Minecraft server is running on home network but my friends can't log in

Login from the local network indicates that the server software is running. In an external connection, the game package must also reach the server from the modem.

Step by step

1. Sending local address like 192.168.x.x to your friends. Use your provider's public IP, tunnel's public address, or verified domain name.

2. Compare the forwarding destination on the modem to the current local IP of the server computer. Check the TCP or UDP rule depending on the game edition.

3. Compare the modem's WAN address with the public IP. If there is double NAT or CGNAT, port forwarding may not end in a single step.

4. Compare local and external path by connecting via phone's mobile data. However, if the external test fails, fix the network path without changing the server world or game version.

Keep in mind

Some modems do not allow returning from home to public IP. That's why external network testing is more reliable.

Source and tools

• GeyserMC: Port forwarding
• Diagnose Minecraft connection