PowerupStackA DNS SRV record lets Java Edition players use a hostname such as play.example.com without typing a non-default port.
PowerupStack's supplied Java server address already uses an SRV record; follow this guide only when configuring your
own domain. You need access to the DNS settings for that domain.
Get a domain name
Every PowerupStack instance includes a free subdomain, so you do not need to buy a domain just to connect to your server. Use the instance domain shown in the panel if you are happy with the supplied address.
For a custom address such as play.example.com, purchase a domain from a domain registrar or use one you already own.
We recommend Cloudflare Registrar for registering and managing custom
domains. You can also purchase the domain from another registrar and manage its DNS with your chosen DNS provider.
Before you begin
You need:
- A registered custom domain and access to its DNS settings.
- The instance domain and external Minecraft port shown in the PowerupStack panel.
DNS records only direct players to the server; they do not keep an offline instance running.
Disable the Cloudflare proxy
When using Cloudflare DNS, set the Minecraft CNAME or A record to DNS only. In the Cloudflare dashboard, the cloud beside the record must be gray. If it is orange and says Proxied, select it to disable proxying.
Cloudflare's standard orange-cloud proxy handles supported HTTP and HTTPS traffic, not Minecraft game traffic. Leaving the Minecraft record proxied prevents players from connecting. See Cloudflare's proxy-status documentation for the difference between Proxied and DNS only records.
Point a subdomain to the instance
If your DNS provider supports a CNAME at the desired hostname, create:
| Type | Name | Target |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | play | Your instance domain |
Players can use play.example.com:port without an SRV record. Set up an SRV record if Java Edition players should be able to connect without entering the port.
Create an SRV record for a custom port
First create a CNAME record such as server.example.com that points to the instance domain.
Then create this SRV record:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Service | _minecraft |
| Protocol | _tcp |
| Name | play |
| Priority | 0 |
| Weight | 0 |
| Port | Your instance's primary port |
| Target | server.example.com |
The target must be a hostname, not an IP address. Some DNS panels combine the service, protocol, and name into _minecraft._tcp.play.
Wait for DNS changes
DNS updates may take from a few minutes to 24–48 hours, depending on the provider and record TTL. After propagation, Java Edition players can connect with play.example.com.
Troubleshooting
- Remove
http://,https://, paths, and port numbers from DNS target fields. - Make sure the SRV port is the external port shown in the instance panel.
- Confirm that the target hostname resolves to the instance domain.
- In Cloudflare, confirm that every CNAME or A record used for Minecraft shows a gray cloud and DNS only.
- Bedrock Edition does not support DNS SRV records. Bedrock players must always enter both the hostname and assigned server port.
Limitations
Custom DNS SRV records do not trigger auto-start. When the server is offline, use the managed PowerupStack address to start it by joining. Players can use the custom domain after the server is online.
For the managed addresses and ports shown in the panel, follow the Java and Bedrock connection instructions.