You have a Minecraft server running, you have the address in hand, and now you just need to get in. Joining a server is simple once you know where to look, but the exact steps differ a little between Java and Bedrock Edition.
Joining on Java Edition
- Launch the Minecraft launcher and select the correct version if needed (the server's version should match, or be close to, your client's version). A version checker can quickly confirm which version a server is running before you try to connect.
- From the main menu, click Multiplayer.
- Click Add Server.
- Enter a name of your choice, and the server address in the Server Address field. If the server uses a non-default port, add it after a colon, for example
play.example.com:25577. - Click Done, then double-click the new entry in your server list to connect.
Joining on Bedrock Edition
- Open Minecraft and go to the Play menu.
- Select the Servers tab.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Add Server.
- Enter a server name, the IP address, and the port (19132 by default for Bedrock).
- Save, then tap the server entry to connect.
Common connection problems
"Can't connect to server" / connection timed out. This almost always means the address, port, or the server itself is the issue, double-check the IP was typed correctly, and confirm the server is actually online using a live server status checker.
"Outdated client" or "Outdated server." Your Minecraft version does not match the server's version. Either update your client, downgrade it, or ask the server owner to change the server's version to match.
Connection refused on a self-hosted server. This usually points to a port forwarding problem, the router is not correctly routing incoming traffic to the PC running the server. Revisiting the port forward configuration, or switching to a tunnel or hosted server, resolves this.
Whitelist rejection. If the server has whitelisting enabled, the owner needs to add your exact username before you can join, even if the address and port are correct.
Bookmark it
Once you are in, the server stays saved in your multiplayer list for next time, so you will not need to re-enter the address again. If you are the one running the server, sharing a short, memorable address makes life easier for everyone joining, something a proper hosting panel typically gives you by default. Tick Hosting's free plan includes a stable address ready to hand out to friends, no reconfiguration needed between sessions. Check it out on Tick Hosting's plans page.