How to join a Minecraft server
You need two things: the server's address (sometimes called the IP) and the right edition of Minecraft. Every server on this site has a Copy IP button.
Java Edition (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Open Minecraft: Java Edition and click Multiplayer.
- Click Add Server.
- Paste the address into Server Address. If the server gave you a port, add it after a colon, like
play.example.net:25566. - Click Done, wait for the server to show as online, then double-click it.
Want to join without saving it? Use Direct Connection instead of Add Server.
Bedrock Edition on phones, tablets and Windows
- Open Minecraft and tap Play.
- Go to the Servers tab, scroll to the bottom and tap Add Server.
- Enter a name you'll recognize, the server address, and the port (usually 19132).
- Tap Save, then tap the server to join.
Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch
Consoles run Bedrock Edition, so they can join Bedrock and crossplay servers. What you'll see depends on your console and game version:
- If your Servers tab has an Add Server button, use the steps above.
- If it only shows featured servers, players commonly use a free community tool such as BedrockConnect, which works by changing your console's DNS setting and then shows a screen where you can type any address. Read the tool's own instructions first, and only change network settings you're comfortable changing back.
Online play on consoles usually needs the console's online membership (Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo).
If it won't connect
- "Outdated client" or "outdated server": the server runs a different Minecraft version. Its page here shows the version it reports; use the Java launcher's Installations tab to pick it.
- "You are not whitelisted": the server only lets approved players in. Look for an application link on its website or Discord.
- "Can't connect" or "Unknown host": check the address for typos, then check that the server shows as Online on its page here.
- Java server, Bedrock game (or the reverse): editions can only join their own kind of server unless the server supports crossplay.