How to fix "Can't connect to server" in Minecraft
Fix the most common Minecraft server connection errors, like connection timed out, connection refused, outdated client, unknown host, not whitelisted and mod mismatch errors.
Updated 3 November 2026 · 4 min read
Your friend types in the address, waits, and gets an error. Find the message they see below. Most fixes take less than a minute.
First, three quick checks
- Is the server on? Open the Console. When the server is ready it says
Done. While it's still starting, nobody can join. - Is the address complete? Copy the full address from the Console page, including the port after the colon, like
play.rexifyhosting.xyz:25565. - Same version? Your friend's game must run the same Minecraft version as the server.
Error messages and fixes
| Message | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Connection timed out | The game couldn't reach the server. | Check the server is on, and that the port after the colon is correct. Try again after a minute. |
| Connection refused | Something answered, but no Minecraft server is running on that port. | The server is off or still starting, or the port is wrong. |
| Unknown host | The address has a typo. | Copy and paste the address instead of typing it. |
| Outdated client | Your game is older than the server. | Switch your game to the server's version in the launcher. |
| Outdated server | Your game is newer than the server. | Pick the server's version in the launcher, or update the server. |
| You are not white-listed on this server | The whitelist is on and you're not on it. | The owner types whitelist add YourName in the Console. |
| Server is full | Max players is reached. | Raise Max players in Properties and restart. |
| Mod rejections / Mismatched mod channel list | Your mods don't match the server's. | Use the same mods, loader and versions as the server. A modpack profile is easiest. |
| You are banned | Someone banned this player. | The owner types pardon Name in the Console. |
Friends on phones (Bedrock)
Bedrock players see different messages, like Unable to connect to world. Check that they use the right address and port for Bedrock, and that the server is a Bedrock server or runs Geyser. See How to play on your phone.
It works for me but not for a friend
- Ask them to copy the address again from you, not from an old screenshot.
- Ask them to restart Minecraft, and to try another network, like phone data instead of Wi-Fi.
- Check the Console while they try to join. If you see their name with a reason, that tells you what's wrong.
Still stuck?
Ask the AI assistant in your panel, or ask us on Discord. Tell us the exact error message and your server's version, and we can usually fix it quickly.