Troubleshooting Connecting to a Minecraft Server: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

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Sometimes you can run into problems when trying to connect to a Minecraft server. If you are sure you have the correct server address, the problem may be with your computer, system, or network. This wikiHow teaches you how to resolve errors such as "Cannot connect to the server" and "The server cannot be reached" on various systems when trying to access Minecraft.

Steps

Step 1. Check if your connection is turned on

On most devices, the Wi-Fi icon looks like a dot with three or four curved lines across it. Click or tap this icon and check if Wi-Fi is turned on, and also check the status of your connection at the top of the list of wireless networks. If you're having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection, turn it off and on again.

Step 2. Check where the error occurs

Check if all Minecraft servers can't connect, or if the problem is on a few servers. If it only happens on certain Minecraft servers, the problem is probably with the server itself. If you are unable to connect to a Minecraft server, it is likely a software problem on your side.

Step 3. Click Refresh on your server list (Java edition only)

If you are playing the Java edition of Minecraft, click Refresh at the bottom of the list of servers. This often fixes minor connection issues.

Step 4. Log out and log back in to Minecraft

Close and reopen Minecraft. If prompted, enter your Microsoft or Minecraft account username and password.

Step 5. Restart your modem

To reboot your modem, simply unplug it and wait 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and wait a full minute to boot. This solves a lot of connection problems.

Step 6. Try to connect again later

Sometimes servers get overloaded, or are taken down for maintenance. Wait a few hours before trying to connect again.

You can check the status of Minecraft servers here

Step 7. Check your game console's network

If you're playing on a game console, make sure the network is active. You can check the status of a network on the following web pages:

PlayStation Network
Nintendo Online
Xbox Live

Step 8. Check your firewall settings

If the firewall settings on your macOS or Windows are preventing you from connecting to a Minecraft server, you can disable the firewall or check the incoming and outgoing rules and make sure Minecraft is allowed.

Step 9. Disable the firewall on your modem

Sometimes your modem or router has its own firewall. Log in to the web interface of your modem or router and check the firewall settings. If the firewall is blocking Minecraft server connections, allow or disable the firewall.

Step 10. Check for any third-party firewall applications

If you use third-party firewall applications, check the settings of those applications and make sure Minecraft is allowed by those programs, or disable the firewall program.

Step 11. Contact the network administrator

If you play on a public network, or on your work or university network, the network administrator may not allow Minecraft. Contact the network administrator about the problem.