How do I connect a custom domain (A record / SRV record) to my server? — Minecraft

Q: Can players still use the raw IP?

Yes, the domain is an alias; the IP:port keeps working.

How do I connect a custom domain (A record / SRV record) to my server?

You can point a domain you own at your server through your registrar's DNS settings, so players connect with a name like play.yourdomain.com instead of a raw IP. It takes one or two DNS records depending on your port.

How domain routing works

An A record maps your chosen name to your server's IP. An SRV record (only needed for non-default ports) tells Minecraft which port to use, so players never have to type it.

Step-by-step

At your domain registrar, open DNS settings and add an A record — Type: A, Host: play (or mc, or @ for the root domain), Value: your server IP without the port, TTL: 30 minutes.
If your server runs on the default port 25565, you're done — players connect with play.yourdomain.com.
If your server uses a custom port, also add an SRV record — Service: _minecraft, Protocol: _tcp, Name: the same host you used above (e.g. play), Priority: 0, Weight: 5, Port: your server's port, Target: play.yourdomain.com.

Warning: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate (usually about 30 minutes). Check progress on DNSChecker.org before assuming something is broken.

Tips & best practices

Use a low TTL while testing so changes reach players faster.
Always enter the IP without the port in the A record — the port only ever belongs in the SRV record.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need the SRV record on port 25565? No — default-port servers only need the A record.

Can players still use the raw IP? Yes, the domain is an alias; the IP:port keeps working.