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Server Not Showing in List

Players cannot find or connect to the server because the hostname will not resolve. The server may be running fine, the problem is in DNS, the system that turns your domain into an IP address.

What does this error mean?
'Can't resolve hostname' means the client could not translate the domain into an IP. This is a DNS configuration or propagation issue, not a problem with the Minecraft server itself. 
Can't resolve hostname
Most Common Causes
  • DNS records not yet propagated after a change.
  • A missing or incorrect A record.
  • A broken SRV record (used to hide the port).
  • A typo in the domain players are using.
  • Cached old DNS on the client side.
How To Diagnose
  1. Try connecting directly by IP, if that works, it is purely DNS.
  2. Look up the domain ('nslookup' or 'dig') to see what it resolves to.
  3. Verify the A record points at the correct server IP.
  4. Check the SRV record format if you use one to drop the port.
Recommended Fixes
  • Fix the A record
    Point an A record at the server's current public IP.
  • Correct the SRV record
    Use the proper _minecraft._tcp SRV format pointing to the host and port.
  • Wait for propagation
    DNS changes can take time, allow propagation before retesting.
  • Flush local DNS
    Clear the client's DNS cache so it picks up the new record.
Analyze My Log
Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if the IP works but the domain does not, the issue is your DNS records.

It lets players connect without typing the port, mapping the domain to host and port automatically.

Often minutes, but it can take longer depending on TTL and resolvers.