Oct 30, 2026
Joining a server takes less than a minute once you know where to type the address. The steps depend on which edition you own. Java Edition runs on PC, Mac and Linux. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows, phones and tablets, and consoles. Check which one you have first, because a Java server will not accept a Bedrock player unless it is set up for both.
What you need before you start
- The server address. It looks like mc.hypixel.net or play.example.com. Sometimes it is a numeric IP.
- The port. Java servers use 25565 by default, so you usually do not need to type it. Bedrock servers use 19132 by default.
- A compatible version. The server tells you which version it supports. If your game is much newer or older, you may be refused.
Joining on Java Edition
1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and start Java Edition. If the server needs a specific version, create an installation for it first.
2. In the main menu click Multiplayer.
3. Click Add Server.
4. Type any name into the Server Name field.
5. Paste the address into Server Address. If the server uses a non-default port, write it after the address with a colon, for example `example.com:25570`.
6. Click Done, select the server in the list and click Join Server.
If the server is online you will see the player count and a green connection bar. If you see a red cross, check the address and your version.
Joining on Bedrock for Windows, phone and tablet
1. Open Minecraft and tap Play.
2. Go to the Servers tab and scroll down to Add Server.
3. Enter a name, the address and the port. For most Bedrock servers the port is 19132.
4. Save, select the server and tap Join.
Joining on consoles
Xbox, PlayStation and Switch do not have an Add Server button in the normal menu. Official featured servers are listed in the Servers tab. To join other servers many players use one of these methods.
- Change DNS. Some servers provide a special DNS address. You set it in the console's network settings and then a server appears in the Servers tab.
- Friend list trick. A tool that runs on a PC or phone makes an external server look like a friend's world. This needs a second device and is more fragile.
Instructions differ by console and by server, so follow the guide on the server's own website. Console players should look for servers that explicitly support Bedrock.
Cross-play servers
Some networks accept both Java and Bedrock players on the same address. Bedrock players may need a different port or a prefix on the nick. The server's website explains this. When a server says it supports both, read its page before you join, because a wrong port is the most common reason for failed connections.
Common problems and fixes
- Outdated client or outdated server. Switch your game version to the one the server supports.
- Failed to connect to the server. Check for typos, then try again after a minute. The server may be restarting. Also make sure you did not use the Bedrock port on a Java server or the other way round.
- Not whitelisted. The server accepts only approved players. Apply on its website or Discord.
- Invalid session. Restart the launcher and sign in again.
- Banned. Contact the server staff. MineList cannot lift bans.
- Unable to verify username. Minecraft authentication servers had a short outage. Wait and retry.
Finding a server worth joining
If you do not know where to start, the MineList home page](/) lists servers by votes this month, so you can see which are popular right now. Beginners often enjoy [survival servers, bedwars servers or minigame networks. A large public network such as Hypixel or CubeCraft is an easy first stop because it supports many players and explains itself in the lobby.
Each server page on MineList shows the address, the version and whether the server is online, with a button to copy the address. After a good session, vote for the server. It takes a few seconds and one vote per day is allowed for each server.