How to Join a Minecraft Server (Java and Bedrock)

This document also discusses the most frequent faults and how to resolve them if you have connectivity issues.

Adding a Server on Java Edition

To join a server in Minecraft: Java Edition:

1. 1Open Minecraft: Java Edition.
2. 2Click Multiplayer.
3. 3Select Add Server.
4. 4Enter a Server Name (this can be anything).
5. 5Enter the server's Server Address.
6. 6Click Done.
7. 7Select the server from the list and click Join Server.

If the server is online and you're using the correct game version, you'll connect within a few seconds.

Adding a Server on Bedrock Edition

To join a server on Minecraft: Bedrock Edition:

1. 1Open Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
2. 2Go to the Play menu.
3. 3Open the Servers tab.
4. 4Scroll down and select Add Server.
5. 5Enter:
6. • Server Name
   • Server Address (IP or domain)
   • Port (if provided)
7. 6Click Save or Play.

Unlike Java Edition, Bedrock servers often require a port number unless the default port is being used.

Address Formats and When a Port Is Needed

Minecraft servers can be shared in different formats.

Java Edition

Most Java servers only require the server address:

play.example.com

or

123.45.67.89

A port is only needed if the server uses a non-default port:

play.example.com:25566

The default Java server port is 25565.

Bedrock Edition

Bedrock servers usually require both an address and a port.

Example:

Address

play.example.com

Port

19132

The default Bedrock server port is 19132.

If your server owner provides a different port, enter that instead.

Learn more about default ports in the Minecraft Server Ports guide.

Fixing "Connection Refused"

A Connection Refused error usually means your game reached the server, but nothing accepted the connection.

Possible causes include:

• The server is offline.
• The server is still starting.
• The server address or port is incorrect.
• The firewall is blocking incoming connections.
• The server software crashed.

If it's your own server, verify that it's running before trying again.