Can't connect to a Minecraft server: every fix

You try to play online and the server refuses the connection? The error message almost always tells you why. Here are the most common ones, on Java and Bedrock.

First: 3 quick checks

1. Is the server online? Every CraftRank server page shows the live status (online, players, version).
2. Is the address right? Copy it rather than typing it, with no spaces and with the port if there is one (play.server.com:25570). See a server's IP address and port.
3. Do you have the right edition? A Java server cannot be opened from Minecraft Bedrock, and the other way round (except on a cross-play server).

Java errors and their fixes

• "Connection refused": nothing answers on that port. The server is offline, restarting, or the port is wrong. Wait a few minutes or check the address.
• "Connection timed out": the connection does not go through. Wrong address, server down, or a firewall / network (school or work Wi-Fi) blocking Minecraft. Try another connection, for example your phone's hotspot.
• "Unknown host": the address does not exist. A typo, or the server moved: check its page.
• "Outdated client" / "Outdated server": your Minecraft version is not the server's. In the launcher, Installations tab, create one with the version shown on the server page.
• "Failed to verify username": the game could not check your account. Fully close the game and launcher, sign in to your Microsoft account again, then retry. If it persists, Mojang's authentication servers may have a temporary issue.
• "You are not white-listed on this server": the server is private or in maintenance. Ask for access on its Discord.
• "You are banned from this server": only the staff can lift it, often through an appeal form on their Discord or website.
• "Internal Exception: io.netty…": the connection dropped. Often an unstable network or incompatible mods: retry without mods, or with the modpack the server asks for.

Bedrock problems (mobile, console, Windows)

• "Unable to connect to world": check the address and the port (19132 by default), and that the server accepts your Minecraft version (update the game).
• No online play: your Microsoft account must allow multiplayer. On a child account, a parent enables it in Family Safety. Some consoles also require their online subscription.
• Cannot add a server on console: on PlayStation, Xbox and Switch only partner servers are listed. There are workarounds to join the others: see playing on a Bedrock server from a console.

Is playing online free?

Joining a server is free: you only need to own Minecraft (Java or Bedrock) and be signed in to your Microsoft account. On console, the console's online subscription may be required depending on the platform.

Still stuck? Try another server from the ranking: if the others work, the problem is on that server's side, and its Discord will help.