How to join a Minecraft server on Java and Bedrock

Joining a server takes under a minute once you know the address. The steps differ between the two editions of Minecraft.

Java Edition (Windows, Mac, Linux)

1. Open Minecraft and press Multiplayer.
2. Press Add Server.
3. Type any name, and paste the server address in Server Address.
4. Press Done, then double-click the server.

A green bar and a player count mean it is online. A grey bar with "Can't connect" means the address is wrong or the server is off, try the status checker. A server that sleeps to save memory shows "Starting up" for a moment, wait ten seconds and refresh.

Bedrock Edition (phone, console, Windows 10/11)

1. Open Play, then the Servers tab, and scroll to the bottom.
2. Press Add Server.
3. Type a name, the address, and the port (19132 unless told otherwise).
4. Save, then join from the list.

Consoles hide the server list on some versions. Joining a Java server from Bedrock only works when the server has Bedrock support through Geyser, which Saryno can add with one click, see how Bedrock players join a Java server. On consoles the name usually starts with a dot, like .Steve, because Bedrock accounts need a name that cannot clash with a Java one.

Errors and what they mean

• Outdated client / outdated server: your Minecraft version does not match. Pick the version the server asks for in the launcher, or ask the owner for a plugin that accepts more versions.
• You are not whitelisted: ask the owner to add you.
• Failed to verify username: your account could not be checked, restart the game and the launcher, or the Minecraft login services are down.
• Connection timed out: the server is off, the address is wrong, or the owner's router or firewall is blocking it.
• Disconnected: you are banned: the reason is shown, appeals are up to the server's owner.

The easy way

The Saryno hub at play.saryno.com lists every server on Saryno that its owner made public, wakes sleeping ones for you and lets you add friends, see the hub. You need Java 1.20.5 or newer for it to move you between servers.