How does Minecraft Java Edition server status work?

Minecraft Java Edition servers implement a Server List Ping (SLP) protocol over TCP. When a client opens the server list, it connects to each server and sends a status request. The server responds with a JSON payload containing its MOTD (message of the day), software version, protocol number, current and maximum player counts, and an optional favicon encoded as a base64 PNG. This makes it possible to check any public Java Edition server's status without installing a Minecraft client.

Tool description

The Java Minecraft Server Checker queries any Minecraft Java Edition server and displays its real-time status. Enter the server's hostname or IP address and port, then click Check Server to retrieve the server's MOTD, version, protocol number, and player counts. The server's favicon is displayed as a preview if one is configured.

Features

  • Live server ping — connects to the server using the standard SLP protocol and returns real-time data.
  • Favicon preview — displays the server's 64×64 icon image if the server has one configured.
  • Version and protocol details — shows both the human-readable version string and the numeric protocol version for precise compatibility checking.

Options explained

Field Description
Host Hostname or IP address of the Minecraft server (e.g. play.example.com or 192.168.1.10).
Port TCP port the server listens on. Defaults to 25565.

Tips

  • The default port for Minecraft Java servers is 25565. Only specify a different port if the server uses a custom one.
  • Some servers set their online player count to 0 or display custom values to hide the actual count — this is normal.
  • Bedrock Edition servers use a different protocol (RakNet/UDP) and cannot be queried with this tool.