Are you ready to embark on an exciting Minecraft multiplayer adventure with your friends?💁 Look no further!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up your Minecraft server using Hamachi.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, this article will provide all the information you need to create a seamless gaming experience for you and your fellow Minecraft enthusiasts.
Picture this: a world where you and your friends can collaborate, compete, and explore in Minecraft’s vast and immersive realm.
With a dedicated server, you can transform your gaming sessions into epic adventures, customizing every aspect of your gameplay and inviting others to join your virtual community.
And with Hamachi, a powerful virtual private network (VPN) tool, you can effortlessly connect with your friends, no matter where they are, to create a secure and private gaming environment.
In the following sections, we’ll dive into setting up a Minecraft server with Hamachi, covering everything from downloading and installing the necessary software to configuring your server settings.
You’ll also discover valuable tips and tricks to optimize your server’s performance and ensure a lag-free experience for all players.
So, let’s get started and unleash the full potential of Minecraft multiplayer gaming with the help of Hamachi!
How To Prepare to Create the Server
First, you should note that creating servers on Minecraft only works for the Java version of the game on the desktop. The preparation stage consists of downloading and installing hamachi and the Minecraft server file.
Here are the steps to follow:
Download hamachi. On your web browser load the page https://www.VPN.net/ and click the green Download button at the center of the page. Doing this downloads the hamachi setup file to your computer.
Install Hamachi. On Windows, double click the setup file, select language, click Next, check the “I have read” box, then click Next and then Install. When prompted click Yes and then Finish.
For Mac users, open the zip folder, double click the hamachi setup file, click Open, then check the “I have read” box. Next click install and enter your password if prompted and finally click Finish when prompted.
Next, download the Minecraft server file by opening https://minecraft.net/en-us/download/server/ in your browser. Then click the Minecraft_server.1.16.3.jar link to download the Minecraft java edition.
Create a new folder on your computer desktop. You can name the folder “Minecraft server”.
Place the downloaded Minecraft server file in the folder. You can either click and drag the Minecraft server to the folder or copy and paste it into the folder.
After these preparation steps, you can proceed to create the server on your Windows or Mac computer.
Creating Server On Windows
These are the steps to create the hamachi server on Windows:
Download the latest versions of Minecraft and Java. Double click the Minecraft launched and wait for it to update itself if it needs updating. To update java visit https://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp and check the Agree box and continue.
It is suggested that you use internet explorer because many browsers don’t support java.
Open the Minecraft server folder and double click the server file. This will make the server file begin unpacking in the folder.
Agree to the Minecraft server terms of use. Once the “eula” file appears, open it on notepad and change the false in the “eula=false” line to true. Save your changes using Ctrl+S, then exit the notepad.
Double click the server file to allow the server files to continue unpacking.
When you see “Done” in the text at the bottom of the window, you can close the window.
You may like to read our guide on 17 Of The Best Minecraft Servers To Join in.
Creating Server On Mac
The steps for creating a server on Mac are almost identical to those involved for Windows.
Ensure you have the latest version of Minecraft and Windows. Minecraft updates itself when you double click the Minecraft launcher. To download java go to https://java.com/en/download and click the free Java download button.
Double click the Minecraft server file to make it begin unpacking in the folder.
Agree to the Minecraft server terms of service. To do this, wait till the “eula” file appears, open it in TextEdit, and change the false in the “eula=false” line to true. Save the changes using ⌘command+S. Finally, exit text edit.
Continue unpacking the Minecraft server file. Do this by double-clicking the Minecraft server file.
Close the window when the entire procedure is done.
How To Configure Hamachi
Another important step in learning how to setup a Minecraft server with hamachi is to know how to configure hamachi. The steps given below show you how.
Open hamachi. You can use the search feature to search for hamachi or LogMeIn Hamachi, then double click to open.
Turn on hamachi by clicking the power icon at the top of the hamachi window. This will prompt a login window to appear.
Sign up for hamachi. Enter your email, a password, and reenter the password in the spaces provided.
Click the Network tab at the top for the hamachi window. This will prompt a drop-down menu to appear.
Click “create a new network” and in the pop-up window type the name you want to give the server in the “Network ID” text box.
Enter a password for your server and click create.
Copy IP address. Right-click the IP address at the top of the Hamachi window and copy the ipv4 address.
