How do I join my Minecraft server?

Your server is running; now you want to get in. You need one thing: the server address, made up of an IP and a port. It is at the top of your server's page in the panel and is the same address your friends use.

Step 1: find the address

1. Log in to the game panel and click your server.
2. Click the address at the top (for example 141.95.6.122:25565); it is copied automatically.
3. Start the server if it is off, and wait until the console shows Done!.

The part before the colon is the IP, the part after it is the port. If the port is 25565 (Minecraft's default), you can leave it out; any other port must be included.

Step 2: add the server in Minecraft

1. Open Minecraft (Java Edition) and click Multiplayer.
2. Click Add Server.
3. Give it a name and paste the address in Server Address.
4. Click Done, select the server and click Join Server.

Green bars next to the server mean it is reachable. A red cross with Can't connect to server means the address is wrong or the server is off.

Inviting friends

Send your friends the same address. They must use the same Minecraft version as the server; how to check it is in checking your Minecraft version. Prefer a name instead of numbers? With a subdomain such as play.yourserver.com players type something memorable; see linking a domain name to your server.

Bedrock players (phone, console, Windows 10/11 edition)

A Java server does not accept Bedrock players by itself. Install Geyser and Floodgate and Bedrock players can join with the same IP and the Bedrock port; how that works is in our blog article on crossplay with Geyser. Console players additionally need a workaround because consoles do not let you enter an IP.

Common errors

• Connection refused: the server is off or still starting. Check the console.
• Connection timed out: wrong IP or port, or a firewall on your side. Copy the address again from the panel.
• Outdated server / Outdated client: version mismatch. Change your version in the Minecraft Launcher, or update the server.
• You are not white-listed on this server: the whitelist is on. Add yourself with whitelist add PlayerName in the console.
• Failed to verify username: Mojang's authentication servers are down, or you are logged in with an account that has no Java Edition licence. Try again in a few minutes.
• Server is full: increase the slots; see changing the maximum number of players.
• Kicked right away: read the message; it says why (banned, whitelist, wrong version).

Lag or a long "Loading terrain"

Pick the location closest to your players when ordering; our servers are in the Netherlands, so players in the Benelux, Germany and the UK get the lowest ping. Which location is right for whom is in our blog article on server location and ping.

Still cannot get in? Open a ticket with the exact error message and your Minecraft version.