Port forwarding for Minecraft Server
Ports you need to open
Why is port forwarding required?
Minecraft servers run on your home machine but need an open inbound port so friends outside your LAN can connect. Without port forwarding, players see "Connection refused" or "Can't reach server".
Step-by-step by router brand
TP-Link
- Open http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.1.1
- Advanced → NAT Forwarding → Virtual Servers → Add
- External Port: 25565, Internal IP: your PC, Internal Port: 25565, Protocol: TCP
- Repeat for UDP 19132 if Bedrock
Netgear
- Open http://routerlogin.net
- Advanced → Advanced Setup → Port Forwarding/Port Triggering
- Add Custom Service → name "Minecraft", TCP 25565, point to PC IP
- Add second service for Bedrock UDP 19132
ASUS
- Open http://router.asus.com
- WAN → Virtual Server / Port Forwarding → Add profile
- Source: Any, Port Range: 25565, Local IP: your PC, Local Port: 25565, Protocol: TCP
Security warning
Run the Minecraft server under a non-admin OS user. Use whitelist (ops.json) and a strong RCON password. Block 25565 at the router if you stop running the server.