Paste the IP address into the server folder. First, rename “server.properties” text file in the Minecraft server to “serveproperties” file, then open the text edit app and paste the copied IP address at the right side of the “server-ip=” line.
Save the file and exit the text editor.
Right-click server name, then click “go online” from the menu. If you see “go offline”, it means you are already online.
Connect To Your Server
These are the steps to connect to your server. Ensure the hamachi server is already running before you connect.
Run the server file. Double click the java server file in the Minecraft server file to open the file’s command window.
Open Minecraft, then click play, then click multiplayer.
Click “add server”.
Enter the server name in the text box provided, then enter the server IP address in the space provided and click “Done”.
Once the server appears in the search result, select server, and click ” join server”. Wait for the server to load, and when prompted enter the password.
Once all these steps are completed, you can enjoy playing Minecraft as a multiplayer game. Don’t forget to invite your friends so they can play too.
FAQ
Is Hamachi still a viable option for setting up Minecraft servers in 2025?
Yes, Hamachi remains a popular and effective tool for creating virtual LAN networks for Minecraft Java Edition servers, especially for small groups who want to avoid port forwarding. It’s particularly useful for players behind firewalls or on restricted networks.
As of 2025, LogMeIn continues to support Hamachi with regular updates for security and compatibility, including AES 256-bit encryption to protect connections. However, for larger servers or public play, consider dedicated hosting services for better scalability.
What is the latest Minecraft Java Edition version compatible with Hamachi servers?
Hamachi works with any Minecraft Java Edition server version, as it’s a networking tool rather than a game-specific plugin. The current server version as of August 2025 is 1.21.8, which includes fixes for graphical issues and performance improvements.
To set it up, download the latest server JAR from the official Minecraft website and follow the standard configuration steps, ensuring all players are on the same game version to avoid compatibility errors.
How many players can join a free Hamachi network for a Minecraft server?
The free version of Hamachi limits networks to 5 computers or devices, meaning up to 4 friends can join if you’re hosting. If you need more slots, upgrade to a paid subscription like Standard (up to 32 members) or Premium (up to 256).
This limit applies to the network itself, not the Minecraft server’s capacity, which depends on your hardware and settings.
Why can’t my friends connect to my Hamachi Minecraft server, and how do I fix it?
Common connection issues include mismatched Minecraft versions, firewall blocks, or Hamachi network misconfigurations. Ensure everyone is in the same Hamachi network, using your Hamachi IPv4 address (not your public IP) for connection. Check that the server host is the network creator in Hamachi, as this can resolve relay tunnel problems.
Other fixes: Restart Hamachi, disable antivirus temporarily, or verify the server.properties file has the correct server-ip field blank or set to the Hamachi IP. If you see “connection timed out,” confirm the server is running and Hamachi shows all users as online (green status).
Do I need to port forward when using Hamachi for a Minecraft server?
No, one of Hamachi’s main advantages is that it bypasses the need for port forwarding by simulating a local network over the internet.
This makes it ideal for users on shared or restricted routers where opening ports like 25565 isn’t feasible. Just ensure Hamachi is running on all devices, and connections will route through the VPN tunnel securely.
Can Hamachi be used with Minecraft Bedrock Edition servers?
Hamachi is primarily designed for Java Edition and may not work reliably with Bedrock Edition due to differences in networking protocols.
Bedrock servers often require direct IP connections or services like Realms, and Hamachi’s VPN setup can lead to compatibility issues. For Bedrock, alternatives like port forwarding, VPNs such as ZeroTier, or official Bedrock Dedicated Server software are recommended instead.
How do I troubleshoot lag or performance issues on a Hamachi Minecraft server?
Lag can stem from high ping in the Hamachi network, insufficient host RAM, or background processes. Allocate more memory to the server by editing the launch command (e.g., -Xmx2048M for 2GB RAM).
Optimize Hamachi by ensuring low-latency connections—test ping in Hamachi’s chat feature. Close unnecessary apps, use wired connections if possible, and limit world size or plugins. For persistent issues, monitor your system’s CPU and RAM usage during play.
What are the system requirements for hosting a Minecraft server with Hamachi?
Hosting requires a decent PC: at least 4GB RAM (8GB+ recommended for smooth play with mods), a multi-core CPU like Intel i5 or equivalent, and stable internet (upload speed >5Mbps for multiple players).
