How to Join a Minecraft Server (Java and Bedrock)

Joining a multiplayer server takes less than a minute once you know where the buttons are. The steps depend on which edition of Minecraft you own: Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, while Bedrock Edition runs on Windows, phones, tablets and consoles. If you are not sure which one you have, the title screen tells you: Java says "Minecraft: Java Edition" and Bedrock simply says "Minecraft" with a Marketplace button.

Before you start: find a server address

Every server has an address, usually a hostname such as play.example.net, sometimes followed by a port like play.example.net:25570. On every listing on this site the address is shown next to a Copy IP button. Bedrock servers also show a port number, because the Bedrock client asks for the address and port in two separate fields.

Pick a server that matches your edition. Java-only servers cannot be joined from Bedrock, and Bedrock-only servers cannot be joined from Java. Crossplay servers accept both and list one address for each.

Joining on Java Edition

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and start the version the server supports (see below).
2. On the title screen choose Multiplayer. The first time, Minecraft shows a warning about third-party servers; read it and continue.
3. Click Add Server. Give it any name and paste the address into Server Address. Include the port only if the listing shows one.
4. Click Done. The server appears in your list with its icon, message of the day and player count. Double-click it, or select it and press Join Server.

If you only want to try a server once, Direct Connection does the same thing without saving it to your list.

Matching the version

Java servers run a specific Minecraft version, and many use plugins such as ViaVersion so that newer and sometimes older clients can still join. If you see "Outdated client" or "Incompatible client", open the Launcher, go to Installations, click New installation, and choose the version listed on the server page. Modded servers (for example Pixelmon, Cobblemon or a modpack) need the matching mod loader and mods; their description normally links to a launcher such as CurseForge or Modrinth with the right pack.

Joining on Bedrock Edition (Windows, mobile)

1. Start Minecraft and choose Play.
2. Switch to the Servers tab. Scroll to the bottom of the featured server list and choose Add Server.
3. Enter any Server Name, the Server Address from the listing and the Port. The default Bedrock port is 19132; use the port shown on the listing if it is different.
4. Choose Save (or Play) and select the server to join.

Bedrock always runs the current release, so version mismatches are rare. If a server says it is outdated, update Minecraft from your app store; the server usually updates within a few days of a new release.

Joining on Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch

Console versions of Bedrock only show the featured partner servers and do not offer an Add Server button. Players work around this in two common ways:

• Friend-list method. Some servers and community tools run a bot account that you add as a friend. The bot then appears under Friends as a joinable world that forwards you to the server.
• DNS method. Changing the console's DNS server to a community DNS service redirects one of the featured servers to a menu where you can type any address. Only use services you trust, and switch your DNS back afterwards.

Check the server description first; many crossplay servers explain their preferred way.

Fixing common connection errors

• "Can't resolve hostname" / "Unknown host". The address is mistyped or has a space at the end. Copy it again from the listing.
• "Connection refused" or "Timed out". The server is offline, restarting or blocked by your network. Check the status on the server page: we show Online, Offline or Status unknown based on our own checks every few minutes. School and work networks often block game ports.
• "Failed to verify username". Restart the Launcher and sign in again; your session token has expired.
• "You are not whitelisted". The server only admits approved players. Its description or Discord explains how to apply.
• Bedrock: "Unable to connect to world". Double-check the port. Entering a Java port (25565) in the Bedrock port field is the most common mistake.

After you join

Most servers start you in a spawn area with signs or an NPC explaining the rules, and a /help command that lists the basics. Read the rules before you build, claim your land if the server uses claims, and join the server's Discord if it has one: it is the fastest way to get help from staff.

If you enjoy a server, vote for it. Votes decide its position on our Minecraft server list, and many servers reward voters with in-game items. Not sure which edition to buy or play? Read Java vs Bedrock next.