8 Sure Ways To Fix Can’t Connect To Minecraft Server Issue

8 Sure Ways To Fix Can’t Connect To Minecraft Server Issue

/ Sed Galope

Many players find it frustrating when they are unable to connect to the Minecraft server. Usually, this problem comes with a unique message “Can’t Connect to Minecraft Server” or “Cannot Reach Server.” Before you spoil your gaming experience, check out the easy fixes we will share today.

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Common Reasons Why Minecraft Can’t Connect to Server

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing the “Can’t Connect to Minecraft Server” error. Understanding these causes can help you quickly identify and address the issue.

  1. Internet Connection Issues: A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent Minecraft from connecting to servers. Make sure your internet connection is stable and has sufficient speed for online gaming.
  2. Server Maintenance or Downtime: Occasionally, Minecraft servers may undergo maintenance or experience technical issues, making them temporarily unavailable. Check the server’s website or social media channels for updates on maintenance and server status.
  3. Outdated Minecraft Client: An outdated Minecraft client may not be compatible with the latest server versions. Ensure that you have the most recent version of the Minecraft launcher to avoid compatibility issues.
  4. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Security software, such as firewalls or antivirus programs, may block Minecraft’s connection to servers. Temporarily disabling these programs or adding Minecraft to their exception lists can resolve this issue.
  5. Incorrect Server Address or Port: To connect to a Minecraft server, you need the correct IP address and port number. If either of these is incorrect, the connection will fail. Double-check the server address and port number in your Minecraft client.
  6. Mods or Customizations: Some mods and customizations may interfere with Minecraft’s ability to connect to servers. Try disabling or uninstalling any mods you recently added to see if that resolves the issue.
  7. High Server Traffic: If a Minecraft server is experiencing high traffic, it may become too busy to accept new connections. In such cases, you may need to wait and try connecting again later.
  8. Network Configuration Issues: Incorrect network settings on your computer or router can prevent Minecraft from connecting to servers. Check your network settings, such as DNS and IP configurations, to ensure they are correctly set up.

By understanding these common reasons for the “Can’t Connect to Minecraft Server” error, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue to get back to enjoying your Minecraft gaming experience.

Method 1 – Check Your Network Connection

Sometimes, your network connection needs a reboot, and you must ensure it is working normally. In addition, if you are using a Wi-Fi connection, check if your laptop or computer is connected. Try rebooting your router if you can’t still connect to Minecraft servers.

To do this, unplug your router and modem, then wait 10 seconds before plugging it in again.

Method 2 – Sign In and Sign Out of Your Minecraft Account

You can try to refresh your Minecraft connection by signing out and signing in again. This will refresh your profile’s authentication and connection.

Method 3 – Check the Status of the Minecraft Server

Minecraft server down or maintenance is another possible reason you can’t connect. Once you have refreshed your Minecraft log-ins and cannot connect, visit the Minecraft website. Typically, the website will announce any downtime or maintenance time.

Method 4 – Flush your DNS and Renew Your IP

You can flush DNS and renew your IP setting to fix any internet connection issues. This process will clear any IP addresses and remove old DNS records from your cache. Flushing your DNS will also help fix can’t connect to the Minecraft server.

  1. Press the “windows” key on your keyboard and then press “R.” Type in “CMD” in the small window pop-up. To grant administrator access, press the “shift + ctrl + enter” keys.
run cmd
  1. In the Command Prompt, type in “ipconfig/flushdns” and press “enter.”
ipconfig flushdns
  1. Type ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter in the command prompt.
  2. Next, type ipconfig/renew and hit Enter.
ipconfig release renew
  1. Try to reconnect to your Minecraft server.

Method 5 – Change Your DNS Server

Domain Name System (DNS) allows you to access the Internet. You will typically use your Internet Service Provider’s default DNS servers. However, while this may sometimes work, it can become unstable or slow. You can switch to a different DNS to improve your connection.

  1. Hold the “Windows” key on your keyboard and press the letter “R.”
  2. In the Run window, type “ncpa.cpl.” Next, press enter to open the Network Connections
run ncpa
  1. Here, you can see the type of network connection you have, and you will also see what your wireless connection is.
  2. Right-click on your wireless connection. Next, click “Properties” in the drop-down menu.
  3. Click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click “Properties.”
network properties
  1. This will open the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window. Tick on “Use the following DNS server addresses:” and type in the following:
  • Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
  • Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
reconfigure dns settings
  1. Once done, click “OK” and restart your computer. Open YouTube and check if the issue was solved.

