How to Fix "Can't Connect to Server" in Minecraft
Work through the common reasons players can't join, from the server being offline to a version mismatch.
1. Is the server running?
Open your server in the panel and check Console. If it's offline, click Start, and wait for Done before joining. If it stops again, the log on Console shows why.
2. Is the address right?
Copy the Server Address from Network exactly, including the port after the :. Typing it by hand is a common cause of "Unknown host".
Using your own domain? Check its DNS records match what Network shows: see How to Use Your Own Domain.
3. What does the error say?
| Error | What it means |
|---|---|
| Connection timed out | Nothing answered. The server is offline, still starting, or the address is wrong |
| Connection refused | The address is right but nothing is listening on that port. Check the server finished starting |
| Unknown host | The address or domain is wrong, or its DNS hasn't updated yet |
| Outdated server / client | Different Minecraft versions |
| You are not whitelisted | The whitelist is on; get added with whitelist add |
| Failed to verify username | Restart the launcher and sign in again; or Mojang's login servers are having trouble |
| Mod mismatch | Different mods or modpack version than the server |
4. Is it just one player?
If everyone else can join, the problem is on that player's side: their network, a VPN, a firewall, or antivirus. Try another network (a phone hotspot) to check.
5. Did you change the port?
Don't change server-port in server.properties. Beacon sets it; any other port won't reach your server.
Still stuck? Open a ticket with the exact error and your logs/latest.log.
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Still stuck?
Ask the community on Discord, or open a ticket and we'll reply within 4 hours on business days.