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Host a minecraft server

Host a minecraft server
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Set up and host a private Minecraft server using a computer, learn networking basics, manage players and customize game settings with adult help.

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Step-by-step guide to host a private Minecraft server

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How to Create a Minecraft Server | Easy Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

What you need
Adult supervision required, internet connection, minecraft java edition installed, router login info or adult help

Step 1

Ask an adult to help you check that you have Minecraft Java Edition and a stable internet connection.

Step 2

Create a new folder on your computer named Minecraft Server to keep all server files in one place.

Step 3

Download the official Minecraft Java server file from minecraft.net and save it into the Minecraft Server folder as server.jar.

Step 4

With an adult open a command prompt or terminal in the Minecraft Server folder and run java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui to generate initial files.

Step 5

Open the generated eula.txt file and change eula=false to eula=true then save the file.

Step 6

With an adult run java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui again to start the server and finish creating world files.

Step 7

With an adult allow Java or TCP port 25565 through your computer firewall to let players connect.

Step 8

In the server console type whitelist on to turn the whitelist on and make the server private.

Step 9

In the server console type whitelist add for each friend you want to allow on the server.

Step 10

In the server console type op to give yourself operator powers to manage the server.

Step 11

Open the server.properties file and change settings like gamemode and max-players to what you want then save the file.

Step 12

With an adult log into your router and forward TCP port 25565 to your computer’s local IP address so outside friends can join.

Step 13

Have a friend on a different network join your server using your public IP address followed by :25565 to test that the private server works.

Step 14

Share your finished private Minecraft server project on DIY.org with details about how you set it up and what you customized.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we can't get Minecraft Java Edition, Java, or can't download server.jar?

If you don't have Minecraft Java Edition or can't run the server.jar, ask an adult to use Minecraft Realms or a paid third-party host instead of downloading and running server.jar in the "Minecraft Server" folder.

My server won't start when I run the java command — what should we check?

If java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui doesn't start, make sure server.jar is in the "Minecraft Server" folder, Java is installed and up to date, eula.txt is set to eula=true, and run the command from that folder with an adult to allow firewall or port 25565 prompts.

How can this activity be adapted for younger or older children?

For younger kids (under 10) have an adult perform steps 1–7 (installing Java, running server.jar, editing eula.txt) while the child picks gamemode in server.properties and adds friends to the whitelist, and for older kids let them handle port forwarding, op commands, and customizing server.properties and mods with supervision.

How can we extend or personalize the server after it's working?

After the server is running, personalize it by editing server.properties to change gamemode and max-players, installing mods or plugins into the "Minecraft Server" folder, managing ops and the whitelist for roles, and then share your custom setup on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to host a private Minecraft server

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How To Make A Minecraft Server - Full Guide

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Facts about computer networking and server hosting for kids

🧱 Minecraft is the best-selling video game ever, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.

🌐 Minecraft Java Edition servers typically use port 25565 as the default connection port.

🧩 Mods and plugins (like Spigot, Bukkit, Fabric) let you add mini-games, protections, and custom rules to your server.

🔒 Private servers let you control access with whitelists, operator permissions, and invite-only setups to keep play safe.

🖥️ You can run a small Minecraft server on a home PC or a Raspberry Pi, but a steady upload speed reduces lag for players.

How do you set up and host a private Minecraft server for kids?

To set up a private Minecraft server, choose Java or Bedrock edition and install the appropriate server software on a computer that meets the game’s requirements. Install Java if needed, run the server jar or Bedrock executable, edit server.properties (game mode, difficulty), create a whitelist and operator account, and configure port forwarding or use a VPN/ngrok for remote access—do this with an adult. Test connections, set regular backups, and keep software updated for security.

What materials and software do I need to host a private Minecraft server?

You’ll need a dedicated computer or a sufficiently powerful PC, a reliable internet connection, the Minecraft Java or Bedrock server software, and up-to-date Java for the Java edition. Also: router access for port forwarding or a VPN/Ngrok alternative, optional dynamic DNS or static IP, text editor for configs, external storage for backups, and admin Minecraft accounts. Parents should control account passwords and access to router settings for safety.

What ages is hosting a Minecraft server suitable for?

Hosting a private Minecraft server is generally suitable for children aged 10 and up with adult supervision. Younger children (6–9) can take part in gameplay and design while an adult handles setup and networking. Teenagers can learn more advanced server administration, plugins, and mods. Always consider maturity, technical interest, and online-safety awareness—adults should manage account permissions, whitelist, and network security.

What are the benefits and safety tips for kids running a private Minecraft server?

Benefits include learning networking basics, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and basic server administration or scripting. A private server lets kids customize worlds and manage player behavior in a controlled space. For safety: use a whitelist, strong passwords, limit operator status, avoid sharing IP publicly, keep backups, update software, and use parental monitoring. Always have an adult handle port forwarding and privacy settings to protect personal information.
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