How to Join a Minecraft Server (PC / Java Edition)

Joining a Minecraft Java Edition server allows you to play with friends or explore public communities. To connect successfully you need the server’s IP address and port and a compatible client version. This guide shows you how to locate your server address and add it to your Minecraft client.

Before You Join

• Get the server address. If you own the server, the IP and port are displayed in the Wabbanode Control Panel. Otherwise ask the server owner for the address. It will look like example.wabbanode.com:25565 or an IP followed by a colon and port number.
• Match the version. Your Minecraft client must match the server’s Minecraft version. You can select the correct version in the Minecraft Launcher. If versions do not match you may see an “Incompatible version” message.
• Ensure the server is online. The server must be running for you to join. If you own the server, use the control panel to Start it.

Connecting to a Java Edition Server

1. Launch Minecraft Java Edition on your PC and log into your Minecraft account.
2. From the main menu, click Multiplayer.
3. Click Add Server to permanently add the server to your list. Alternatively, you can click Direct Connection to join once without saving the entry.
4. In the Server Name field, enter a friendly name (for example, “My Wabbanode Server”). In the Server Address field, type the IP and port exactly as provided. If the server uses the default port 25565, you can omit the port.
5. Click Done. The server will appear in your multiplayer list. Select it and click Join Server, or double‑click the entry to connect.

If you used Direct Connection, simply enter the address and click Join Server. The client will attempt to connect immediately.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

• Connection timed out or unknown host. Double‑check the IP and port. Make sure the server is running and that your firewall is not blocking Minecraft.
• Incompatible version. Ensure your client version matches the server. You can change the version from the Installations tab in the Minecraft Launcher.
• Failed to verify username. If you’re connecting to a server with online mode disabled, you may need to log in with a valid Minecraft account or the server owner may need to install an authentication plugin.