# 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.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-fix-cant-connect-to-a-minecraft-server
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-11-05

## 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](/knowledgebase/how-to-create-a-subdomain-on-the-games-panel).

## 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| **Outdated server / client** | Different Minecraft versions |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](/billing/tickets) with the exact error and your `logs/latest.log`.