How to join a whitelisted Minecraft server

To join a whitelisted Minecraft server, you ask the staff to add your username to the server's whitelist, which is its list of approved players. Almost every whitelisted server does this through an application on its Discord or website. Once you're on the list, you join like any other server, with the same address.

That's the short version. The longer version is about actually getting accepted, because on popular whitelist SMPs, plenty of applications get turned down.

What "whitelisted" means, and why servers do it

A normal public server lets anyone with the address walk in. A whitelisted server checks every joining player against a list of names first. If yours isn't there, you're bounced to the menu with the message "You are not white-listed on this server!" (some servers customize the wording).

Owners use a whitelist to:

Whitelisting doesn't make a server safe or well moderated by itself. It shows the owner cares who joins, which is a good start. Our guide on finding a good server covers what else to check.

How to get whitelisted, step by step

1. Find the application. Look at the server's page here for a Discord or website link. On Discord, check channels named like #apply, #applications or #how-to-join. Some servers use a Google Form; others use a bot command.
2. Read the rules before applying. Many applications ask a question only people who read the rules can answer, like a code word hidden in rule 7.
3. Apply with your exact username. Java usernames aren't your email or your Xbox display name. Copy yours from the Minecraft Launcher, top-left. Bedrock players use their gamertag.
4. Wait without spamming. Staff review in batches, often once a day or a few times a week. Pinging them usually hurts your chances.
5. Watch for the reply. Most servers post acceptances in a channel or DM you. Some give you a Discord role and add you to the whitelist automatically.
6. Join with the address from their Discord. Whitelisted servers sometimes don't publish the address anywhere else.

How to write an application that gets accepted

Staff read a lot of "hi can i join pls." The ones that stand out answer the questions properly and sound like a person. Here's an example of the level of detail that works:

• Be specific about what you'll build or do. "I want to build a mega base" is fine; "idk" isn't.
• Be honest about past bans. Staff often check, and lying is the fastest way to a rejection.
• Answer every question, in full sentences.
• Show you read the rules and the server's description.

• Don't copy the same application to five servers. Staff notice.
• Don't overshare personal info. Age range is fine; your school, city or full name isn't needed.
• Don't reapply the next day after a rejection. Ask if there's a waiting period.

"You are not whitelisted" even after you were accepted

This happens a lot, and it's almost always one of these:

Can you join a whitelisted server without being whitelisted?

No. The whitelist is checked by the server before you're allowed in, and nothing on your side changes that. Videos and "tools" that promise a bypass are fake at best, and the downloadable ones are a common way to spread account-stealing malware. Don't run them.

What you can do is find servers that don't use one. Most servers we list are open to everyone, and each page shows whether the server is whitelisted. Browse survival, SMP or small servers if you'd rather hop straight in, or check new servers, which often run open for their first weeks.

Whitelisted servers you can apply to

We track 9 whitelisted servers online right now. Here are some with the most votes this month:

For owners: how to whitelist a Minecraft server

If you run the server, here's the setup. On most hosting panels, type these into the Console tab without the leading slash. In game, you need operator permission.

Java Edition commands

The same switch lives in server.properties as white-list=true. Also set enforce-whitelist=true if you want players who get removed to be kicked right away when the list reloads, instead of staying on until they log out. On Java, operators can always join, even if they aren't on the list. Details are on minecraft.wiki.

Bedrock Dedicated Server

Bedrock calls it an allowlist. Set allow-list=true in server.properties, then run allowlist add <name> in the console. Names go into allowlist.json. Unlike Java, operators on Bedrock need to be on the list too.

Running applications through Discord? DiscordSRV and similar plugins can link accounts, which saves typing names by hand. Our server Discord guide covers channel setup, and a whitelisted server can still be listed here: players see the whitelist flag on your page and head to your Discord to apply.

Quick questions