Method 6 – Uninstall Mods from Minecraft

One fun feature of Minecraft is that you can use third-party mods. However, this can sometimes interfere with your connection. Try uninstalling your mods and relaunching the game to see if it fixes your Minecraft connectivity issue.

Method 7 – Turn Off Any Programs That are Using Up Your Bandwidth

Some programs that run in the background may be using up all your bandwidth which causes problems with your connectivity. If you can’t connect to Minecraft servers, try shutting down these programs and see if you can connect.

  1. Launch the Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut.
  2. In the list of running applications, look for the application that is taking up too much bandwidth from your network. Select that application and click “End Task.”
disable startup programs

Method 8 – Turn Off Windows Firewall

Sometimes, your Windows Firewall will block your access to Minecraft’s server. You can temporarily disable your firewall if that is the issue.

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type control firewall.cpl and click OK.
control firewall
  1. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
windows defender firewall options
  1. Temporarily turn off your Windows Defender Firewall for Domain network, Private network, and Public network.
disable firewall options
  1. Hit OK.
  2. Try to connect to your Minecraft server.

Final Thoughts

Minecraft is a viral game that both young and old players enjoy. However, there will be days when you cannot connect to the server. The fixes shared above should be able to fix your connectivity issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to refresh Minecraft server list?

The user must first access the main menu screen to refresh the list of Minecraft servers. From here, the user must select the “Multiplayer” option and then choose the “Add Server” button. This will open a new window where the user can enter the IP address or hostname of the desired server. After entering this information, the user must select the “Done” button and return to the main menu screen.

What does outdated Minecraft server mean?

An outdated server on Minecraft is a server that the developers are no longer updating. This can mean that the server is no longer compatible with the latest version of Minecraft or that it is no longer receiving security updates. This can make the server vulnerable to exploits and other security risks.

Why can’t I connect to servers on Minecraft?

If Minecraft can’t connect to server, it could be due to several factors. One possibility is that your internet connection is not strong enough to support online gaming. Another possibility is that the servers you are trying to connect to are currently unavailable or experiencing technical difficulties. Finally, it is also possible that the Minecraft client on your computer is outdated and needs to be updated to the latest version to connect to servers.

Why can’t I connect to my friends Minecraft server?

The connection may fail for several reasons when trying to connect to a friend’s Minecraft server. The most common reason is that the server is not running on the correct port. To connect to a server, you must know the server’s IP address and port number. If the port number is incorrect, the connection will fail. Another reason why the connection may fail is if the server is behind a firewall.

Why can’t people connect to my Minecraft server?

The most likely reason people cannot connect to your Minecraft server is that the server is not running on the correct port. For players to connect to your server, you must ensure it runs on the correct port. The default port for Minecraft servers is 25565, so you will need to check that your server is running on this port. If it is not, then players will not be able to connect.

What steps should I take before I launch Minecraft to avoid server connection issues?

Before you launch Minecraft, ensure that you have a stable internet connection, the latest version of the Minecraft launcher, and that the server you are trying to connect to is online. Also, check with server owners for any known issues or scheduled maintenance.

How can updating my network driver help fix the “Can’t Connect to Minecraft Server” error?

Updating your network driver can resolve potential compatibility issues and improve your computer’s ability to connect to the internet. This can help fix Minecraft server connection issues that might be caused by outdated or malfunctioning network drivers.

Can using the command prompt window help me diagnose and fix Minecraft server connection problems?

Yes, using the command prompt window can help you diagnose and fix Minecraft server connection issues by running commands like “ping” and “tracert” to check your connection to the server. If you find any issues, you can work with your network administrator to resolve them.

Can my network administrator fix the “Can’t Connect to Minecraft Server” error?

To fix Minecraft server connection issues, communicate with server owners about any known issues or maintenance schedules, and provide them with any error messages you encounter. You can also contact your network administrator to ensure your local network settings and hardware is properly configured.

Sed Galope
Meet the author

Sedfrey is an experienced writer and editor. He's also a PC hardware and gaming enthusiast. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about the latest innovations in the PC market and finding fixes to hardware and software errors.