# How to Join a Minecraft Server

> Join your Beacon server from Minecraft Java Edition in a few steps.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-join-a-minecraft-server
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-10-22

## 1. Get the address

Open your server in the panel and go to **Network**. Copy the **Server Address**. If you've set up your own domain, you can use that instead.

## 2. Add the server in Minecraft

1. Open Minecraft Java Edition and click **Multiplayer**.
2. Click **Add Server**.
3. Give it a name and paste the address into **Server Address**.
4. Click **Done**, then double-click the server to join.

For a quick one-off, **Direct Connection** works too.

## Can't join?

| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| **Can't connect to server** | Check the server is running in **Console**, and the address is exact, port included |
| **Outdated server / Outdated client** | Your game and the server are on different versions. Change one to match, or install ViaVersion |
| **You are not whitelisted** | Ask the owner to run `whitelist add <your name>` |
| **Mod mismatch / missing mods** | Install the same modpack and version as the server |
| **Failed to verify username** | Restart your launcher and sign in again |

## Bedrock players

Bedrock Edition can't join a Java server directly. The owner can add **Geyser**: see [How to Install Geyser and Floodgate](/knowledgebase/how-to-install-geyser-and-floodgate-on-a-minecraft-java-server).