How to join a Minecraft server: the complete Java, Bedrock and console guide

Contents#

• Requirements before connecting
• Joining a server on Java Edition (PC)
• Joining a server on Bedrock Edition (PC and mobile)
• Joining a server on console (PlayStation, Switch, Xbox)
• Where to find a Minecraft server to join
• Fixing common connection errors

Introduction#

With more than 300 million copies sold and around 228 million monthly active players in 2025 (source: ActivePlayer.io), Minecraft is still the most played game in the world. A large part of that activity happens in multiplayer, on servers offering a wide range of game modes: survival, factions, PvP, skyblock, mini-games and roleplay. But first you need to know how to connect. This guide explains how to do it on every platform, from PC to console and mobile.

Requirements before connecting#

Before joining a server, three things are essential:

The right version of the game. The server runs on a specific version of Minecraft, and your client has to match it. On Java Edition, the launcher lets you select the exact version from the "Installations" tab. On Bedrock, the game updates automatically through your platform's store.

A stable internet connection. Online multiplayer needs enough bandwidth. An unstable Wi-Fi connection can cause disconnections and lag.

The server's IP address. Every server has an address (for example play.server.com or 192.168.0.1), sometimes with a port. This information is provided by the server itself, usually on its presentation page or its Discord.

Joining a server on Java Edition (PC)#

Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft on PC. Here are the steps:

1. Launch the Minecraft Launcher and click "Play"
2. From the main menu, click "Multiplayer"
3. Click "Add Server"
4. Enter the server name (your choice) and its IP address in the "Server Address" field
5. Click "Done"
6. The server appears in your list. If it is online, click on it, then click "Join Server"

The server stays saved in your list for future sessions. You can also use direct connection via the "Direct Connection" button if you don't want to save the address.

Non-premium versions (cracked)#

Some servers accept players without a premium Minecraft account. The server must have disabled online authentication (online-mode=false in its configuration). If the server requires it, you will see an error message when connecting. Check this information on the server's page before trying to connect.

Joining a server on Bedrock Edition (PC and mobile)#

Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10/11, Android, iOS and iPadOS. The procedure is as follows:

1. Launch Minecraft and sign in with your Microsoft account
2. Click "Play", then go to the "Servers" tab
3. At the bottom of the suggested server list, click "Add Server"
4. Fill in the fields: server name, IP address and port (default: 19132)
5. Click "Save", then select the server and tap "Join Server"

Bedrock also offers partner servers (Mineplex, Hive, CubeCraft) accessible directly from the "Servers" tab without any manual setup.

Joining a server on console (PlayStation, Switch, Xbox)#

On console, joining a non-partner server requires an extra step, because the interface doesn't natively offer an "Add Server" button.

Xbox#

Xbox uses Bedrock Edition. The procedure is the same as described above: the "Servers" tab, then "Add Server" at the bottom of the list.

PlayStation and Nintendo Switch#

On these platforms, you need to change the console's DNS settings to access non-partner servers:

1. Go to your console's network settings
2. Set up the internet connection manually
3. Replace the primary DNS with 104.238.130.180
4. Leave the secondary DNS on 8.8.8.8
5. Launch Minecraft and select one of the suggested servers
6. An intermediate menu appears, letting you add the IP address of the server of your choice

This method routes the connection through a third-party service that bridges the console and the target server.

Where to find a Minecraft server to join#

Now that you know how to connect, you need the right server. On ServeurListe, you'll find hundreds of Minecraft servers sorted by game mode (survival, PvP, factions, creative, semi-RP), with IP addresses, player reviews and real-time status. Filter by tag, compare servers and vote for your favourites.

Fixing common connection errors#

Even when you follow the steps correctly, errors can occur. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

"Can't connect to server" / "Connection timed out": the server is offline, the IP address is wrong, or your firewall is blocking the connection. Check the address, try another network and temporarily disable your firewall.

"Outdated server" / "Outdated client": your version of Minecraft doesn't match the server's. Change the version via the launcher (Java) or update the game (Bedrock).

"You are not whitelisted": the server uses a whitelist. You need to request access from the administrator, usually via the server's website or Discord.

"Failed to authenticate": this message appears on premium servers when the Mojang/Microsoft session isn't valid. Restart the launcher and sign back in to your account.

Excessive lag or frequent disconnections: check your internet connection, reduce the render distance in the options and prefer a wired connection over Wi-Fi.

Conclusion#

Joining a Minecraft server only takes a few minutes, whatever your platform. The key is to have the right version, the server's IP address and a stable connection. To find the ideal server, head to the Minecraft server ranking on ServeurListe.