How to Port Forward for Minecraft Server

Complete guide to opening port 25565 so friends can join your Minecraft server. Works with Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS, Linksys, and all other routers.

10 min read Updated Dec 2025

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What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding tells your router to direct incoming traffic on a specific port to a specific device on your network. For Minecraft, you need to forward port 25565 so players outside your network can connect to your server.

Before You Start

You'll need:

  • Access to your router's admin panel (usually requires a password)
  • Your computer's local IP address
  • A Minecraft server running on your computer

Step 1: Find Your Computer's Local IP

Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and run:

ipconfig (Windows)
ifconfig (Mac/Linux)

Look for IPv4 Address - it's usually something like 192.168.1.100. Write this down.

Also note the Default Gateway - this is your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Step 2: Access Your Router

  1. Open a web browser
  2. Type your router's IP in the address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
  3. Log in with your router credentials

Common Router Logins

Netgear: admin / password
TP-Link: admin / admin
ASUS: admin / admin
Linksys: admin / admin

Check the sticker on your router if these don't work.

Step 3: Find Port Forwarding Settings

The location varies by router brand:

  • Netgear: Advanced → Advanced Setup → Port Forwarding
  • TP-Link: Advanced → NAT Forwarding → Virtual Servers
  • ASUS: WAN → Virtual Server / Port Forwarding
  • Linksys: Security → Apps and Gaming → Port Forwarding

Step 4: Create the Port Forward Rule

Add a new rule with these settings:

Service Name: Minecraft
Protocol: TCP/UDP (or Both)
External Port: 25565
Internal Port: 25565
Internal IP: Your PC's IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
Enabled: Yes

Step 5: Configure Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall might block Minecraft connections. Allow it:

  1. Search "Windows Defender Firewall" in Start menu
  2. Click "Allow an app through firewall"
  3. Find "Java(TM) Platform SE binary" or your Minecraft server
  4. Check both Private and Public boxes

Step 6: Find Your Public IP

Visit whatismyip.com to find your public IP address. Share this with your friends - they'll connect using YOUR.PUBLIC.IP:25565.

Security Warning

Port forwarding exposes your home IP address to everyone who connects. This has privacy and security implications. Consider using a VPN or managed hosting for better protection.

Troubleshooting

Friends still can't connect

Check if your ISP uses CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT). Some ISPs share IP addresses, making port forwarding impossible. Contact your ISP to request a public IP.

Connection refused error

Make sure your Minecraft server is actually running. Check that you're using the correct internal IP and that Windows Firewall isn't blocking connections.

IP address keeps changing

Set a static local IP for your computer, or use DHCP reservation in your router. For your public IP, you'd need a dynamic DNS service.

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