How to Connect to Your Minecraft Server
Once your Minecraft server is online, connecting is quick and easy. This guide covers both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.
For Minecraft Java Edition
Method 1: Direct Connect
- Launch Minecraft Java Edition
- Click "Multiplayer"
- Click "Direct Connection"
- Enter your server address:
YOUR_SERVER_IP:PORT - Click "Join Server"
Example: 123.45.67.89:25565
Note: If your server uses the default port (25565), you can omit the port and just use the IP.
Method 2: Add to Server List (Recommended)
- Launch Minecraft Java Edition
- Click "Multiplayer"
- Click "Add Server"
- Enter a Server Name (whatever you want to call it)
- Enter your Server Address:
YOUR_SERVER_IP:PORT - Click "Done"
- Your server will now appear in your server list - just double-click to join!
For Minecraft Bedrock Edition
Note: Bedrock Edition requires additional setup. If your server doesn't support Bedrock natively, you'll need GeyserMC plugin installed.
On Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch:
- Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition
- Click "Play"
- Go to the "Servers" tab
- Scroll down and click "Add Server"
- Enter your server details:
- Server Name: Your choice
- Server Address: Your server IP (without port)
- Port: Your server port (usually 19132 for Bedrock)
- Click "Save" and then "Join"
On Mobile (iOS/Android):
- Open Minecraft
- Tap "Play"
- Tap the "Servers" tab
- Scroll down and tap "Add Server"
- Fill in your server information
- Tap "Play"
Finding Your Server IP and Port
Method 1: Check Your Email
Your server IP and port were sent to you in the order confirmation email when your server was activated.
Method 2: TuneInGaming Dashboard
- Log in to your TuneInGaming Dashboard
- Navigate to "My Services"
- Click on your Minecraft server
- Your connection details are displayed on the service page
The format is: IP:PORT (e.g., 123.45.67.89:25565)
Using a Custom Domain (Optional)
If you've set up a custom domain for your server (e.g., play.yourserver.com), you can use that instead of the IP address:
- In the server address field, enter:
play.yourserver.com - No port needed if using SRV records
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
"Can't connect to server" or "Connection timed out"
- Verify the IP address and port are correct
- Check that your server is online in the TuneInGaming Dashboard
- Make sure you're using the correct Minecraft version
- Restart your server and try again
- Disable any VPN or firewall temporarily
"Outdated client" or "Outdated server"
- Your Minecraft version doesn't match the server version
- Update your Minecraft client or change your server version
- Check what version your server is running in the dashboard
"Failed to verify username" or "Invalid session"
- Restart your Minecraft launcher completely
- Log out and log back into your Minecraft account
- Check if Minecraft authentication servers are online
"Server is whitelisted"
- Your username needs to be added to the whitelist
- Contact the server owner/admin
- If you're the owner, see our guide "How to Manage Whitelist"
"You are banned from this server"
- Your account has been banned
- Contact the server admin if you believe this is an error
- If you're the owner, see our guide "How to Ban/Unban Players"
First Time Connecting?
If this is your first time joining your new server:
- The server may take 1-2 minutes to fully start up
- Your first login might take slightly longer as the world generates
- Make yourself an operator to get admin commands (see our guide "How to Become Admin")
Tips for Best Connection
- Add your server to your server list for quick access
- Use a wired internet connection for better stability
- Close other programs that use bandwidth
- Choose a server location closest to you for lowest ping
Need More Help?
If you're still having trouble connecting, please contact our support team with:
- Your server IP and port
- Screenshots of any error messages
- Your Minecraft version (Java or Bedrock)
- A description of what happens when you try to connect
We're here to help 24/7!
