How to fix “Unknown host” in Minecraft

Unknown host indicates that the typed name cannot be resolved. Check the spelling of the address and the DNS result before assuming the server may be down.

Step by step

1. When copying the address, it removes the leading https://, trailing slashes and spaces. Note that the server's web address and the game address may be different.

2. Run Resolve-DnsName play.example.net in PowerShell. For a portless domain in Java, also look at the SRV record with Resolve-DnsName _minecraft._tcp.play.example.net -Type SRV.

3. If you are an administrator, verify that the A or AAAA record, the SRV target, if applicable, is also resolved and the record is published in the correct DNS zone. Different results may be seen during the previous TTL for the new record.

4. Try the same name on a different network or a different public resolver. Once both parties have resolved the address, recheck the actual game connection.

Keep in mind

If only one device is affected, the operating system's DNS cache is also a candidate. Permanently switching to an IP that the server owner has not verified.

Source and tools

• Cloudflare: DNS record types
• Diagnose Minecraft connection