How to Fix "Can't Connect to Server" in Minecraft

Last Updated: November 1, 2022

Sometimes you can run into problems while trying to connect to a Minecraft server. If you're sure you have the correct server address, the issue could be related to your computer, system, or network. This wikiHow teaches you how to troubleshoot errors like "Can't Connect to Server" and "Cannot Reach Server" when connecting to Minecraft on various systems.

Steps

1
Check that your connection is enabled. On most devices, the Wi-Fi icon resembles a dot with three or four arching lines over it. Click or tap this icon and check to see if Wi-Fi is enabled, and also check the status of your connection at the top of the list of wireless networks. If you are having issues with your Wi-Fi connection, disable and enable it again.
2
Check where the error is occurring. Check to see if all Minecraft servers are unable to connect, or if the problem is happening on a couple of servers. If it is only happening on certain Minecraft servers, the problem is likely with the server itself. If you aren't able to connect to any Minecraft servers, it's likely a software issue on your end.

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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.
4
Log out and log back into Minecraft. Simply close Minecraft and reopen it. If you need to enter the username and password associated with your Microsoft or Minecraft account.
5
Restart your router. To restart your router, simply unplug it and wait 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and wait a full minute for it to boot up. This fixes a lot of connection issues.
6
Try to connect again later. Sometimes servers get overloaded, or are taken down for maintenance. Try waiting a few hours before trying to connect again.
- You can check the status of Minecraft servers here.
7
Check your game console's network. If you are playing on a game console, check to make sure the network isn't down. You can check the status of a network at the following web pages:
8
Check your firewall settings. If your macOS or Windows firewall settings are preventing you from connecting to a Minecraft server, you can disable the firewall or check the inbound and outbound rules and make sure Minecraft is allowed.
9
Disable the firewall on your router. Sometimes your modem or router may have its own firewall. Log in to web interface on your modem or router and check the firewall settings. If the firewall is blocking Minecraft server connections, either allow those connections or disable the firewall.
10
Check for any third-party firewall applications. If you are running any third-party firewall applications, check the settings on those applications too and make sure Minecraft is allowed through those programs, or disable the firewall program.
11
Contact the network administrator. If you are playing on a public network, or work or university network, it is possible the network administrator doesn't allow Minecraft. Contact the network administrator about the issue.
12
Contact the server owners. If you are not able to connect to a server after a prolonged amount of time, contact the server owner to see if the server is still active.
13
Uninstall any mods. It is possible that unofficial software or third-party mods may be causing problems with your game. Uninstall any mods you may have installed and see if the problem persists.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I contact the server owners?

Community Answer

You need to see who owns it and contact them via email or any social media they have.
Question

How do I log out of Minecraft?

Community Answer

Go to the launcher and click the "Log out" button. Then you should sign back in and try to connect to the server.
Question

What does it mean when the server I open says, "Failed to login: invalid session (Try restarting your game)"? How do I fix it?

Community Answer

Close the game; if it re-opens the launcher, close that, too. Start a new instance of Minecraft.