---
title: "FAILED TO BIND TO PORT error on a Minecraft server"
url: https://help.endercloud.in/docs/failed-to-bind-to-port
category: "Minecraft Hosting › Troubleshooting & Performance"
type: Troubleshooting
tags: ["network", "ports", "startup", "troubleshooting"]
keywords: "**** failed to bind to port!, perhaps a server is already running on that port, java.net.bindexception, address already in use, cannot assign requested address, bind failed, server-port, server-ip, port already in use, dynmap port, voice chat port, geyser port, port error, failed to bind to port, failed to bind, port in use, bindexception, port bind error, server-port changed"
difficulty: beginner
time: "5 minutes"
updated: 2026-11-14
source: Endercloud Knowledge Base (official)
---

# FAILED TO BIND TO PORT error on a Minecraft server

> This error means the server, or a plugin, tried to use a port it doesn't own. Never change server-port yourself; the panel assigns it. Give plugins their own extra port from the Network tab.

If the console shows `**** FAILED TO BIND TO PORT!`, often followed by `java.net.BindException: Address already in use` or `Cannot assign requested address` and *"Perhaps a server is already running on that port?"*, the server or one of its plugins tried to open a network port it is not allowed to use. On Endercloud this almost always comes from a changed setting, not from another server.

## Why it happens

-   **`server-port` or `server-ip` was changed** in `server.properties`. Your server can only use the port the panel assigned to it.
    
-   **A plugin or mod uses the main port** or a port that isn't yours. Web maps (Dynmap, BlueMap), voice chat, Geyser and query/RCON each need their own port.
    
-   **Two parts of the server use the same port**, for example Dynmap and voice chat set to the same number.
    

## How to fix it

### 1\. Put server-port and server-ip back

> **Important:**
> **Never change `server-port` in server.properties.** The panel assigns your port (you can see it in the address at the top of the panel) and may set it back on every start. A different number will not work.

1.  Look at your server address in the panel header, for example `in6.endercloud.in:45568`. The number after the colon is your port. It is also the port marked **Primary** in the **Network** tab.
    
2.  Open **Properties** (or **Files** → `server.properties`).
    
3.  Make sure `server-port` matches that number.
    
4.  Leave `server-ip` as the panel set it (empty or `0.0.0.0`). Do not put your server's public IP or domain there; that causes `Cannot assign requested address`.
    
5.  Save and restart.
    

### 2\. Give each plugin its own extra port

Your plan includes extra ports (allocations). Open the **Network** tab. It shows a line such as *"You are currently using 1 of 3 allowed allocations"*; that count includes your main port, which has the **Primary** badge. Click **Create Allocation** to add a port if you have one left, then put that port in the plugin's config:

| Plugin or mod | Where to set the port |
| --- | --- |
| Dynmap | `plugins/dynmap/configuration.txt` → `webserver-port` |
| BlueMap | `webserver.conf` in BlueMap's config folder → `port` |
| Simple Voice Chat | `voicechat-server.properties` → `port` |
| Geyser (Bedrock players) | Geyser's `config.yml` → `bedrock` → `port` |

Use a **different** extra port for each plugin, then restart. Guides: [How to add extra ports](/docs/how-to-add-extra-ports), [Dynmap and BlueMap](/docs/dynmap-and-bluemap-web-map), [Simple Voice Chat](/docs/simple-voice-chat-setup), [Geyser and Floodgate](/docs/geyser-and-floodgate-java-bedrock-crossplay).

### 3\. Check query and RCON

If you turned on `enable-query` or `enable-rcon` in server.properties, their ports (`query.port`, `rcon.port`) must also be one of your ports from **Network**, and different from each other. If you don't need them, turn them off.

### 4\. Restart cleanly

Use **Stop**, wait until the server shows Offline, then **Start**. If the error still appears with all settings correct, open a ticket.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Can I use port 25565 so players don't need to type a port?**

Not by changing server-port. A port-free address needs a **dedicated IP** (open a ticket, price on request), or you can use a free subdomain with an SRV record for Java players. See [Free subdomain and dedicated IP](/docs/free-subdomain-and-dedicated-ip).

**Q: The error mentions a port I don't recognise**

Search your `plugins` or `config` folder for that number. The file that contains it belongs to the plugin or mod trying to use it.

**Q: Is the server still usable when a plugin fails to bind?**

Often the server starts but that plugin's feature (map, voice chat, Bedrock join) doesn't work. Fix its port and restart.