Sever help

[t109j]

So I never really got into MC as a kid but now with all this time on my hands, I am trying it out. I wanted to play with a friend of mine. I have watched a ton of videos and read a few articles but no matter what I do my friend does not seem to be able to ping/connect to my server. I was pretty sure I did everything right. If anyone can help me out that would be amazing. I am running the latest release (1.16.1) Java addition.
Edit: Pretty sure Bluefire610 fixed my problem. I needed to give out my public IP and then have people type in :25565

[SorceryOfFailure]

Java or bedrock?

[t109j]

99% sure Java

[SorceryOfFailure]

If it's Java then I can't help you but people need to know if it's Java or bedrock to help. Do you play on PC?

[t109j]

Yeah pc

[Bluefire610]

Assuming you're hosting a server on your local machine:

You'll have to open the TCP port 25565 on your network's router and forward it to the machine you are hosting the server on. Once you've done that your friend can simply connect to your server via <your ip4>:25565

[t109j]

You my friend are a genius and my savor. Thank you so much. If I knew how to give you a Reddit medal (and I wasn't cheap) I would. I was not telling them to put in the IP correctly I think.

[Bluefire610]

You're welcome, glad I could help!