Getting your friends into your Minecraft world should be simple—and it mostly is, once you know the steps. Whether you’re running a vanilla survival server or a modded experience, the process changes slightly depending on your setup, but the core concept stays the same: you need the server address, the right Minecraft edition, and a few minutes to get everyone connected.
To join a friend’s Minecraft server, you need the server IP address and port number, then add it to your multiplayer server list in the Minecraft launcher or Bedrock edition. The exact steps depend on whether you’re playing Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, and whether the server is self-hosted or running through a hosting provider.
Understanding Minecraft Server Types
Before you start connecting, it helps to know what kind of server your friend is actually running. This determines how you’ll join and what information you’ll need.
Java Edition Servers vs. Bedrock Edition
Java Edition servers are the traditional Minecraft experience. They run on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and they’re where most modded servers live. If your friend mentions plugins, mods, or a custom server setup, it’s almost certainly Java Edition.
Bedrock Edition servers work on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10/11, and mobile devices. Bedrock uses a different architecture and can’t run the same mods as Java, but it handles cross-platform play seamlessly. Joining a Bedrock server follows different steps than Java Edition, so make sure you know which one your friend is hosting.
Self-Hosted vs. Managed Hosting
Your friend might be running the server from their own computer (self-hosted), which means it only runs when they’re online. Alternatively, they could be using a dedicated server host like GameTeam.io, which keeps the server running 24/7 regardless of whether they’re playing. Managed hosting is more reliable for groups but costs money—though quality providers start as low as $1/GB, making it affordable even for small friend groups.
How to Join a Java Edition Server
Java Edition is the most common for friend groups because it supports mods and has been around forever. Here’s exactly how to connect.
Step 1: Get the Server Address
Ask your friend for the server IP address and port number. It’ll look something like 192.168.1.5:25565 or play.example.com:25565. The port number defaults to 25565, so if your friend doesn’t mention it, that’s probably the one. If they’re using a hosting provider, they’ll have this information in their control panel.
Step 2: Launch Minecraft Java Edition
Open your Minecraft launcher and make sure you’re on the latest version. Click the “Multiplayer” button from the main menu.
Step 3: Add the Server
Click “Add Server” and enter:
- Server Name: Whatever you want to call it (e.g., “Friend’s Survival World”)
- Server Address: The IP and port your friend gave you
Click “Done” and the server appears in your list.
Step 4: Connect
Click the server in your list and hit “Join Server.” If the server is online and accepting connections, you’ll load in within a few seconds. If it fails, double-check the IP address—typos are the most common reason connections fail.
How to Join a Bedrock Edition Server
Bedrock Edition works differently because it uses Xbox Live authentication and a different networking system. The process is simpler in some ways, but requires a few specific steps.
Step 1: Get Server Details
For Bedrock, your friend needs to provide the server address (domain name or IP) and port number. Bedrock servers often use custom ports like 19132 or 19133 instead of the standard 25565.
Step 2: Open Bedrock Edition
Launch Minecraft on your device (Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile).
Step 3: Navigate to Servers
Go to the “Play” tab and look for “Servers” or “Add Server.” The exact location depends on your platform, but it’s always in the main menu area.
Step 4: Add the Server
Enter the server name, address, and port. Bedrock will verify the connection before you can join.
Step 5: Join
Select the server from your list and join. Since Bedrock uses Xbox Live, you need an active Microsoft account to play on multiplayer servers.
Common Connection Problems and Fixes
Things don’t always work on the first try. Here are the issues you’ll actually run into.
Server Not Appearing or Won’t Connect
Check the IP address and port. Copy-paste it directly from your friend instead of typing it manually. Even one wrong character breaks the connection. If your friend gave you a domain name instead of an IP (like play.example.com), make sure you’re entering it exactly as written.
Verify the server is online. If your friend is running it from their computer, they need to be playing for you to connect. Ask them to confirm the server is actually running before you troubleshoot further.
Check your firewall. Windows Firewall or antivirus software sometimes blocks Minecraft connections. Add Minecraft to your firewall’s allowed apps list.
Connection Timeout or “Can’t Connect to Server”
This usually means the server is offline, the address is wrong, or there’s a network issue. Try these steps:
- Wait a minute and try again—servers sometimes need a moment to respond
- Restart your Minecraft launcher
- Ask your friend to restart the server if they’re self-hosting
- Check your internet connection by visiting a website
- If you’re behind a VPN, try disabling it temporarily
Kicked Immediately After Joining
If you connect but get kicked right away, the server likely has a whitelist enabled. Your friend needs to add your Minecraft username to the whitelist in the server settings. This is a security feature that prevents random players from joining.
Outdated Server or Client Version
Make sure your Minecraft launcher is updated to the same version the server is running. If the server is on 1.20.1 and you’re playing 1.19, you won’t be able to connect. Check your launcher settings and update if needed.
What You Need Before Connecting
Before you ask your friend for the server details, make sure you have the basics covered:
- Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition installed (whichever matches the server)
- An active Microsoft account (required for Bedrock; Java Edition also uses Microsoft accounts now)
- A stable internet connection
- The correct server software version on your launcher
If your friend is running a modded server, you’ll also need to install the same mods and modloader (like Forge or Fabric) before connecting. Your friend should provide instructions for this—it’s more involved than vanilla servers but the connection process is the same once mods are installed.
Setting Up Your Own Server to Share
If you want to host a server for your friends instead of joining someone else’s, you have two main options: self-hosting from your computer or using a dedicated server provider.
Self-hosting is free but requires your computer to run 24/7, has limited player capacity, and can cause lag if your internet upload speed is weak. It works fine for a small group playing a few hours a week.
Dedicated hosting keeps your server online all the time, supports more players, and handles performance much better. If you want a reliable experience for your friend group, managed hosting is worth the cost. Quality providers offer affordable options starting at just $1/GB, and many include easy-to-use control panels where you can manage your server address and settings.
FAQ: Joining Friend’s Servers
Can I join my friend’s server if they’re offline?
Only if they’re using a dedicated server host. Self-hosted servers only run when the owner’s computer is on. If your friend is using managed hosting, the server stays online 24/7.
Why does my friend’s server say “outdated server” when I try to join?
Your Minecraft version doesn’t match the server version. Update your launcher to the same version the server is running on.
Do I need to pay to join a friend’s server?
No, joining is always free. Your friend might be paying for hosting, but you don’t need to contribute unless you want to help with server costs.
Can I join a server with mods if I don’t have the mods installed?
No, you need the exact same mods and versions as the server. Your friend should give you a mod pack or list of mods to install before you try connecting.
What if the server keeps kicking me out?
Check if you’re on the whitelist (ask your friend to add you), make sure your internet connection is stable, and verify you’re on the correct server version. If you keep disconnecting, the server might be experiencing performance issues.
Next Steps: Optimize Your Server Experience
Once you’re connected to your friend’s server, you’re set. But if you or your friend ever want to upgrade to a more reliable setup, managed hosting eliminates the hassles of self-hosting. For a limited time, new customers can get 20% off their first month, making it even easier to run a stable server for your entire friend group.
The key to smooth multiplayer is getting the server address right, matching your game version, and making sure you’re on the whitelist if one exists. From there, you’re just a few clicks away from playing together.