Hamachi itself has minimal requirements—Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, or Linux support—and runs on most modern hardware. Ensure Java 17 or later is installed for Minecraft 1.21+, as older versions may cause crashes.
How do I update my existing Hamachi Minecraft server to a new version?
Backup your world files first to avoid data loss. Download the new server JAR (e.g., for 1.21.8), replace the old one in your server folder, and run it to generate updated files.
Update the eula.txt if needed, and inform players to update their clients. Hamachi settings remain unchanged, but restart the network to ensure compatibility. Test in a single-player world before going live to check for mod or plugin conflicts.
Is Hamachi safe and secure for hosting Minecraft servers?
Hamachi uses strong encryption (AES 256-bit) and requires passwords for networks, making it secure for private use. However, only invite trusted friends to avoid risks like griefing. Keep Hamachi and Java updated to patch vulnerabilities.
For added security, enable Minecraft’s whitelist feature in server.properties to control who joins. Avoid public networks, as Hamachi is best for small, closed groups.
How do I fix the “relayed tunnel” issue in Hamachi for Minecraft servers?
A relayed tunnel (indicated by a blue dot in Hamachi) often occurs due to firewall restrictions, NAT issues, or poor direct connectivity. To fix it, ensure both you and your friends have UPnP enabled on routers if possible, or try pinging each other in Hamachi to test.
Restart Hamachi services, update to the latest version, or use the “Direct Tunnel” option by right-clicking peers. If persistent, disable IPv6 in network settings or check for conflicting VPNs.
Can I add mods or plugins to my Hamachi Minecraft server?
Yes, you can add mods using tools like Forge or Fabric, or plugins via Bukkit/Spigot, as Hamachi doesn’t interfere with server software.
Download the modded server version matching your Minecraft release, install it in the server folder, and ensure all players have the same mods installed on their clients. Start the server with the modded JAR file, and connect via Hamachi IP as usual. Be cautious with resource-heavy mods to avoid performance drops.
How do I invite friends to join my Hamachi network for a Minecraft server?
After creating your network in Hamachi, share the Network ID and password with friends via chat or email. They need to install Hamachi, click “Join an existing network,” enter the details, and connect.
Once online (green status), they can join the Minecraft server using your Hamachi IPv4 address. Remind them to run the same Minecraft version and have Hamachi active during play.
What alternatives to Hamachi exist for hosting Minecraft servers without port forwarding in 2025?
Popular alternatives include ZeroTier, which offers unlimited free networks with better scalability; Radmin VPN for low-latency gaming; or Ngrok for temporary tunneling (though less secure for long-term use).
For hosted options, try Aternos or Minehut for free servers with easy setup. These bypass port forwarding similarly but may have different limits on players or features.
How can I allocate more RAM to my Hamachi Minecraft server to improve performance?
Edit the server startup script: Create a batch file (Windows) or shell script (Mac/Linux) with a command like “java -Xmx4096M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui” (for 4GB max RAM).
Replace “server.jar” with your file name, save it in the server folder, and run the script instead of double-clicking the JAR. This helps with larger worlds or mods, but don’t exceed your system’s available RAM.
How do I set up a Hamachi Minecraft server on Linux?
Install Hamachi via the official .deb or .rpm package from LogMeIn’s site, then configure it similarly to Windows/Mac by creating a network and copying the IPv4 to server.properties.
Download the Minecraft server JAR, ensure Java is installed (sudo apt install default-jre), and run it in a dedicated folder. Use screen or tmux to keep the server running in the background for headless operation.
How to resolve firewall or antivirus blocking Hamachi connections for Minecraft?
Firewalls like Windows Defender or third-party antivirus can block Hamachi’s ports (17771 UDP/TCP). Add exceptions for Hamachi.exe and javaw.exe in your firewall settings, or temporarily disable them to test.
Run Hamachi and Minecraft as administrator, and check for inbound/outbound rules allowing the programs. If issues persist, delete and recreate Hamachi-related rules.
How do I backup my world on a Hamachi Minecraft server?
Stop the server first to avoid corruption. Copy the “world” folder (or equivalents like world_nether) from your server directory to a safe location, such as an external drive or cloud storage.
Use tools like rsync for automated backups or plugins like WorldEdit for in-game saves. Schedule regular backups, especially before updates or mod additions, and test restores periodically.
How do I fix Hamachi’s “yellow triangle” or tunnel problems on Windows 11?
