How to Find Your Game Server's IP and Port
what is my server IPserver addressconnect IPTo let friends join, they need your server's IP address and port. Where you find them depends on whether the server is hosted or running on your own PC.
On a hosted server
Your host shows the server's IP and port in the control panel and the welcome email — usually as ip:port (e.g. 217.156.22.2:27015). That full address is exactly what you share. Done.
On a server you run at home
There are two different IPs, and that trips people up:
- Local IP (like
192.168.1.50) — only works for people on your own network/LAN. - Public IP — what people on the internet use. Find it by searching "what is my IP" or:
# show your public IP from the server
curl ifconfig.meYour public IP is your home connection's IP. Sharing it widely exposes you to DDoS. Only share it with people you trust — or host the server so it has its own protected IP.
Finding the port
The port is set in the server's config (or your start command). Defaults: Minecraft 25565, Source/CS2 27015, Rust 28015, FiveM 30120. If you changed it, share that number after a colon.
Test it actually works
Don't make friends be your test. Check the address from outside your network with our server status checker — if it shows online, your ip:port is correct and reachable.
Hosted server: copy ip:port from the panel. Home server: share your public IP (carefully) plus the port — and test it from outside first.
Common mistakes when sharing a server IP and port
- Sharing the local
192.168.x.xIP instead of the public one — it only works on your own network and will fail for everyone else. - Forgetting the port when it's non-default — friends land on the wrong game or the wrong server entirely.
- Copying an old IP after your ISP or host changed it — always re-check before sharing rather than reusing an old message.
- Typing a URL format (like
http://ip:port) where the game client expects a plainip:port.
How to prevent IP and port mix-ups
For a home server, use a dynamic DNS hostname instead of a raw IP if your ISP changes it often, so you only ever need to share one address that stays current. For a hosted server, the ip:port in your panel doesn't change unless you move plans — bookmark it there rather than copying it into a separate note that can go stale.
Related networking guides
If the port isn't reachable yet, start with how to port forward a game server. If players time out even with the right ip:port, see "Connection timed out" joining a game server. Test reachability anytime with our server status checker.
A clean ip:port, protected
Every ESAGAMES server comes with its own protected IP and port — share it freely, attacks are filtered for you.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between my local and public IP?
Your local IP (192.168.x.x) only works inside your home network. Your public IP is what the rest of the internet sees and is the one friends outside your network must use to connect.
How do I find what port my server uses?
It's in the server's config file or start command. If you never changed it, it's the game's default (Minecraft 25565, CS2 27015, Rust 28015, FiveM 30120).
Is it safe to share my server's IP?
For a hosted server with DDoS protection, yes. For a home server, your public IP is also your home connection — share it only with people you trust, since it can be targeted.
Does my server's IP change over time?
A hosted server's IP stays fixed for the life of the plan. A home server's public IP can change if your ISP assigns dynamic IPs — check your router's WAN IP periodically or use dynamic DNS to avoid re-sharing it constantly.
What is dynamic DNS and do I need it?
Dynamic DNS gives you one hostname (like myserver.ddns.net) that automatically updates to point at your current public IP. It's useful for a home server on a dynamic IP, but unnecessary for a hosted server, which already has a fixed IP.
Can two game servers share the same IP?
Yes — as long as they use different ports. This is common on both home setups and hosted servers running multiple games, since the IP identifies the machine and the port identifies which service to reach.
Why does my status checker show offline even though the server is running?
Usually the port isn't actually open/forwarded yet, you're checking the wrong ip:port, or the server hasn't finished starting. Confirm the exact address and port match what's in the server's own config.
Related articles
How to Port Forward for a Game Server (and Why You Might Not Need To)
How to port forward a home game server — the steps, the ports, and why CGNAT can block it.
Read fix NetworkingFix "Connection Timed Out" When Joining a Game Server
"Connection timed out" joining a server? How to tell whose side it is — and fix it.
Read fix NetworkingWhat Causes Packet Loss in Games (and How to Fix It)
Rubber-banding and warping is packet loss, not lag. What causes it, how to test, and how to fix it.
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