Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to join multiplayer servers using IP addresses.
Ready to jump in? Play minecraft games and discover new adventures waiting for you.
Play free games on Playgama.com
Connecting to a Minecraft Server Using an IP Address
Joining a Minecraft server through its IP address is straightforward once you know the steps. Whether you’re playing Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, the process involves entering the server’s IP address and port number into your game client.
For Minecraft Java Edition
Open Minecraft Java Edition and click “Multiplayer” from the main menu. Select “Add Server” or “Direct Connection” depending on whether you want to save the server for future use.
In the server address field, enter the IP address exactly as provided by the server owner. Most server IPs look like 123.456.78.90 or play.exampleserver.com. If the server uses a custom port (not the default 25565), add it after a colon like this: 123.456.78.90:25566.
Click “Done” to save the server, then double-click it to connect. If you chose “Direct Connection,” simply click “Join Server” after entering the IP.
For Minecraft Bedrock Edition
The process differs slightly for Bedrock Edition (Windows 10, mobile, consoles). Navigate to the “Servers” tab and scroll down to find “Add Server” or look for server browser options.
Enter the server name (you can choose any name), the IP address, and the port number in separate fields. Bedrock servers typically use port 19132 instead of 25565.
Common Connection Issues and Solutions
If you can’t connect, first verify you’re using the correct IP address and port. Check that you’re running the same Minecraft version as the server requires – many servers specify compatible versions in their descriptions.
Firewall settings sometimes block connections. Temporarily disable your firewall or add Minecraft as an exception. Router settings can also interfere, particularly if you’re trying to connect to a locally hosted server from outside the network.
Some servers use whitelist systems, meaning you need permission before joining. Contact the server administrator if you suspect this is the case.
Server Types and What to Expect
Public servers welcome anyone with the IP address, while private servers require invitations or applications. Modded servers may require you to install specific mods or modpacks before connecting.
Always ensure you’re downloading mods from trusted sources if required. Server owners typically provide installation instructions and mod lists on their websites or Discord servers.
Once you’ve mastered connecting to servers, you might want to explore different game modes and experiences available in the Minecraft community.
TL;DR
Enter the server IP address in Minecraft’s multiplayer menu, add the port number after a colon if needed, then click connect to join the server.
