How to fix Minecraft "Can't connect to server"

When Minecraft can't join a server, it shows a short reason under Failed to connect to the server. Some mean the server is offline, some mean your version doesn't match, and some mean Minecraft's login servers are having problems.

For problems signing in or joining every server at once, check our Minecraft status page.

Common errors and what they mean

• "Connection timed out: no further information": the server didn't answer. It may be offline or full, the address may be wrong, or a firewall is blocking Minecraft.
• "Connection refused" (often shown with io.netty in the message): nothing is accepting connections at that address and port. The server is offline, or the port is wrong.
• "Outdated client" or "Outdated server": your game version doesn't match the server's. Pick the right version in the launcher's Installations tab.
• "Failed to verify username" or "Invalid session": Minecraft's login check failed. Restart the game and launcher, sign out and back in; if many people have it, Minecraft's authentication servers are down.

Fixes to try

1. Check the server address and port, and whether the server's own website or Discord says it's up.
2. Restart the game and the launcher.
3. Allow Java (javaw.exe) and Minecraft through your firewall and antivirus.
4. Turn off your VPN, restart your router, and flush DNS with ipconfig /flushdns.
5. If you're hosting the server, check it's running and that port 25565 (Java Edition) is forwarded on your router.

Java Edition or Bedrock?

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition (consoles, phones, Windows store version) can't join each other's servers unless the server runs a cross-play plugin. Bedrock servers use port 19132 by default.