When Minecraft cannot join a server, it shows "Failed to connect to the server" with a reason underneath, or a red "Can't connect to server" in your server list. The reason says what went wrong and who can fix it. Check the server first, then find your exact message below.
What the check tells you
- The check says online: the server is running and reachable from the internet. The problem is the address or port you are using, your game version, your account, or your network.
- The check says offline too: it is not just you. Wait a few minutes, and check the server's Discord or website if it stays down.
- Every server fails for you: the problem is your connection or your sign-in. Check the Minecraft authentication servers, then try another network such as a phone hotspot.
- Only Realms fails: Realms runs on its own service. See whether Realms is down.
Java Edition connection errors and what they mean
Find the line shown under Failed to connect to the server, or on the disconnect screen. Messages are worded as current Minecraft shows them; older versions can phrase a few of them differently.
| Message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Connection refused: getsockopt or Connection refused: no further information | Something answered at the address, but no server is accepting connections on that port. The server is usually offline or on another port. | Check the server above and the port you use. Fix connection refused. |
Connection timed out: getsockopt or connection timed out after 30000 ms | Nothing answered at all. A firewall or router dropped the connection, or the address leads nowhere. | Check the server above, then firewalls and port forwarding. Fix connection timed out. |
No route to host | A router on the way reported that the address cannot be reached: usually a wrong or old IP, or a machine that is switched off. | Copy the address again. A local address such as 192.168.x.x only works inside that home network. |
Unknown host or Can't resolve hostname | The name you typed does not lead to an IP address: a typo, an expired domain, or a DNS problem. | Check the spelling. If it is right, flush your DNS (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows) or try another network. Owners: check the domain's A or SRV record. |
Can't connect to server (red, in the server list) | The server list asked the server for its status and got no usable answer. | Check the server above. Joining it shows the detailed reason, which is also in this table. |
Incompatible client! Please use <version> | Your game version does not match the server. The version named is the one it accepts. Older servers say Outdated client! or Outdated server! instead. | Choose that version in the launcher's Installations tab. In the server list, an incompatible server shows its version in red. |
Failed to verify username! | The server could not confirm your account with Mojang's session server. | Restart the game and launcher. If many servers say it, check the authentication server status. |
Authentication servers are down. Please try again later. Sorry! | The server could not reach Mojang to check your account. | Check the authentication server status. If it is all green, the problem is on that server's network. |
Failed to log in: Invalid session (Try restarting your game and the launcher) | Your sign-in session has expired. | Quit the game and the launcher completely, reopen them and sign in again. |
Failed to log in: Multiplayer is disabled. Please check your Microsoft account settings. | Your account is not allowed to play online, often because of family settings. | An account owner or parent can allow multiplayer in the account's Xbox privacy settings. |
You are not white-listed on this server! | The server only lets in players on its whitelist. | Ask the owner to add you. Owners: see the whitelist guide. |
You are banned from this server | An operator banned your account. The message may include a reason and an end date. | Only the server's staff can lift a ban. |
The server is full! | Every player slot is taken. | Try again later. Owners can raise max-players in server.properties. |
Timed out | You were connected, then nothing arrived from the server for 30 seconds. | The server froze or restarted, or your connection dropped. Rejoin; if it keeps happening, the server may be overloaded. |
Internal Exception: java.net.SocketException: Connection reset | The connection opened, then was cut by the server or something in between. On Windows it can read An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host. | Rejoin. If it happens every time, the server may be crashing or restarting, or a firewall or proxy is closing the connection. |
Bedrock Edition connection errors
| Message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Unable to connect to world. | Bedrock could not reach the server. It is offline, the address or port is wrong, or UDP traffic is blocked on the way. | Check the address and port (Bedrock's default is 19132) in the checker above with Bedrock selected. See how to join a server on Bedrock. |
Could not connect: Outdated client! | Your game is on an older version than the server. | Update Minecraft from your device's store. |
You're not invited to play on this server. | The server uses an allowlist, and your gamertag is not on it. | Ask the owner to add you. Owners: see the Bedrock allowlist. |
Wow this server is popular! Check back later to see if space opens up. | The server is full. | Try again later. |
Realms has its own error messages, such as error 504 and "Unable to connect to Realm". They are explained on the Realms status page.
Quick fixes that solve most connection problems
Copy the exact address
Paste it from the server's website, Discord or listing, including any port after the colon. Fix old entries in your server list with Edit.
Match the server's version
The listing or your server list shows which versions a server accepts. On Java, choose the version in the launcher's Installations tab; on Bedrock, update the game.
Restart the game and launcher
Quitting both completely refreshes your sign-in, which clears most "Failed to verify username" and "Invalid session" errors.
Try another network
A phone hotspot is the quickest way to tell whether your usual network blocks Minecraft.
Turn off VPNs and proxies
They can block or reroute game connections. Leave them off while you test.
If players cannot connect to your server
Test from outside your own network: joining from the server computer always works, whatever the router and firewall are doing. Put your public IP or domain into the check at the top of this page, then read the result. Connection refused means nothing is listening on that port: see the owner fixes for connection refused. No reply in time means a firewall or router is dropping the connection: see the owner fixes for connection timed out and how to port forward a Minecraft server. Address not found means the domain's DNS record is missing or wrong.
If the check says online but a friend is still turned away, the message they see names the reason: a version mismatch, the whitelist, or a sign-in problem on the authentication servers. No router access, or stuck behind CGNAT? The options in playing without a server avoid port forwarding altogether.
Minecraft can't connect to server: questions
Why can't I connect to a Minecraft server?
The line under "Failed to connect to the server" says why. The most common reasons are that the server is offline, the address or port is wrong, your game version does not match, or a firewall or network is blocking the connection. The check at the top of this page shows which side the problem is on.
What does "Failed to connect to the server" mean?
It is the title of the screen Minecraft shows whenever joining fails. The line underneath is the actual reason, such as Connection refused or Connection timed out, and each reason has a different fix.
Why does my server list say "Can't connect to server"?
The server list asks every saved server for its status, and shows that red text when a server does not answer. The server may be offline, the saved address may be out of date, or your network may be blocking it. Check the address with the checker above.
Why can I join other servers but not this one?
Then your internet and your account are fine, and the problem is that server: it is down, you have an old address, your version does not match, or you are not on its whitelist. The exact message tells you which.
Why can't I connect to any Minecraft server?
Check your sign-in first: the authentication server status shows Mojang and Microsoft outages. If those are fine, your network is probably blocking Minecraft. Try a phone hotspot, and turn off any VPN or proxy.
Why can't my friends connect to my Minecraft server?
Friends outside your home need your public IP, a forwarded port and a firewall rule that lets them in, and each one is easy to miss. Check your public IP with the checker at the top of this page, then follow how to port forward a Minecraft server, or skip the router with one of the ways to play without a server.