How to Join a Minecraft Server (Java and Bedrock)

Joining a Minecraft server takes about thirty seconds once you know where the IP goes. The friction is everything around it: Java vs Bedrock confusion, version mismatches, and error messages that assume you already know what a whitelist is.

This guide covers the whole path, from copying an IP to standing in a spawn lobby, for both editions.

First: which edition are you on?

• Java Edition: the original PC version. Most servers on our lists are Java servers.
• Bedrock Edition: the version on consoles, phones, and the Microsoft Store on PC.

The editions cannot join each other's servers unless the server explicitly supports both (some big networks do, via a separate Bedrock port). Every listing on this site shows which edition and version a server runs.

Joining on Java Edition

1. Find a server on our list and copy its IP address, for example play.example.net.
2. Launch Minecraft and click Multiplayer.
3. Click Add Server, paste the IP into the server address field, and give it any name you like.
4. Click Done, then double-click the server in your list to join.

That is genuinely all of it. If the server shows green bars and a player count, you are ready.

Joining on Bedrock Edition

1. From the main menu, choose Play, then the Servers tab.
2. Scroll past the featured servers to Add Server.
3. Enter the server's name, its IP, and its port. Bedrock's default port is 19132; if the listing shows a different one, use that.
4. Save, then select the server to join.

On consoles, adding custom servers is restricted by the platform. The common workarounds change often enough that we will not pretend one is permanent; the reliable route is playing on PC or mobile.

Fixing the common errors

• "Incompatible client" or "Outdated server/client": your game version does not match the server's. In the Java launcher, open Installations, create one for the server's version (each listing shows it), and join with that.
• "You are not whitelisted": the server is application-only. Check its page or Discord for how to apply, or pick an open server instead. Our SMP guide explains whitelists.
• "Connection refused" or endless "Connecting...": the server may be down or restarting. Check its status on the listing, wait a few minutes, and confirm you typed the IP exactly, with no spaces.
• "Failed to verify username": usually your session, not the server. Restart the launcher, and make sure you are signed in to your account.
• Kicked immediately with a rules message: some servers require you to accept rules or verify in Discord before playing. The kick message tells you where.

How to check a server's IP address

If you are already connected and need the IP (to share with a friend, or vote for the server):

• The easy way: the server's page on this site shows its IP with a copy button.
• In-game on Java: the IP is in your Multiplayer list, in the entry you added.
• Many servers also show their IP in the tab-list header or scoreboard sidebar.

Before you settle in

Three habits that make any server better:

• Read the rules first (/rules or the boards at spawn). Bans for "I did not know" are the most avoidable kind.
• Claim land before building anything you care about, on servers with claims.
• Vote for the server daily. It usually pays you in-game rewards, and it moves the server up our rankings so other players find it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a Minecraft server for the first time?

Copy the server's IP from its listing, open Multiplayer (Java) or the Servers tab (Bedrock), add the server, and join. Match the game version shown on the listing if you get a compatibility error.

Why can't I join any servers?

Usually one of: wrong edition (Java vs Bedrock), wrong version, or a network block. Try the version the listing specifies, and if every server fails, check your firewall or network.

Do Minecraft servers cost money to join?

No. Every server listed here is free to join. Servers fund themselves with optional ranks and cosmetics.

Can Java and Bedrock players play together?

Only on servers that deliberately support both editions. The listing will say so; look for a separate Bedrock IP or port.

Ready to try one? Browse the top servers, filter by your edition and favorite game mode, and you can be in a spawn lobby before this page finishes scrolling. Not sure which mode? Our server types guide sorts that out first.