The yellow triangle often indicates driver issues or connectivity problems on Windows 11. Reinstall Hamachi drivers via Device Manager (uninstall the Hamachi Network Interface, then restart Hamachi to reinstall).
Ensure Windows is updated, disable IPv6 in the Hamachi adapter properties, and check for VPN conflicts. If needed, run Hamachi’s diagnostic tool from the Help menu to identify specific errors.
Can I run a Hamachi Minecraft server 24/7, and what are the considerations?
Yes, but it requires your host PC to stay on continuously, which can increase power usage and wear. Use a batch/script to launch the server in nogui mode and tools like screen (Linux/Mac) or NSSM (Windows) to run it as a service.
Monitor temperatures, ensure stable internet, and set up auto-restarts for crashes. For true 24/7, consider migrating to a VPS or dedicated host instead of Hamachi.
How to handle “Failed to bind to port” or Java bind exceptions on a Hamachi server?
This error usually means port 25565 is in use or blocked. Close any other Minecraft instances, check task manager for lingering java processes, and ensure server-ip in server.properties is blank or your Hamachi IP.
Restart your PC, verify no other servers are running, and test with a different port by editing server-port in properties. If IPv6 is enabled, disable it in Hamachi settings.
Does Hamachi work with Minecraft Realms or cross-play features?
Hamachi is for custom Java servers and doesn’t integrate with Minecraft Realms, which uses official hosting.
For cross-play, Hamachi supports Java Edition only; Bedrock cross-play requires GeyserMC plugins for Java-Bedrock bridging, but setup is complex and may introduce latency. Stick to Realms or Bedrock Dedicated Servers for native cross-platform play without Hamachi.
How much bandwidth does hosting a Hamachi Minecraft server typically use?
For 2-4 players in a vanilla world, expect 50-100 KB/s upload per player, totaling 200-400 KB/s. Modded servers or larger worlds can double this, especially during chunk loading.
Hamachi adds minimal overhead (5-10% for VPN tunneling). Monitor usage with tools like GlassWire; high-bandwidth activities like exploration spikes can hit 1-2 MB/s briefly. Ensure your ISP plan supports sustained uploads.
Can Hamachi be used for large modpacks like Feed the Beast or CurseForge packs?
Yes, but performance depends on your hardware—modpacks like Feed the Beast require 8GB+ RAM and a strong CPU. Install the modpack server files, use Forge/Fabric as the base, and connect via Hamachi IP.
Ensure all players have identical mod versions to prevent crashes. For packs with high entity counts, optimize with plugins like Chunky for pre-generation to reduce lag over Hamachi connections.
What should I do if Hamachi fails to connect to its servers during setup?
This could be due to network restrictions or outdated software. Verify your internet connection, temporarily disable firewalls/antivirus, and ensure Hamachi is updated.
Run as administrator, check LogMeIn’s status page for outages, or reinstall Hamachi completely. If on a corporate/school network, Hamachi may be blocked—use alternatives like mobile hotspots for testing.
How to test Hamachi connectivity before launching the Minecraft server?
In Hamachi, right-click peers and select “Ping” to check response times—successful pings under 100ms indicate good connectivity.
Use the built-in chat to send messages, or run a simple command like “telnet [Hamachi IP] 25565” after starting the server to test port access. If pings fail, resolve relayed tunnels or firewall issues first to avoid Minecraft connection problems.
Conclusion
Setting up a Minecraft server with Hamachi can be a rewarding experience for gamers and Enthusiasts.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a multiplayer environment where you and your friends can embark on epic adventures, build magnificent structures, and explore a virtually limitless world together.
With Hamachi’s ease of use and compatibility with Minecraft, you can bypass the complexities of port forwarding and seamlessly connect with your friends across different networks.
Whether you’re hosting a private server for a small group or creating a bustling community, Hamachi provides a reliable solution for establishing a secure and stable Minecraft server.
Remember to consider the system requirements of your server, allocate sufficient resources, and regularly update your Hamachi software to ensure optimal performance.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with Hamachi’s features and settings, such as network management and security options, to customize your server according to your preferences.
By harnessing the power of Hamachi, you can transform your Minecraft experience into a collaborative and immersive journey.
So, gather your friends, unleash your creativity, and dive into the boundless possibilities that await in your very own Minecraft server.
Get ready to build, explore, and share unforgettable moments!
