To answer how do i join a minecraft server: open Minecraft, choose the multiplayer or Servers menu, then enter the server address and port if required. Java players use Multiplayer and Add Server. Bedrock players use Play, Servers, and Add Server. Consoles also need the required online subscription and a Microsoft account.
How do i join a minecraft server?
Before you connect, identify which edition and type of multiplayer world you are using. Minecraft Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Minecraft Bedrock Edition runs on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, and other supported platforms.
Java and Bedrock servers are separate. A Java player cannot join a Bedrock server, and a Bedrock player cannot join a Java server unless a server uses special cross-play software. When someone gives you a server address, ask which edition it supports before trying to connect.
- Public server: You need the server address and, sometimes, a port number.
- LAN world: You and the host must be on the same local network.
- Realm: The Realm owner must invite you or provide a valid invite link.
- Friend's online world: You usually join through the Friends tab after signing in.
Joining a public server on Java Edition
Java Edition gives you two ways to connect: add a server to your saved list or use Direct Connection for a one-time visit. You need the server address, such as play.example.net or an IP address. If the owner supplies a port, it may appear after a colon, such as play.example.net:25565.
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and start the correct Java Edition installation.
- Select Multiplayer from the main menu.
- Choose Add Server to save the server, or select Direct Connection to connect without saving it.
- Enter the server address in the Server Address field.
- If you selected Add Server, enter any name you want for the server and select Done.
- Select the server from the list and choose Join Server.
Use Add Server when you expect to return regularly. Use Direct Connection when testing a server or joining temporarily. You do not need a Realms subscription to play on a normal online Java server.
Joining someone on Minecraft Java
If your friend hosts a normal Java server, ask them for its address and follow the steps above. If they are hosting a single-player world, you cannot join it through the regular public-server menu unless they open it to LAN or use Realms or another server-hosting method.
Java players can join the same server only when they use a compatible game version and the server supports that version. If the server requires mods, install the exact mod loader and modpack version requested by the server owner.
Joining a public server on Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition includes a built-in Servers tab with featured servers. You can also add a server manually when your platform and version provide the Add Server option. You need the server address and, for many custom servers, the port number supplied by the server owner.
- Start Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and select Play.
- Open the Servers tab.
- Choose a featured server from the list, or scroll down and select Add Server.
- Enter the server name, server address, and port.
- Select Save or Play.
- Choose the saved server later from the Servers list whenever you want to return.
On Windows PC, Bedrock servers are usually easy to add directly. On Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, the available server options can depend on the platform version and account settings. Featured servers appear in the normal Servers tab, while custom server connections may require additional platform-specific steps if the Add Server button is unavailable.
How to join a Minecraft server on Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch
On Xbox, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, sign in with a Microsoft account, open Minecraft, select Play, and use the Servers tab for featured servers. Console multiplayer also requires the online service for that platform, such as Game Pass Core, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online, when required by the console.
For a private server or a custom address, first check whether the server supports Bedrock and whether the console version exposes the Add Server option. If it does not, use a supported Realm, a featured server, or the server owner's recommended connection method instead of entering a Java address.
How to join a Minecraft LAN world
A LAN world is hosted on the local network rather than as a normal public server. You and the host must be connected to the same network, and the host must start the world with multiplayer and LAN visibility enabled.
Joining LAN on Bedrock Edition
- Connect your device to the same local network as the host.
- Ask the host to open the world and enable Multiplayer Game and Visible to LAN Players in the world settings.
- Open Minecraft and select Play.
- Open the Worlds tab.
- Find the world marked LAN and select it.
If the world does not appear, use the network button at the top of the Worlds tab to show LAN games. Check that both players are on the same network and running compatible versions. A guest Wi-Fi network, VPN, firewall, or device isolation setting can prevent the world from appearing.
Joining LAN on Java Edition
On Java, the host opens a single-player world, presses Esc, selects Open to LAN, chooses the settings, and starts the LAN world. The other player opens Multiplayer and waits for the LAN world to appear in the list.
If Java does not detect the world automatically, both players should confirm they are using the same Minecraft version and are connected to the same local network. LAN play is different from joining a server by IP address, so entering a public server address will not connect you to a local world.
How to join a Minecraft Realm
A Realm is a private, always-online world managed by its owner. You need an invitation from the Realm owner, and you must use the same edition as the Realm. Java players join Java Realms, while Bedrock players join Bedrock Realms. Realms do not provide cross-edition play.
- Sign in to Minecraft with the Microsoft account that owns your game.
- Ask the Realm owner to invite your gamertag or send you a Realm invite link.
- Open Minecraft and select Play.
- Open the Friends tab or the Realms area, depending on your edition and current menu.
- Accept the invitation if prompted, then select the Realm to join.
If the owner sends a share link, open it while signed in to the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft. Realm owners can manage members and invitations from the Realm settings. You do not need to purchase your own Realm subscription to play in someone else's Realm, but console multiplayer may still require the console's online subscription.
How to join someone in Minecraft
The easiest method depends on how your friend is hosting the world. For an online Bedrock world, add the player through their Microsoft gamertag, then open the Friends tab and select their joinable world. For Java, ask for a server address, use a LAN world, or join their Java Realm invitation.
- Bedrock friend world: Sign in, add the friend, open Play, choose Friends, and select the world when it is available.
- Java friend server: Open Multiplayer and enter the server address supplied by the host.
- LAN game: Connect to the same local network and select the visible LAN world.
- Realm: Accept an invitation from the Realm owner and select it from the Play menu.
If your friend's world is not listed, the host may be offline, multiplayer may be disabled, account permissions may block joining, or you may be using different editions. Ask the host which edition, version, and connection method they are using.
Why can't I join a Minecraft server?
Most connection failures come from a mismatched edition, outdated game version, incorrect address, blocked multiplayer permissions, or a server that is offline. Check the following items in order:
- Confirm the edition. Java servers require Java Edition, and Bedrock servers require Bedrock Edition.
- Update Minecraft. The server may reject clients running an older or incompatible release.
- Check the address and port. A single missing character or incorrect port prevents connection.
- Check your internet connection. Restart your router or switch networks if the connection is unstable.
- Review account permissions. Child accounts may need multiplayer access enabled by a parent or guardian.
- Check console requirements. Console multiplayer may require an active online subscription.
- Remove incompatible mods. Try the server's required version or launch an unmodded profile.
- Ask whether the server is online. Maintenance, capacity limits, bans, or a changed address can all prevent entry.
For LAN problems, disable VPN software temporarily, check firewall permissions, and make sure devices are not connected to separate guest and main networks. For Realm problems, confirm that the invitation is still valid and that the Realm owner has not removed your membership.
Choose the right multiplayer method
Use a public server when you want a persistent community world with its own rules and activities. Use a Realm when you want a private world for invited friends. Use LAN when everyone is in the same home or local network. Use a friend's online world when the host is available and you want a quick session without managing a separate server.
For the smoothest connection, keep Minecraft updated, use the correct edition, and save server addresses only after confirming the server's rules and platform support.
