What you need before you can join

To join a Minecraft server, you need a copy of Minecraft Java Edition (the PC version) or Minecraft Bedrock Edition (available on Windows 10/11, console, or mobile). You also need the server's address — a string of numbers and a colon, like 192.168.1.1:25565, or a domain name like play.example.com. The person running the server will give you this address.

If you own the server yourself, you'll have the address already. If you're joining someone else's server, ask them directly for it. Some servers are listed on community sites like Planet Minecraft or Minehut, but the most reliable way is to get the address straight from the server owner or a friend who plays there.

Make sure your Minecraft launcher is up to date and that you can log in with your account. If you're on Java Edition, you'll need a Microsoft account (Minecraft accounts were migrated to Microsoft accounts in 2021). On Bedrock, you need a Microsoft account as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition servers require the server address pasted into the Multiplayer menu, while Bedrock servers use a different connection method depending on your platform.
  • The server address is a required piece of information you must get from the server owner or a community listing — you cannot join without it.
  • Some servers require a password or whitelist approval, which means the owner must add your username before you can enter.
  • If the connection fails, check that the address is typed correctly, that the server is actually running, and that your firewall isn't blocking Minecraft.

Joining a Java Edition server

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click Multiplayer from the main menu. Click Add Server at the bottom of the server list. A window will open asking for a server name (you can call it anything — this is just for your own reference) and the server address.

Paste the server address into the Server AddressDone. The server will now appear in your list. Click on it once to select it, then click Join Server.

If the server has a password, a chat window will appear asking you to type it. Type the password and press Enter. If the server uses a whitelist (a list of approved players), you'll see a message saying you're not on it — the server owner will need to add your username before you can join. Ask them to do this, then try again.

Joining a Bedrock Edition server

Bedrock servers work differently depending on what device you're using. On Windows 10/11, open Minecraft and go to the Servers tab. Look for a server you want to join, or click Add Server to add one manually. You'll need the server address and port number (the numbers after the colon).

On Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, you cannot join custom servers directly. You can only play on official Realms (which you pay for monthly) or servers listed in the game's built-in server browser. If you want to play on a friend's custom server, you'll need to use Java Edition on a PC instead.

On mobile (iOS or Android), Bedrock servers work through the in-game server browser. Tap the Servers tab and look for servers to join, or ask the server owner if their server is listed there. Some mobile servers require you to join through a website first before you can connect in-game.

What to do if you cannot connect

If you see a message like "Failed to connect to the server" or "Connection timed out," the most common cause is a typo in the server address. Copy and paste it again directly from the server owner rather than typing it by hand. Check that you included the port number (the part after the colon) if there is one.

The second most common cause is that the server is not running. Ask the server owner whether the server is currently online. Many private servers are only running at certain times of day. If the server is supposed to be running and you still cannot connect, the owner may need to restart it.

If you're behind a firewall or using a school or work network, Minecraft might be blocked. Try connecting from a different network (like a phone's hotspot) to test this. If it works on a different network, you'll need to ask your network administrator to unblock Minecraft, or you'll need to use a different network to play.

Understanding whitelists and server rules

Many servers use a whitelist, which means only players the owner has approved can join. If you see a message saying you're not on the whitelist, the server owner needs to add your exact Minecraft username to their server settings. Give them your username (not your Microsoft account email) and ask them to whitelist you. This usually takes a few minutes.

Some servers also have rules posted on a website or in a Discord server. Read these before joining — they might cover things like no griefing (destroying other players' builds), no stealing, or no using certain mods. Breaking the rules can get you banned from the server, so it's worth understanding what's expected.

If a server requires a password, the owner will give it to you separately. Do not share the password with anyone else unless the owner says it's okay. Passwords are usually for keeping the server private to a specific group of friends.

Joining through a server hosting site

Some servers are listed on community sites like Planet Minecraft, Minehut, or Aternos. These sites show server addresses, player counts, and sometimes descriptions of what the server is about. You can copy the server address from the listing and add it to your game the same way you would for any other server.

Be aware that public servers listed on these sites may have many players, lag, or rules you're not familiar with. Read the server description and any pinned messages when you join. If the server feels unsafe or has players behaving badly, you can leave and try a different one.

Some hosting sites like Minehut let you create your own server for free (with limits on player count and features). If you want to run a server for friends, these sites are a simple way to start without needing to buy expensive hardware or know how to set up a server yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a server if I'm using a cracked or pirated copy of Minecraft?

Most servers require a legitimate copy of Minecraft purchased from the official launcher. Cracked copies usually cannot connect to servers because the server checks your account with Microsoft. If you want to play on servers, you'll need to buy the game.

What's the difference between a server and a Realm?

A Realm is an official Minecraft world hosted by Microsoft that you pay for monthly. A server is usually run by a player or community and can be free or paid. Realms are simpler to set up but less customizable. Servers offer more control but require more technical knowledge to run.

Why does the server say "outdated server" or "outdated client"?

This means your Minecraft version doesn't match the server's version. Update Minecraft to the latest version, or ask the server owner what version they're running and make sure you're on that version too. You can usually choose which version to play in the Java Edition launcher.

Can I join a server on my phone or tablet?

Yes, if you have Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your phone or tablet. Custom servers on mobile are limited compared to Java Edition, and some servers may not support mobile players. Check with the server owner whether mobile players are allowed before trying to join.

What should I do if someone is being mean to me on a server?

Tell the server owner or a moderator. Most servers have rules against harassment, and the owner can kick or ban players who break them. If the server owner doesn't help, you can leave and find a different server with better moderation.