Learn the ropes
Guides for joining and playing
Java EditionHow to Play Multiplayer on Minecraft JavaLearn the practical ways to join friends and public multiplayer servers in Minecraft Java Edition.Bedrock EditionHow to Join a Minecraft Server on BedrockAdd and join a Minecraft server on Bedrock Edition for Windows, phones, tablets, and consoles, including ports and cross-play.Cross-platformHow to Play Minecraft Cross-platformLearn which Minecraft editions can play together and how to connect across supported devices.Server typesWhat Is a Minecraft SMP?What SMP means in Minecraft, the main kinds of SMP servers, and how to find and join one.Server ownersMinecraft Server Commands: The Admin and Op ListThe Minecraft server commands admins use: op, whitelist, kick, ban, gamemode, gamerule, time and stop, with Java and Bedrock syntax and permission levels.Server ownersHow to Port Forward a Minecraft ServerPort forward a Minecraft server step by step: Java and Bedrock ports, your local IP, router rules, firewall, testing, and fixes when it won't work.Server ownersMinecraft Server Whitelist: How to Set It UpSet up a Minecraft server whitelist: whitelist commands, whitelist.json, enforce-whitelist and the Bedrock allowlist, plus fixes when it isn't working.
Troubleshooting
Having trouble connecting?
Are the Minecraft Authentication Servers Down?Are the Minecraft authentication servers down? Live status of every sign-in service, checked each minute, plus fixes for authentication server errors.Check statusIs Minecraft Realms Down?Is Minecraft Realms down right now? Live Java and Bedrock Realms status, checked every minute, plus fixes for Realms not loading and errors like 504 and 403.Check status
Tools
Free Minecraft tools
CalculatorNether Portal CalculatorConvert Overworld to Nether coordinates and back, check whether your portals will link, and count obsidian. Uses the real Java and Bedrock rules.GeneratorMinecraft Circle GeneratorFree Minecraft circle generator with block counts. Plan circles, ovals, spheres, domes and arches layer by layer, plus a circle chart for common sizes.ChartMinecraft Brewing ChartInteractive Minecraft brewing chart: every potion recipe step by step, splash and lingering included, with Java and Bedrock durations and the 1.21 potions.ReferenceMinecraft Color CodesAll 16 Minecraft color codes and the formatting codes, with § and & codes and hex values. Click to copy, preview text, and see Java vs Bedrock differences.CheckerMinecraft Name CheckerIs a Minecraft Java username taken? Check it with Mojang, test it against the naming rules, and learn why a free-looking name can still be blocked.CheckerMinecraft Server Status CheckerCheck if any Minecraft server is online: players, version, MOTD, icon and ping for Java and Bedrock, with a plain-English reason when it is down.
Ready to play?
Browse servers that were online at their last check and copy an address in one click.
Find a server