//Tutorial·7 min

How to Make a Minecraft Server for Friends (Step by Step)

Q: Is it free to make a Minecraft server?

Yes, if you self-host on your own PC. You only pay if you want hosting that stays online 24/7 without your computer running.

Q: Do my friends need the same mods?

For plugins, no — they just join the server. Only client-side mods require every player to install them.

Q: Why can my friends not connect?

Usually a port forwarding or firewall issue on a self-hosted server. Paid hosting avoids most of this. Double-check the address and that the server is actually running.

Q: Can I record content on my friends server?

Yes. A private server with a whitelist is ideal for recording — you control who joins and what plugins create the content.

A simple step-by-step guide to making a Minecraft server for friends: free self-hosting vs paid hosting, port forwarding, plugins, and how to keep it running smoothly.

make minecraft serverminecraft server for friendsminecraft multiplayerpaper serverport forwarding

PlayingwithfriendsonyourownserveriswherealotofthebestMinecraftmemories—andcontent—comefrom.Settingoneupsoundstechnical,buttheprocessisshortonceyouknowwhichoptionfitsyoursituation.

Short answer

TomakeaMinecraftserverforfriends:choosefreeself-hostingforaquick,casualworldorpaidhostingforsomethingreliablethatstaysonline.RunPaperifyouwantplugins,forwardtheport(orletthehosthandleit),andshareyouraddresswithfriends.

Option 1: Free self-hosting

YoucanrunaserveronyourownPCforfree.Itisthefastestwaytogetplaying,butyourcomputerhastostayonforotherstojoin,anditcompetesforresourceswithyourgameifyouplayonthesamemachine.

01Download the Paper server .jar for your Minecraft version.
02Put it in a dedicated folder and run it once to generate files.
03Accept the EULA in eula.txt.
04Edit server.properties for your world settings and max players.
05Forward port 25565 on your router, or use a tunneling tool, so friends can connect.
06Share your IP address and have a friend test the connection.

Option 2: Paid hosting

Ahostingplanrunsyourserver24/7onsomeoneelse’shardware.Itcostsafewdollarsamonthbutfreesyourmachine,staysonlinewhenyourPCisoff,andusuallyhandlesthenetworkingforyou.Thisisthebetterchoiceforarecurringgrouporaseries.

Add plugins to make it yours

Oncetheserverruns,pluginsturnaplainsurvivalworldintosomethingwithstructure—claims,aneconomy,events,orcustommechanics.Becausepluginsrunontheserver,yourfriendsjustjoin;nobodyhastoinstallanything.

Set a whitelist so only your friends can join. It is one line in the config and it prevents random players from wandering into your world or your recording session.

FAQ

[01]Is it free to make a Minecraft server?

[02]Do my friends need the same mods?

[03]Why can my friends not connect?

[04]Can I record content on my friends server?

Make your server worth recording

Browse private Minecraft plugins built for creators and groups — exclusive mechanics your friends just join into, no installs required.

Browse PluginsBrowse Plugins→

Ready to record

Mods mentioned in this guide

Verity Hearts
Craft eight Verity Hearts, unlock a new power every chapter, ride the final Monster and finish the Ender Dragon with an Orbital strike.
$90.00View mod →
Grow Up
Craft a magic emerald and just hold it — your character starts growing in real time.
$9.99View mod →
Animals Disguise
An item that turns you into an animal — and everyone can see it.
$9.99View mod →

Browse all mods →