> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Can't Connect to Your Minecraft Server? How to Fix It > Can't connect to your Minecraft server or the connection timed out? Check it's online, the address and port, the EULA, the whitelist and the version. If you can't connect to your Minecraft server, check these in order: the server shows **Online** in the Game Panel, you use the full address including the port (for example `203.0.113.10:25565`), the EULA is accepted, you're on the whitelist if it's on, your game version matches the server, and you're using Java Edition (Bedrock players need GeyserMC). Most "Connection timed out" and "Connection refused" errors are one of these. | Difficulty | Time | Panel pages | | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 minutes | **Console**, **Players**, **Version Changer** | *** ## Quick checklist **1. Is the server online?** Open the server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com). The status must be **Online** and the console must show the server has finished starting. If it stopped, open **Logs** to see why. **2. Is the address right?** On the **Console** page, copy the address from the **Copy address** card. Paste it into **Server Address** in Minecraft (**Multiplayer** > **Add Server**), including the colon and port, for example `203.0.113.10:25565`. **3. Is the EULA accepted?** If the console says `You need to agree to the EULA`, the server stops right after starting. See [accept the EULA](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-accept-the-minecraft-eula.md). **4. Are you on the whitelist?** "You are not white-listed on this server!" means the whitelist is on. Add the player on **Players** > **Whitelisted**. New servers on Minecraft 26.3 and newer have the whitelist on by default. **5. Does your version match?** "Incompatible client" means a version mismatch. See [outdated client or server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/outdated-client-or-server-error.md). **6. Java or Bedrock?** Your server runs Java Edition. Bedrock players (phones, consoles, Windows Bedrock) can only join with [GeyserMC](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-configure-geysermc-on-your-minecraft-server.md). *** ## What does each connection error mean? | Error | Meaning | Fix | | - | - | - | | `Connection timed out` | Nothing answered. | Check the IP and port, and that the server is online. | | `Connection refused` | The machine answered, but nothing listens on that port. | The server is stopped or the port is wrong. Start it and copy the address again. | | `Unknown host` / `Can't resolve hostname` | The name couldn't be found. | Check the spelling. For your own domain, check its DNS records. | | `You are not white-listed on this server!` | The whitelist is on and you're not on it. | Add the player on **Players** > **Whitelisted**. | | `You are banned from this server` | The player or IP is banned. | Check **Players** > **Banned** and **Banned IPs**. | | `Incompatible client! Please use …` | Version mismatch. | Play on the server's version, or install ViaVersion. | | `Failed to verify username!` | Account check failed. | See [failed to verify username](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/failed-to-verify-username.md). | | `The server is full!` | **Player slots** reached. | Raise **Player slots** in **Server Properties**, or give operators **Bypass the player limit**. | *** ## Still can't connect? * **Modded server?** Players need the same modpack and version. Mismatched mods give errors when joining. * **Using your own domain?** If your port isn't `25565`, a plain A record isn't enough: add an SRV record, or join with `domain:port`. * **Only one player affected?** Ask them to restart the launcher, try another network and turn off any VPN. * **Still stuck?** Check our [status page](https://status.freakhosting.com), then [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with the exact error. Click **Share log** on the **Console** page and paste the link into the ticket. *** ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does my Minecraft server say "Connection timed out"? The game got no answer from the address you entered. Usually the port is missing or wrong, or the server is offline. Copy the address from the panel and try again. ### Do I need to add the port to the address? Yes, unless your port is `25565`. Copy the full address, including `:port`, from the **Copy address** card on the **Console** page. ### My friends can't join but I can. Why? Check the whitelist and bans on **Players**, and that your friends use the same game version and Java Edition. ### The server shows Online but nobody can join. What now? Wait until start-up has finished in the console, then check the address. On modded servers start-up can take a few minutes. *** ## Related guides > **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Minecraft guide in one place. > **[Set up your Minecraft server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/getting-started-with-your-minecraft-server.md)** > > How to join the first time. > **[Set up a whitelist](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-set-up-a-minecraft-whitelist.md)** > > Add players to the whitelist. > **[Server crashing](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-crashing-or-out-of-memory.md)** > > When the server won't stay online. > **[Network and subdomains](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-network-and-subdomains.md)** > > Your server's address and port. > [!NOTE] > > **Reviewed by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 29 October 2026. Game Panel steps were checked on our panel (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric); game and plugin details follow their official documentation. Steps may differ slightly if the game change. *** > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.