How SquidServers works

SquidServers is a self-hosting workflow. Your computer is the server.

1. You install the app

Install SquidServers from squidservers.com/download. See Installation.

The app can help install a suitable Java runtime. Recommended starting point: at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB for modded), Java 17 or newer.

2. The server process runs on your PC

When you create and start a server in SquidServers:

Minecraft server files are stored on your disk.
The Java (or Bedrock) server process runs on your CPU and RAM.
You change settings in the app (and in files such as server.properties).

If the app is closed, the PC sleeps, or the internet drops, players cannot stay connected. This is expected for self-hosting. It is not a platform outage in a remote data center.

3. Friends connect through a public address

By default, SquidServers uses playit.gg tunneling so you do not have to port-forward. Players join a hostname such as example.gl.tun.ply.gg.

Port forwarding is optional. It can improve performance when you can set it up. See Port Forwarding.
Custom domains are a Playit Premium feature, configured in the Playit dashboard, not a SquidServers hosting plan. See Can I use a custom domain?.
Extra TCP tunnels may also require Playit Premium. See Can I host more than one server at a time?.

SquidServers is not affiliated with Playit.gg. Tunnel problems can be checked at status.playit.gg.

4. Only the host needs the app

Players add the address in Minecraft Multiplayer (or Direct Connect). They do not install SquidServers.

Always copy the address from the app to avoid typos. A mistyped hostname often shows as Unknown host.

What this means in practice