Our Discord Find a crew to play with. Join
Discord
How to join a Minecraft server
Chapter 4 of 4

How to join a Minecraft server

Step-by-step instructions for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, from finding the address to fixing connection problems.

Joining a Minecraft server is simple, but the first time you do it, it may not be obvious how. The process is different in Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, so below you'll find separate instructions for each. Whichever edition you play, you need one thing: the server address.

Where to get the server address

A server address (IP) is a string like mc.hypixel.net (a domain) or 192.168.1.100:25565 (an IP address with a port). There are a few ways to get one:

  • From a friend - if your friend has set up a server, ask them for the IP address and port number
  • From the server's website - bigger servers have their own websites with the address in plain view
  • From a server list - on our server list you'll find hundreds of Polish servers with addresses, descriptions and rankings
  • From a forum or Discord - servers often advertise on forum.minecraft.pl and on Discord

Tip: The default Minecraft Java port is 25565. If the server uses this port, you don't need to type it: the address on its own is enough (for example mc.hypixel.net instead of mc.hypixel.net:25565). Bedrock uses port 19132.

Joining a server in Java Edition

Step 1: Check your game version

Before you do anything else, make sure your Minecraft version matches the server's version. Most servers list the required version on their website. In the Minecraft Launcher you can change the version on the "Installations" tab: click "New Installation" and pick the right version.

Step 2: Open the Multiplayer screen

  1. Launch Minecraft Java Edition.
  2. In the main menu, click "Multiplayer".
  3. If a warning about online play appears (the first time you open it), click "Proceed".

Step 3: Add the server

  1. Click "Add Server".
  2. In the "Server Name" field, type any name you like (for example "Hypixel" or "Jake's Server"). It's just a label for you.
  3. In the "Server Address" field, type the server address (for example mc.hypixel.net).
  4. Click "Done".

Step 4: Join the game

  1. The server appears in your list. On the right you'll see the signal bars (ping) and the number of players online.
  2. Click the server, then "Join Server" (or double-click the server's name).
  3. That's it: you should see a loading screen, and a moment later you'll be on the server.

Quick join (Direct Connection)

If you don't want to save the server to your list, click "Direct Connection" on the Multiplayer screen, enter the address and click "Join Server". It's handy when you just want to check out a server once.

Joining a server in Bedrock Edition

On PC (Windows 10/11)

  1. Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
  2. Click "Play".
  3. Go to the "Servers" tab.
  4. At the bottom of the list you'll see the "Add Server" button.
  5. Enter the name, IP address and port (19132 by default).
  6. Click "Save", then click the server and "Join Server".

On consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch)

Consoles have more limited server support. On the "Servers" tab you only see the featured partner servers (for example Hive and CubeCraft). Adding your own servers isn't officially supported, but there are workarounds:

  • BedrockConnect - changing the DNS settings on your console lets you join any Bedrock server. You'll find the instructions on the BedrockConnect project page on GitHub.
  • The Phantom app - a PC tool that runs a local proxy server and redirects your console to the address you choose.

Warning: These console workarounds aren't officially supported by Mojang or the console makers. You use them at your own risk. They don't break the rules, but they can stop working after an update.

On phones (Android/iOS)

  1. Open Minecraft on your phone.
  2. Tap "Play" > the "Servers" tab.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Add Server".
  4. Enter the name, IP address and port.
  5. Tap "Save" and connect to the server.

Fixing connection problems

Can't connect? Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

"Can't connect to server" / "Connection refused"

  • Check the address - make sure you're typing exactly the address the admin gave you. Upper and lower case in a domain don't matter, but typos do.
  • Check whether the server is online - sites like mcsrvstat.us let you check a server's status without joining it.
  • Firewall - Windows Defender or another antivirus may be blocking Minecraft's connections. Add Minecraft to your firewall exceptions.
  • Port - if the server uses a non-standard port (for example 25566), you have to type it after a colon: address:25566.

"Outdated server" / "Outdated client"

Your Minecraft version doesn't match the server's version. Here's the fix:

  1. Check which version the server requires (on the server's website or in its description on a server list).
  2. In the Minecraft Launcher, go to "Installations".
  3. Click "New Installation", choose the right version and save.
  4. Launch the game with the new installation and try again.

"Not authenticated with Minecraft.net" / "Invalid session"

  • Log out of the Minecraft Launcher and log back in.
  • Check that your account is active on minecraft.net.
  • If you use a Microsoft account, make sure you have an active Minecraft subscription (or have bought the game).
  • Restarting the launcher often fixes the problem.

"Connection timed out"

  • The server may be overloaded, or your internet connection may be having problems.
  • Check whether other websites load. If they don't, the problem is on your end.
  • Try connecting over a different connection (for example mobile data instead of Wi-Fi). This helps you tell whether the problem is in your network.
  • If the server is geographically far away (for example in the USA), a high ping is normal. Look for servers hosted in Poland or elsewhere in Europe on our server list.

"You are banned from this server"

The server admin has banned your account. Contact the server staff (usually through their website or Discord) to find out why and whether you can appeal the ban.

Important settings before you join

Textures and resource packs

Many servers have you load their own resource pack after you join. Minecraft shows a message asking whether you want to download it. Click "Yes": it's normal practice. The packs are safe and download automatically.

Ping and choosing a server

Ping is the delay between your game and the server (measured in milliseconds). The lower it is, the smoother the game runs. For comfortable PvP you need a ping under 100 ms. For relaxed survival, even 200 ms is acceptable. Polish servers give players in Poland a ping of 10-30 ms, which is ideal.

Server rules

Every server has its own rules. Read them before you start playing (they usually appear after you join or are available on the server's website or Discord). Typical rules ban griefing, cheating, swearing and spamming. Breaking the rules gets you banned.

Where to find servers to join

Now you know how to join a server technically. The next question is which server to join. Here are the best places to look:

  • Our server list - a ranking of Polish servers with descriptions, stats and player ratings
  • forum.minecraft.pl - a server section with announcements and reviews
  • Server lists - minecraft-server-list.com, minecraft-mp.com (mostly international servers)
  • Discord - many servers advertise on Polish and international Discord servers

If you want to know more about the different types of servers (SMP, minigames, creative, roleplay), check out our wiki section. And if you'd rather run your own server, our server setup guide and the server software downloads section give you everything you need. Good luck on the servers!