What you need before you start

To join a Minecraft server, you need a copy of Minecraft Java Edition (the original PC version) or Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the newer version for Windows 10/11, consoles, and mobile). You also need the server's address — a string of numbers and a colon with a port number, like play.example.com:25565, or sometimes just a domain name. The person running the server will give you this address.

Your computer or device must be able to run Minecraft itself. If you can launch the game and play in a single-player world, you can join a server. You do not need anything else — no special software, no payment to the server owner (unless it is a paid server), and no account beyond your regular Minecraft login.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition servers and Bedrock Edition servers are separate — you cannot join a Java server from Bedrock or vice versa, so confirm which version the server runs before trying to connect.
  • To join a Java server, open the Multiplayer menu, click Add Server, paste the address into the Server Address field, and click Done.
  • To join a Bedrock server, go to the Friends tab, select the server from the list, or paste the address and port into the Server Address field if it is not listed.
  • If the server does not appear or you get a connection error, check that you copied the address correctly, that your internet connection is working, and that the server is currently online.
  • Some servers require you to join their Discord or website first to receive a whitelist invite, which prevents random players from joining.

Joining a Java Edition server

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click Multiplayer on the main menu. You will see a list of servers you have already joined. Click the Add Server button at the bottom left of the screen.

A window will open with two fields: Server Name and Server Address. The Server Name is just a label for your own reference — type anything you want to remember it by. In the Server Address field, paste the exact address the server owner gave you. This is the critical part: if even one character is wrong, the connection will fail. Copy and paste rather than typing by hand.

Click Done. The server will now appear in your server list. Click it once to select it, then click Join Server. Minecraft will attempt to connect. If the server is online and the address is correct, you will load into the world in a few seconds.

Joining a Bedrock Edition server

Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition and go to the Friends tab on the home screen. You will see a list of available servers — these are usually official servers or partnered servers that Bedrock displays automatically. If the server you want to join is listed, click it and select Join.

If the server is not in the list, you will need to add it manually. Click the plus icon or Add Server option. Paste the server address into the Server Address field and the port number into the Port field (the port is the number after the colon in the full address). Click Save and then Join.

Bedrock servers work differently than Java servers — they are often run by the game publisher or official partners, so the list of available servers is more limited. If you are looking for a specific private server, ask the owner whether it is a Bedrock or Java server first.

What to do if the connection fails

The most common reason a server does not appear or connect is a typo in the address. Copy the address again from the source you received it from and paste it into the field — do not retype it. Check that there are no extra spaces before or after the address.

If the address is correct, the server may be offline. Servers are run by individual players or small groups, not by Mojang or Microsoft, so they go down for maintenance, updates, or straightforward because the owner shut them off. Wait a few minutes and try again, or ask the server owner on Discord or their website whether the server is currently running.

If you see an error message like "Connection refused" or "Connection timed out," your internet connection may be the issue. Test by opening a web browser and visiting any website. If that works, the problem is with the server or the address. If your internet is down, fix that first and try again.

Some servers use a whitelist, which means only players the owner has approved can join. If you get a message saying you are not on the whitelist, the server owner must add your username first. They usually do this through their website or Discord server — ask them how to request access.

The difference between Java and Bedrock servers

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are two separate versions of Minecraft with different code underneath. A server built for Java cannot run Bedrock players, and a Bedrock server cannot run Java players. Before you try to join, confirm which version the server runs.

Java servers are usually run by individual players or small communities using free server software like Spigot or Paper. They tend to have more customization and mods. Bedrock servers are more limited — most are official or partnered servers, though some private servers exist.

If you own both versions and are not sure which one to use, Java Edition is the original and has the larger community of custom servers. Bedrock is newer and runs on more devices, but the server selection is smaller.

Joining a server with mods or plugins

Some Java servers run plugins or mods that change how the game works — custom game modes, new items, different rules. You do not need to install anything to join. The server sends the changes to your client when you connect, and they disappear when you leave. This is true for most public servers.

A few servers require you to install mods on your computer before joining. The server owner will tell you this upfront and provide instructions. If they do not mention mods, you do not need to install any.

Bedrock servers rarely use mods in the same way Java does. Most changes are built into the server itself and happen automatically when you join.

Keeping your account safe on servers

Use the same password for your Minecraft account that you use nowhere else. If a server owner asks for your password, that is a scam — never give it. Legitimate servers only need your username.

Some servers ask you to log in on their website to join the whitelist or access the server. Only do this on websites you trust. If the server is run by a friend or a community you know, it is usually safe. If you are joining a random server from the internet, be cautious about entering your email or personal information.

Your Minecraft account is tied to your Microsoft account (if you play Java or newer Bedrock). Protect that account with a strong password and two-factor authentication if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a server on my phone or console?

Yes, if you own Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Bedrock runs on Windows 10/11, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. Java Edition only runs on PC and Mac, so console and phone players must use Bedrock. Ask the server owner which version they run before trying to join.

Do I have to pay to join a server?

Most servers are free to join. Some servers offer optional cosmetics or perks you can pay for, but you can always play without paying. If a server demands payment to join, that is unusual — verify it is legitimate before sending money.

What if I get kicked from a server?

The server owner or a moderator removed you, usually for breaking the rules. Check the server's rules on their website or Discord and ask a moderator why you were kicked. If you were banned instead of kicked, you cannot rejoin unless the owner unbans you.

How do I find servers to join?

Server listing websites like Planet Minecraft and Minecraft Server List show hundreds of public servers with descriptions and player counts. You can also ask friends for server addresses or search for communities based on game mode — survival, creative, PvP, and so on.

Why does the server list show no servers?

The server list in Java Edition only shows servers you have already joined or that are featured by Mojang. To join a new server, you must add it manually using the Add Server button and the server address. Bedrock shows more servers by default, but private servers still need to be added by address.