How do you join a Minecraft server?
In Minecraft Java Edition click "Multiplayer" → "Add Server", type the server's address in "Server Address", click "Done" and double-click the server in the list. That's all for a normal server; a modded server additionally needs the same mods in your game.
Step by step:
- Start Minecraft Java Edition from the Minecraft Launcher in the same version as the server.
- On the main menu click "Multiplayer". The first time you'll see a warning about third-party servers – click "Proceed".
- Click "Add Server".
- In "Server Name" type any name (only you see it), in "Server Address" type the address, e.g.
play.example.comor51.75.10.20:25566. - Click "Done", wait until the server shows a ping and a player count, then double-click it.
This guide is for Java Edition on PC. On Xbox, PlayStation, Switch or a phone you play Bedrock Edition, which joins servers differently – see how to join a Minecraft server on Xbox, PS5 and Switch.
Add Server or Direct Connection – what's the difference?
"Add Server" saves the server in your list, "Direct Connection" joins once without saving. Both connect the same way. Use "Add Server" for a server you'll play on regularly – you'll see whether it's online and how many players are on it before joining.
What is a Minecraft server IP and address?
The server address tells the game where the server is: it can be a domain name (play.example.com), an IP address (51.75.10.20) or either of them followed by a port (:25566). All three forms go into the same "Server Address" field.
| Form | Example | When it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | mc.example.com |
Most public servers and hosts; easy to remember |
| IP | 51.75.10.20 |
Servers without a domain, on the default port 25565 |
| IP or domain with port | 51.75.10.20:25566 |
Servers on a port other than 25565 |
Do you need to type a port? Only when the server doesn't use the default port 25565 and its domain has no SRV record. A domain with an SRV record tells the game the port automatically, so a plain name like myserver.spot.gs is enough. If an address with a port was given to you, type it exactly with the colon and the number.
How do you find the IP of your own Minecraft server?
On a host, the address is in the server panel; on your own PC, it's localhost for you, your local IP for people on the same Wi-Fi and your public IP for everyone else.
On Spot.gg:
- The main address of a Minecraft Java server looks like
yourname.spot.gs– no port needed. Copy it from the server panel. - "How to connect?" next to the address opens instructions tailored to your server: which game version to launch, the address to type and, for modpacks, how to install the same pack.
- Under "Configuration" you can change the "Custom address" to another free name on the
.spot.gsdomain. - The "Network" tab lists every address and port, including the technical address in the form
sID-xxxxx.spot.gs:port, which always works as a backup, and extra ports for plugins and mods (for example voice chat).
On your own computer the server listens on port 25565. Friends outside your home need your public IP and port 25565 forwarded on the router – the details are in how to make a Minecraft server.
Which Minecraft version do you need to join?
The same version as the server, unless the server runs a plugin that accepts other versions. If the versions differ, the game shows "Outdated client" (your game is older) or "Outdated server" (your game is newer).
To play a different version:
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and go to "Installations" → "New installation".
- Pick the server's version under "Version" and click "Create".
- Select that installation next to the "Play" button and start the game.
Since 2026 Minecraft Java uses year-based version numbers (26.1, 26.2, 26.3). A Paper server owner can let players with other versions join using ViaVersion (newer clients) and ViaBackwards (older clients).
How do you join a modded Minecraft server?
Install the same modpack in the same version (or the same loader and mods), start the game from that profile and add the server address as usual. A modded server refuses players whose mods don't match.
- A modpack server – install the pack in the CurseForge App, Modrinth App or Prism Launcher in exactly the version the server runs. On Spot.gg, "How to connect?" shows the pack name and version and walks you through the launcher.
- Your own mods – create a profile with the same loader (Fabric, NeoForge or Forge) and Minecraft version, and put the same mods in its
modsfolder. Client-only mods like minimaps or shaders are fine to add.
The first connection to a big modpack can take a while, because the game loads a lot of data. Choosing a loader is explained in Forge vs NeoForge vs Fabric.
Why can't I join a Minecraft server?
Check the version first, then the address, then whether the server is on, and only then your own network. The most common messages:
| Message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Can't resolve hostname" / "Unknown host" | The address is mistyped or the domain doesn't exist | Copy the address again, without spaces or http:// |
| "Connection refused" | The server is off or the port is wrong | Check the server is running and the port after the colon |
| "Connection timed out" | The server can't be reached (firewall, home network, wrong IP) | Try the backup address; with a home server check port forwarding |
| "Outdated client" / "Outdated server" | Different game version | Launch the server's version |
| "You are not white-listed on this server!" | The server only lets in players from its whitelist | Ask the admin to add your username |
| "Failed to verify username!" / "Invalid session" | Mojang couldn't confirm your account | Restart the launcher and log in again |
| "Multiplayer is disabled" | Your Microsoft account (or family settings) blocks multiplayer | Change the setting in your Xbox / Microsoft account privacy options |
| Missing or mismatched mods | Your mods differ from the server's | Install the exact pack version the server runs |
More fixes for problems when playing with friends are in how to play Minecraft with friends.
Can you join a Minecraft server without a paid account?
Only if the server runs in offline mode (online-mode=false). Normal servers check every player's Microsoft account. Offline mode servers accept any username, so they need a login plugin with passwords – the setup and the risks are in Minecraft offline mode server.
Can Bedrock players join a Java server?
Yes, if the Java server runs the Geyser plugin (usually together with Floodgate). Bedrock players then add the server under "Servers" with its address and the Bedrock port. How it works and what its limits are is covered in Minecraft crossplay.
FAQ
Where do I type the server IP in Minecraft?
In "Multiplayer" → "Add Server" → "Server Address", or in "Multiplayer" → "Direct Connection" if you only want to join once.
Do I need to type the port?
Only if you were given an address with a colon and a number, for example 51.75.10.20:25566. Addresses on the default port 25565 and domains with an SRV record work without a port.
Why does the server show "Can't connect to server" in the list?
The server is offline, the address is wrong or your network blocks it. Check the address, ask the owner whether the server is running, and try again after a moment – a server that just started needs a few seconds before it accepts players.
How do I join a friend's Minecraft server?
Ask for the server address and the game version (and the modpack, if there are mods), then add it under "Multiplayer" → "Add Server". If your friend hasn't set up a server yet, how to make a Minecraft server shows how.
Is the server IP the same as the server address?
Not exactly: the IP is a number, the address can also be a domain that points to that IP. In the game both work in the same field. Domains are better because they keep working when the server moves to a new IP.
Can I join a Minecraft server on the free trial of Minecraft?
No. The demo version of Minecraft Java can't join multiplayer servers – you need the full game.