How to Connect to a Minecraft Server on a Local Area Network (LAN) via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Minecraft — it's not just a game, but a whole world that becomes even more exciting when you have friends. But what if you want to play together over a local network and only have Wi-Fi routerConnecting to a server via a wireless network has its own nuances: from setting up the host to finding the IP address and resolving common errors like "Unable to connect to the server."

In this article we will look at all stages — from preparing the host computer to connecting players to Windows, macOS or LinuxYou will learn how to properly open a port in a firewall, why a server is sometimes not visible in the list, and how to reduce delays (ping) when playing over Wi-Fi. And if something goes wrong, there's a section at the end with solutions to the most common problems.

Spoiler: for a successful connection it is enough Correctly specify the host's local IP address in the Minecraft client and ensure that both devices are on the same networkBut the devil is in the details – let's get to the bottom of it.

1. Preparing the Host: Running a Minecraft Server

Before you connect, you need to create a server on one of the computers. This device will act as host — all other players will connect to it. There are several options for starting a server:

• 📦 Official server from Mojang - the most reliable method, but requires downloading server.jar from the website minecraft.net.
• 🎮 Local world in LAN mode — the easiest, but only suitable for temporary play (the server closes when you leave the world).
• ⚡ Third-party launchers (For example, Forge or Fabric) - if mods are needed.

Let's consider the most universal option - launching an official server:

1. Download server.jar With official website (select the version that matches the players client).
2. Create a folder for the server (eg. C:\Minecraft_Server) and place it there server.jar.
3. Run the file server.jar double click - it will generate configuration files (including eula.txt).
4. Open eula.txt and replace eula=false on eula=true, then save the file.
5. Restart the server. If everything is done correctly, the following line will appear in the console: [Server thread/INFO]: Done!.

The server is now running, but you can't connect to it over the network yet. To do this, you need to allow incoming connections in the firewall and configure the local network.

2. Setting up a local network for Wi-Fi connection

In order for other players to connect to your server, both devices (host and client) must be in one local networkWhen connected via Wi-Fi, this means:

• 📶 Both computers are connected to the same router (it doesn’t matter whether via cable or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 On the router client isolation mode is disabled (AP Isolation), if any.
• 🔒 Server and clients use single IP address range (usually 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x).

It's easy to check that devices are on the same network:

1. On the host (the computer running the server), click Win + R, enter cmd and run the command:

ipconfig

2. Find the line IPv4 address (For example, 192.168.1.100). This is the local IP of the host.
3. On the client computer, run the same command and compare the first three numbers of the IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.x). They must match.

If the IP addresses do not match, check:

• Are both devices connected to the same router (sometimes Wi-Fi and Ethernet can be on different subnets).
• Is the router in the offline mode? Guest Network (guest network) - it isolates devices.

3. Allow connections in the Windows/macOS/Linux firewall

By default, the operating system blocks incoming connections to the server. In order for players to connect, they need to add an exception to the firewall for the port 25565 (standard Minecraft port).

For Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Advanced settings.
2. Select Inbound Rules → Create Rule.
3. Specify the rule type For the port, protocol TCP, port 25565.
4. Allow the connection and apply the rule to all profiles (domain, private, public).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall.
2. Click Firewall settings and add Java to the list of allowed programs.
3. If you need to open a port manually, use Terminal:

sudo pfctl -e
sudo pfctl -F all
echo "pass in proto tcp from any to any port 25565" | sudo tee -a /etc/pf.conf
sudo pfctl -f /etc/pf.conf

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo ufw allow 25565/tcp

Minecraft server is up and running without errors|

Port 25565 is open in the firewall|

Local IP addresses of host and client on the same subnet|

AP Isolation is disabled on the router.

After configuring the firewall, restart the server. You can now connect to it using the local IP address.

4. Connecting to the server from another computer

Once the server is running and the network is configured, all that's left to do is connect. To do this:

1. Launch Minecraft on the client computer.
2. Select Network Play → Direct Connection.
3. Enter the host's local IP address and port separated by a colon (e.g. 192.168.1.100:25565).
4. Click Connect.

If everything is set up correctly, you will see a message Connecting to server..., and then you will find yourself in the world.

If the connection fails, check:

• 🔌 Is the IP address entered correctly (no typos or extra characters).
• 🔥 Is your antivirus blocking the connection (for example, Avast or Kaspersky may close the port).
• 📡 Are there any problems with Wi-Fi (try connecting via cable for testing).

5. Optimizing Wi-Fi connection latency and stability

Playing on Wi-Fi may suffer from high ping or connection breaks. To improve stability:

For maximum stability:

• 📡 Use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 - they are less susceptible to interference.
• 🔌 Connect the host via cable, and leave the clients on Wi-Fi (this will reduce the network load).
• ⚡ Enable it in your router settings QoS (Quality of Service) and set the priority for the port 25565.

6. Solving typical connection errors

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If you use VPN or proxy on the host or client, disable them - they may block local connections.

If the error persists, try:

1. Run the command on the host netstat -a and check if the port is listening 25565.
2. Disable it on the router UPnP (if enabled) and manually forward the port 25565 to the host IP.
3. Temporarily disable antivirus software on both computers for testing.

7. Alternative connection methods (without a local network)

If you can't connect via Wi-Fi, there are alternatives:

• 🌍 Port forwarding on a router — allows you to play online, but requires a public IP (not available with all providers).
• 🔗 Services like Hamachi or ZeroTier — create a virtual local area network via the Internet.
• ☁️ Rented server (For example, Aternos or Minehut) - does not require configuration, but may lag.

⚠️ Attention: Port forwarding exposes your server to the internet, which can be unsafe. Use strong server passwords and update them regularly. Minecraft.

netstat -a | findstr "LISTENING"