> ## 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. # Outdated Server or Outdated Client in Minecraft: How to Fix > Fix "Outdated server", "Outdated client" or "Incompatible client" in Minecraft: match the game version, use Version Changer or install ViaVersion. "Outdated server", "Outdated client" and "Incompatible client! Please use 26.1" all mean the same thing: the player's Minecraft version and the server's version don't match. Fix it by starting the game on the server's version in the launcher, by changing the server's version with **Version Changer**, or by installing **ViaVersion** so several versions can join. | Difficulty | Time | Panel pages | | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 minutes | **Version Changer**, **Plugins** | *** ## What do the version messages mean? | Message | Meaning | | - | - | | `Incompatible client! Please use ` | The player's version differs from the server's. The version shown is the server's. | | `Incompatible version!` or a red version in the server list | Same mismatch, seen before joining. | | `Outdated client! Please use ` | Proxy wording (BungeeCord): the player's game is older than the network expects. | | `Outdated server! I'm still on ` | Proxy wording: the player's game is newer than the network. | *** ## How to find the server's version Open **Version Changer**. The status line shows what is installed, for example **Currently installed: Paper 26.1.1 (#29)**. That number is the version players need. ![Version Changer page in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel with the currently installed server type and version and cards for each server type](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/minecraft/mc-version-changer.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=0e5ed5ea91eea402212794be1fa4d1c1) Version Changer shows the installed version *** ## Fix 1: Play on the server's version **1. Open the Minecraft Launcher** Go to **Installations** and click **New installation**. **2. Pick the version** Choose the server's version, for example `26.1.1`, and click **Create**. **3. Play** Click **Play** on that installation and join the server. For a modded server, every player needs the same modpack or mod versions too. See [install a modpack](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-a-minecraft-modpack.md). ## Fix 2: Change the server's version If everyone has moved to a newer version, update the server. **1. Make a backup** Click **Backups**, then **Create backup**. **2. Pick the version** In **Version Changer**, click your server type, choose the new **Minecraft Version** and click **Change Version**. Leave **Delete Server Files** off to keep your world. **3. Update plugins or mods** Check **Plugins** or **Mods** > **Installed** > **Check for updates**. Old plugins may not load on a new version. > [!WARNING] > > Only go to the same or a newer version with an existing world. Opening a world in an older version can corrupt it. See [change your server version](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-server-version.md). ## Fix 3: Let several versions join with ViaVersion On a Paper server, install **ViaVersion** from **Plugins** so newer clients can join. Add **ViaBackwards** for older clients. See [ViaVersion](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/allow-older-clients-to-join-viaversion.md). *** ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does it say outdated server when I just updated? Your game is newer than the server. Either play on the server's version, update the server with **Version Changer**, or install ViaVersion. ### Bedrock players see "Outdated client" or "Outdated server". What now? That is a Geyser version issue. Players update Minecraft Bedrock, and you update Geyser on **Plugins** > **Installed**. See [GeyserMC](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-configure-geysermc-on-your-minecraft-server.md). ### Which version should my server run? The version most of your players use. For modpacks, the version the pack is made for. ### What do the 26.x version numbers mean? Minecraft moved to year-based versions after 1.21.11, so 26.1 is a 2026 release that comes after 1.21.11. **Version Changer** lists both the new and older versions. *** ## Related guides > **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Minecraft guide in one place. > **[Change your server version](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-server-version.md)** > > Version Changer step by step. > **[ViaVersion](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/allow-older-clients-to-join-viaversion.md)** > > Let several versions join. > **[Can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/cant-connect-to-your-minecraft-server.md)** > > Other connection errors. > [!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 or its plugins 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.