MineTunnel field guide

From download
to multiplayer.

Follow the path for your role. Hosts share the server already running on their computer; friends turn the shared address into a local server inside Minecraft.

I run the server I'm joining a friend
↑

Host appCreates the share address

secure route
↓

Friend appCreates localhost for Minecraft

BEFORE YOU START

Bring these with you.

MineTunnel connects an existing Minecraft Java server. It does not create a world or install a Minecraft server for you.

HOST

To share a server

  • A Minecraft Java server that works locally
  • The server computer's port—usually 25565
  • A MineTunnel account and the Host app
  • Windows 10/11 or a modern x64 Linux desktop
FRIEND

To join a server

  • Minecraft Java Edition
  • The same Minecraft version as the host
  • The Friend app—no account needed
  • The full address sent by your host
HOST PATH

Put your server online.

Complete these steps on the computer running your Minecraft server.

  1. 01

    Download the Host app

    Create or sign in to your MineTunnel account, then download the Host app for the computer running your Minecraft Java server.

    Windows: run the .exe installer. Linux: mark the AppImage as executable, then open it.
  2. 02

    Start your Java server first

    Launch your existing Minecraft Java server and wait until its console says it is ready. MineTunnel does not replace the server—it securely shares the one already running.

    The default server address is localhost:25565. If server.properties uses a different server-port, keep that number handy.
  3. 03

    Sign in and confirm the port

    Open MineTunnel Host and sign in. Under Server settings, make sure the port matches server-port in your server.properties file, then choose Save.

    Most users should leave this at 25565.
  4. 04

    Start the tunnel

    Choose Start tunnel. Wait until the status changes to Tunnel Active and a green public address appears.

    Keep both the Minecraft server and MineTunnel Host running while friends are playing.
  5. 05

    Send the green address

    Choose Copy beside the share address and send that full address to your friends.

    Share the address ending in .mc.minetunnel.xyz—not localhost and never your MineTunnel password.
Host appTunnel active
MineTunnel Host dashboard showing an active tunnel and the public share address
The address in the green Share this address card is the one your friends need.

THE THREE ADDRESSES

Each address has exactly one job.

HOST COMPUTERlocalhost:25565

The Java server already running locally.

SHARE WITH FRIENDSmossy-hill.mc.minetunnel.xyz

The public address copied from Host.

FRIEND'S MINECRAFTlocalhost:25565

The local address created by Friend.

FRIEND PATH

Join their world.

You only need the Friend app and the address from your host. You never need the host's MineTunnel login.

  1. 01

    Download the Friend app

    Install MineTunnel Friend on the computer you use to play Minecraft Java. A MineTunnel account is not required for friends.

  2. 02

    Paste the host address

    Copy the full .mc.minetunnel.xyz address your host sent, paste it into Address from your host, and choose Connect.

  3. 03

    Wait for the green status

    When the app says Connected, it will show a local Minecraft address—normally localhost:25565.

  4. 04

    Join from Minecraft

    Open Minecraft Java → Multiplayer → Add Server or Direct Connection. Enter localhost:25565 and join.

  5. 05

    Keep Friend open

    Leave MineTunnel Friend running for the whole play session. Choose Disconnect after leaving the server.

Friend appPaste and connect
MineTunnel Friend app with a host address pasted and ready to connect
Paste the complete address from the host, then choose Connect.
Friend appConnected
MineTunnel Friend app connected and showing localhost 25565 for Minecraft
When the status turns green, use the displayed localhost address inside Minecraft Java.

QUICK FIXES

If the path is blocked.

Check these in order. Most connection problems are a stopped local server, the wrong port, or an address pasted into the wrong app.

Host never becomes active

  • Confirm the Java server finished starting
  • Match the Host app port to server.properties
  • Stop another Host app already using the same tunnel

Friend cannot connect

  • Ask the host to confirm Tunnel Active
  • Paste the complete .mc.minetunnel.xyz address
  • Check that both apps are still open

Minecraft says incompatible

  • Use Minecraft Java Edition
  • Match the host’s Minecraft version
  • Install the same required mods or modpack

localhost is confusing

  • The host shares the public MineTunnel address
  • The friend pastes that address into Friend
  • Only Minecraft receives localhost:25565

Share the tunnel, not your credentials.

Friends only need the .mc.minetunnel.xyz address. Never send your MineTunnel password, server admin credentials, or home IP address.

Ready to open the world?

Choose your app and follow the green lights.

Hosts can try a live tunnel free for 30 minutes. Friends can join without creating an account.

Download the apps View host pricing