How to Join a Multiplayer Server in Minecraft

Minecraft's multiplayer mode transforms the game from a solo survival experience into a shared world where players can collaborate, compete, and build together. Whether you're on Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or a console version, the process for joining a multiplayer server varies — and understanding those differences upfront saves a lot of frustration.

What Is a Minecraft Multiplayer Server?

A Minecraft multiplayer server is a hosted instance of the game that multiple players can connect to simultaneously. Servers can be publicly listed, privately run by friends, or commercially operated with dozens of game modes — from survival and creative to minigames, roleplay, and PvP arenas.

There are two main types:

• Public servers — open to anyone with the right server address
• Private/LAN servers — hosted locally or via invite only, typically among friends

The method for joining depends heavily on which edition of Minecraft you're running.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: Why It Matters

This is the most important distinction before you do anything else.

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition run on separate server infrastructures and are not cross-compatible — a Java player cannot join a Bedrock server and vice versa, unless a third-party bridge tool is used.

How to Join a Multiplayer Server on Java Edition 🎮

1. Launch Minecraft and select Multiplayer from the main menu.
2. Click Add Server in the server list.
3. Enter a Server Name (this is just a label for your list) and the Server Address (the IP or domain provided by the server host).
4. Click Done, then select the server from your list and click Join Server.

If the server is running and your address is correct, you'll connect within a few seconds. If you see an error like "Connection refused" or "Can't reach server," the server may be offline, the address may be wrong, or a firewall is blocking the connection.

Finding Public Java Server Addresses

Server addresses for public communities are listed on directories like Minecraft Server List sites. You'll typically see an IP like play.servername.com or a numerical address like 123.45.67.89. Some servers also use a port number — if so, the address looks like play.server.com:25566. The default Minecraft Java port is 25565, so servers using that port don't need it appended.

How to Join a Multiplayer Server on Bedrock Edition

Bedrock offers two paths:

Using the Featured Servers List

1. From the main menu, select Play, then navigate to the Servers tab.
2. A curated list of large, officially partnered servers appears here — including Mineplex, CubeCraft, and others.
3. Click any listed server to join directly, no address required.

Adding a Custom Server

1. On the Servers tab, scroll down and select Add Server.
2. Enter the Server Name, Server Address, and Port (default Bedrock port is 19132).
3. Save and select it to connect.

Bedrock's cross-play capability means a player on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or mobile can all join the same server — as long as they're on Bedrock Edition.

Joining a LAN or Friend's World

If someone on your local network has opened their world to LAN (via the in-game pause menu → Open to LAN), your game will detect it automatically under the multiplayer server list — no IP entry needed.

For connecting to a friend's hosted world remotely, they'll need to either:

• Use a server hosting service and share the IP
• Use a tool like ngrok or Playit.gg to expose their local server
• Run a dedicated server application on their machine with port forwarding configured on their router

Port forwarding — the process of directing external internet traffic to a specific device on a local network — is a common requirement for self-hosted servers and involves adjusting settings in your router's admin panel.

Common Issues When Connecting

• Outdated game version — servers often run a specific Minecraft version. If yours doesn't match, you'll be refused entry. Java Edition lets you switch versions via the launcher's Installations settings.
• Whitelist restrictions — some servers require the host to add your username before you can join.
• Authentication errors — Java Edition requires a valid Microsoft account login to access online multiplayer. Offline mode is only available for LAN or specific server configurations.
• Bedrock on console — PlayStation and Nintendo Switch players need an active Nintendo Switch Online or PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer in addition to any Xbox/Microsoft account requirement.

The Variables That Shape Your Experience 🔧

How seamlessly you join and play on a multiplayer server depends on several intersecting factors:

• Your edition (Java vs. Bedrock) determines which servers are even accessible
• Your platform (PC, console, mobile) affects subscription requirements and connection options
• The server's version needs to align with your client version
• Your network setup — NAT type, firewall rules, and ISP restrictions — can all affect connectivity
• The server's authentication settings — whether it's online-mode, whitelisted, or open

A player on PC with Java Edition and a stable broadband connection has a very different set of available options than someone on a mobile device with Bedrock, or a console player navigating platform-specific network requirements. The right path through this process depends entirely on that combination of factors in your own setup.