enjoy multiplayer gameplay. In this article, we will provide a quick reference guide on which ports to open for Minecraft servers.
Default Minecraft Server Port:
The default port for Minecraft server communication is 25565. This port is used for both TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) connections. Opening port 25565 on your network allows players to connect to your Minecraft server from the internet.
Additional Ports for Minecraft Server:
In addition to the default port, there are a few other ports that may need to be opened depending on specific server features and plugins. These additional ports are generally used for specific purposes, such as remote administration or voice chat integration. Here are some commonly used additional ports:
25575: This port is often used for server query purposes, allowing players to retrieve server information without establishing a full connection.
25561-25564: These ports are used for Minecraft's Remote Toolkit (rcon) plugin, which enables remote administration of the server.
8767: This port is commonly used for voice chat plugins such as Mumble or TeamSpeak, allowing players to communicate using voice while playing on the server.
19132-19133: These ports are used for Minecraft Bedrock Edition servers (also known as Pocket Edition or Windows 10 Edition). Port 19132 is used for UDP connections, while port 19133 is used for TCP connections.
Router and Firewall Configuration:
To open the necessary ports for your Minecraft server, you'll need to access your router's administration settings. The process may vary depending on your router brand and model. Typically, you'll need to log in to your router's web interface, locate the port forwarding or virtual server settings, and create a rule to forward incoming connections on the specified ports to your server's local IP address.
It's worth noting that if you are hosting your Minecraft server on a local network, such as within a school or organization, you may need to coordinate with the network administrator to open the required ports. In some cases, network restrictions or security policies may limit your ability to open specific ports.
Testing Connectivity:
Opening the correct ports for your Minecraft server is essential for enabling multiplayer connectivity and ensuring a smooth gameplay experience. By opening port 25565 as the default Minecraft server port and considering additional ports for specific features or plugins, you can provide players with uninterrupted access to your server. Remember to configure your router and firewall settings accordingly and test connectivity to ensure successful connections. With the correct port configuration, you can host a thriving Minecraft server where players can join and explore your virtual world.