Why port forwarding is a problem
- You need admin access to the router, which you often do not have
- Many internet providers share one public IP between customers
- Mobile data and school or dorm networks usually block incoming connections
- Opening ports can expose your network if done wrong
How the PocketHost relay works
Your phone makes an outgoing connection to the relay. Friends connect to the relay address, and the traffic is passed to your server. Because the connection starts from your phone, nothing needs to be opened on the router.
Local play on the same Wi-Fi
Players on the same Wi-Fi can also join with the phone's local address, which skips the relay and has the lowest delay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I host a Minecraft server without opening ports?
Yes. PocketHost uses an outgoing relay connection, so you get a public join address with no port forwarding and no router changes.
Does it work on mobile data?
Yes. Because the phone connects out to the relay, hosting works over mobile data as well as Wi-Fi, though a stable connection gives a better experience.