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This guide explains how to share a Minecraft server using an ngrok TCP endpoint. It covers starting a TCP tunnel on the default Minecraft port (25565), sharing the connection address, and troubleshooting common issues.

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What you’ll need

  • A Minecraft server running locally.
  • The ngrok agent installed.

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1. Start a TCP tunnel

Use the ngrok agent to open a TCP endpoint on port 25565: 
ngrok tcp 25565

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2. Share the connection address

Connect to your Minecraft server using the TCP address shown in the ngrok agent output (for example, tcp://1.tcp.ngrok.io:12345). If you need to restrict access to specific public IP addresses, follow the secure Minecraft server example.

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Minecraft on ngrok’s free plan

The free plan has the following restrictions:
  • A valid credit or debit card is required.
    • To help combat abuse on the platform, a valid credit or debit card must be added to your account before using TCP endpoints on the free tier.
    • This card is not charged.
  • There is no permanent TCP address.
    • When you restart the agent, you need to send a new TCP address to your players.
    • Paid accounts let you reserve a TCP address for reuse.
    • For example, start the TCP endpoint with ngrok tcp --url tcp://1.tcp.ngrok.io:12345 25565.
  • Bandwidth is limited.
    • The free plan includes a limited amount of bandwidth per month.
    • When you exceed it, players can’t connect to your server.
Static/unchanging addresses and increased bandwidth limits are available with the Pay-as-you-go plan.

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Troubleshooting

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Bandwidth limit exceeded

If you exceed the bandwidth limit on your account, players can no longer connect to your server. Players attempting to connect may see a Disconnected message in the Minecraft client. Your server logs may show a client connecting and immediately disconnecting. Check your usage page to ensure you haven’t exceeded your “Bandwidth Limit Out” limit.