CustomPort
If you have ever hosted a Minecraft world for friends on your local network, you know the default LAN port can be a bit of a wildcard. Every time you open your world to LAN, the game assigns a random port number, which means you have to check the chat log, tell your friends the new number, and hope they type it in correctly. It is a small annoyance, but one that adds up quickly if you host regularly. CustomPort fixes this by letting you specify your own port and, best of all, it remembers your choice between game restarts.
Why You Need CustomPort for Minecraft
The vanilla "Open to LAN" feature works fine for casual play, but it lacks control. You might have a friend who needs a specific port for port forwarding, or you might simply prefer a fixed number so you can bookmark it. With CustomPort for Minecraft, you can set the port once and forget about it. The mod stores your preference, so the next time you open your world to LAN, it uses the same port automatically. No more digging through logs or sending a new number to your friends every session.
Key Features at a Glance
- Choose any available port number for your LAN world.
- Your chosen port is saved and reused after you restart the game.
- Lightweight and easy to configure, with no complex settings menu.
- Works seamlessly with both single-player worlds and server hosting via the LAN option.
Supported Versions and Loaders
CustomPort is built for the Fabric mod loader, which is known for its lightweight and fast performance. The mod supports a range of Minecraft versions, including the popular 1.20.x and 1.21.x releases. If you are running a newer snapshot or a slightly older version, check the mod page for the exact list of compatible builds. The installation process is straightforward, so even if you have never used Fabric before, you can get up and running in a few minutes.
How to Install CustomPort
Before you can use the mod, you need to have Fabric installed. If you already use other Fabric mods, you are halfway there. If not, download the Fabric loader for your Minecraft version and run it once to generate the necessary files. Once that is done, follow these steps:
- Download the CustomPort mod jar file from a trusted source such as Modrinth or CurseForge.
- Navigate to your Minecraft directory and open the "mods" folder. If the folder does not exist, create it.
- Place the downloaded jar file into the "mods" folder.
- Launch Minecraft using the Fabric profile.
That is all there is to it. The mod does not require any additional configuration files, and it will start working the moment you open a world to LAN.
How to Use CustomPort in Your Game
Once the mod is installed, open any single-player world and press the "Open to LAN" button. You will notice a new text field appears where you can enter your desired port number. Type in a number between 1024 and 65535, then click the "Open to LAN" button as usual. The mod saves your input, so the next time you open a world, the same port is already filled in. If you ever want to change it, simply edit the field before opening the world.
If you prefer a more automated approach, you can also use the foxygame.net launcher, which includes a curated add-on catalog. The launcher lets you download CustomPort with a single click, and it handles version compatibility checks automatically, so you never have to worry about mismatched mods or missing dependencies. This is especially handy if you manage multiple Minecraft installations or play on different versions, as the launcher keeps everything organized in one place.
Port Forwarding and Multiplayer Tips
Using a fixed port is a game changer if you want to play with friends over the internet rather than just on your local network. By setting a specific port, you can configure your router to forward that exact number to your computer. This makes the connection more reliable and easier to troubleshoot. Just remember to use a port that is not already in use by another application on your machine, and avoid common ports like 8080 or 25565 unless you know what you are doing.
For local play, the fixed port also means you can create a shortcut or a desktop icon that directly connects to your world, since the address never changes. This is a small quality-of-life improvement, but it makes a noticeable difference if you host game nights on a regular basis.
Final Thoughts on CustomPort
CustomPort is a simple mod that solves a real problem. It does not add flashy features or change the core gameplay, but it makes hosting a world much more pleasant. The port is preserved between restarts, so you can set it once and never think about it again. If you have ever been frustrated by the random port assignment in vanilla Minecraft, this is the fix you have been looking for. Download CustomPort, install it with Fabric, and enjoy a smoother LAN hosting experience today.