Custom Domains#
A custom domain provides a professional, memorable address for your server instead of a raw IP like 66.118.235.132:25565.
Domain Options#
Free Subdomain#
QualityNode offers free subdomains through the Network tab in your control panel. Choose from options like:
yourserver.minecraft.horse- Other available domain endings
Custom Domain#
Purchase a domain from registrars like:
- Porkbun (often cheapest)
- Cloudflare
- Namecheap
Most domains cost $1-10 per year.
Setup Instructions#
Step 1: Access DNS Management#
Log into your domain registrar's control panel and find the DNS records section (sometimes labeled "Custom DNS" or "DNS Settings").
Step 2: Create an A Record#
Add a new DNS record with these settings:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | A |
| Name | play (or @ for root domain) |
| Address | Your server IP (without port) |
| TTL | Auto or 3600 |
Example: For play.yourdomain.com pointing to 66.118.235.132
Note
Cloudflare users: Set the proxy status to "DNS only" (grey cloud). The orange cloud proxy breaks Minecraft connections.
Step 3: Create an SRV Record (If Needed)#
Only required if your server uses a non-standard port (not 25565):
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | SRV |
| Name | _minecraft._tcp.play |
| Priority | 0 |
| Weight | 0 |
| Port | Your server's port |
| Target | play.yourdomain.com |
Adjust the name to match your subdomain (e.g., _minecraft._tcp for root domain).
DNS Propagation#
DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate globally, though most updates complete within a few hours.
You can check propagation status at dnschecker.org.
Bedrock Edition Note#
Warning
Bedrock Edition does not support SRV records. Bedrock players must enter the server IP and port separately when connecting, even if you have a custom domain.
Using Root Domain#
To use yourdomain.com (without a subdomain):
- Set the A record Name to
@ - Set the SRV record Name to
_minecraft._tcp
Troubleshooting#
Domain not connecting#
- Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours)
- Verify the A record points to the correct IP
- Check that SRV record exists (for non-25565 ports)
- Disable Cloudflare proxy if enabled
Connection refused#
- Confirm your server is running
- Verify the port in your SRV record matches your server
Works for some players, not others#
- DNS propagation is still in progress
- Ask affected players to try flushing their DNS cache