Fixed: Friend can't Connect to Minecraft Server [2023]

So, you started a Minecraft server to play with your friends, but none of your friends can join.

Ugh! I know how frustrating it can be.

A network connectivity issue or a Minecraft server issue can cause this problem. However, using some simple steps you can solve this problem.

So, let’s troubleshoot Minecraft and make your friend join your server without any hiccups.

Why My Friend Cannot Connect to Minecraft Server?

Your friend cannot connect to your Minecraft server if you are playing on different versions. Plus, there can be instances when Minecraft servers are down. Additionally, if Minecraft is blocked from Windows Firewall, your friend cannot join your server.

Minecraft has the Java and Bedrock editions. And you cannot crossplay between them. For instance, if your friend plays on Nintendo Switch and you are playing the Java version on Windows, your friend cannot join your server. In short, Minecraft only allows players to join servers where players are logging in from the same version.

And as usual, network problems on your friend’s end can prevent him/her from joining your server. Minecraft server downtime, incorrect port settings, and problems with their router can cause this issue.

So, how can your friend join your Minecraft server? That is explained properly in the next section.

How can my Friends Connect to my Minecraft Server

To join a Minecraft server you need to ensure a few things.

• You need to have the same Minecraft version as your friend to join your server or vice-versa.
• The Minecraft server needs to be available.
• You need to send your friends the Public IP Address of your server.
• You need to port forward in your router.
• You need to disable the firewall on your computer and your router.

Once you ensure these are okay, you can join any Minecraft server.

Now, let’s look at the solutions in detail.

Here’re the steps to fix when your friends cannot connect to the Minecraft server:

1. Update Minecraft

The Windows Store should automatically update your game. But if your game is not updating on your own then,

• Open to the Microsoft Store app.
• Open the Minecraft page.
• Click on Update.

Then you will get all the software that needs an update, including Minecraft. Tell your friends to do the same.

Then any problems that reside with different versions of Minecraft are gone.

Even if Minecraft throws a not updating error after you move to its recent version, surely check our article where we list the solutions that will work for you.

2. Know your Public IP Address

Go to the whatismyip webpage while running the Minecraft server in the background. You will get your public IP address.

You need to hand out your Public IP Address to your friends. Without the public IP address, they cannot join your server.

3. Allow App Through Windows Firewall

It would be best if you disabled the Windows Defender firewall for Minecraft to play with your friends in Minecraft.

• Go to Windows Firewall and click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall . After going there, click on change settings.
• Look for javaw.exe and tick on Public and Private.
• Click OK.

Now, you are done disabling the firewall for Minecraft. It should be able to connect with the servers.

4. Use Appropriate Ports

To play Minecraft with your friends over the online servers, you need to port forward your router.

So, I will give you an essential guide on how to do that as it varies from router to router, but the main procedure is pretty much the same.

Before port forwarding, you need a static IP. So, let us get to make one.

STATIC IP:   

• Go to Command Prompt and type in ipconfig /all, and press Enter.
• Note down the IPv4 address, Subnet Mask, and the DNS Servers.
• Go to the control panel, click on View network status and tasks, and then click on Change adapter settings.
• Change adapter settings, right-click on it, and hit Properties.
• Place a tick next to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), put a tick on it, and then click on Properties underneath it.
• Put a tick on Use the following IP address. then put a new address on the IP address. It will be the same as the default gateway. Just change the last credential and keep it between 1 to 254.
• On IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask and DNS Servers paste the address you have copied down earlier.
• Click OK.

Now you have a static IP on your computer.

PORT FORWARDING:

Now that you have a static IP let’s head back to port forwarding,

The router’s Admin panel contains the options where you can add ports that help your computer to connect with the Minecraft servers. Different routers have different interfaces. But, you should find the port forwarding option on the Advanced Settings options.

These are the steps to add ports for Minecraft on your Router:

• Login into your router via browser.
• Go to the port forwarding section, usually in Advanced settings.
• Put your IP Address. TCP: 25565, UDP: 19132, 19133, 25565.
• Reboot the router.

You are done port forwarding your router. You can check if the port is forwarded or not by putting up your IP address and the TCP port on this website.

If you face connection issues on Minecraft after port-forwarding, check our separate article where we deal with this issue.

5. Troubleshoot Common Network Issues

When experiencing network issues, these fixes can help you not only on Minecraft but on any application that requires an internet connection.

If the problem lies on your end, the Minecraft client will simply refuse to connect to the desired server. You may see all the Minecraft servers to be running perfectly okay, but the client simply won’t connect.

Hence, go through these fixes.

Reset your Router

To reset your router, unplug it from the power source and keep it in this state for 5 minutes. If you use a modem/switch or any additional networking equipment, this applies to all of them.

Reconnect each device to the power socket and wait for the devices to get ready and configure your Wi-Fi connection. When ready, try connecting Minecraft to the server.

Connect to a Different Network

You can also use data from your phone to connect to the Minecraft servers. Just create a hotspot and connect your computer/laptop to this network. If Minecraft connects successfully, you know where the error lies.

The next steps involved would be tedious, but contact your ISP and inform them of your situation.

Turn off VPN

While VPNs have many good uses for them, they can feel a tad slower than regular internet connections. And if they detect a Minecraft server as a security implication, Minecraft won’t even connect to a server at all.

So, turn off any VPN, whether it is a system-wide app or network-based, and then attempt connecting to a Minecraft server.

Log in and out of Minecraft

This is the most rudimentary solution of them all. Try logging in and out of Minecraft as you attempt to connect to a server. This fix has worked for some users and can work for you too. The official Minecraft support lists this so this is a possible fix for your stated problem.

Final Thoughts

We all want to enjoy the game we like with our friends. Minecraft indeed is one of the best games out there to enjoy with friends.

Hopefully, you have found the fix to your problem and now can enjoy the game with your friends.

And if you have any future queries, you can always reach us.

Until next time, it’s farewell from here.