With the 1.3 patch for Minecraft, a SRV DNS record can be used to connect to a hostname without requiring the specific port number after the hostname. i.e. yourserver.no-ip.biz:12959.

The SRV record for Minecraft should have the following form:

_minecraft._tcp.name TTL class SRV priority weight port target

You can create an SRV record for your hostname when you login to your No-IP account. From there select the “My Services” > “DNS Records” tab then “Modify” next to your hostname.

You will then need to locate Advanced Records, then click SRV. (Advanced records are only available on Enhanced DNS and Plus Managed DNS accounts. You will need to upgrade your account if you would like the ability to add advanced records.)

Once on the SRV record page, you will need to enter in the following information:
1. Service: minecraft (Underscore will be applied automatically.)
2. Protocol: TCP
3. Priority: 0
4. Weight: 5
5. Target: Your Minecraft hostname.
6. Port: The port your Minecraft server is set to use.
7. TTL: You can leave as default.
8. Finally, select “Submit”.

Once you have implemented your SRV record, you will need to wait 1-5 minutes for the record to propagate.

Your friends should then be able to connect to your Minecraft server using just your hostname.

Note: In order to create an SRV record you will need our Enhanced DNS package. Enhanced DNS is $24.95 USD per year.

With No-IP Enhanced service, you will receive the following benefits:

1. No need to update your hostname every 30 days to keep your hostnames active.
2. Access to No-IP Phone support.
3. Ability to create 25 hosts.
4. More domains to choose from when creating a host.

You can upgrade to Enhanced DNS when you log into your No-IP account. From there select “Upgrade to Enhanced” button located above the “Account Overview” box.

 

You can learn more about using No-IP and Minecraft here.