Minecraft is a lot of fun on its own, but to get the "classic" experience offered by the game you have to join other players! It's easy to get into a Minecraft server; usually you just need to find a public one on the internet, copy your login information into the game, and log in. The exact operation varies based on the version of Minecraft you are using, but once you learn how to do it, you will be able to join other players' games whenever you want.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Connect via Computer
Step 1. Visit a website with a list of Minecraft IPs
To enter an online server within the game, you need to know its IP address, a numerical code that identifies the various computers on the network. Fortunately, there are many sites that list the addresses of the most popular servers. Here are some of them:
- minecraftservers.org
- minecraft-server-list.com
- topg.org/Minecraft
- topservers.com/minecraft
Step 2. Copy the IP address of the server you want to join
Usually on sites that list server information you will see lists with short descriptions explaining the game style of the servers or containing a link to the official website. When you find a world that interests you, copy its IP address to your computer's clipboard.
- To do this, select the text to copy, then press:
-
Windows:
Ctrl + C
-
Mac:
Command + C
Step 3. Open the Minecraft Multiplayer menu
Start the game on your computer, then click "Multiplayer" on the first screen. You will see many choices: "Direct Connect", "Add Server", "Join a Server". For now, click "Direct Connection".
Step 4. Paste the IP address into the text field
Press "Join Server" and you should load the game. If you get an error like "Server not updated" or "Connection failed" and you are sure that your internet connection is working, there may be a server-side technical problem. It is not uncommon for servers to fail or for login information to change and not up to date on the sites that list them, so don't worry; choose another one and try again.
- To paste the text from the clipboard, press:
-
Windows:
Ctrl + V
-
Mac:
Command + V
Step 5. Add servers to the in-game list to connect more easily in the future
Once you find a few servers you like to play on, it's annoying to have to copy and paste IP addresses every time you want to change world. To avoid this, go back to the Multiplayer screen and click "Add Server". In the screen that appears, enter the IP address of the server you want to save and give it a name. Click "Done" when done.
Once done, the server you have chosen will be added to your favorites list and you will see it in the Multiplayer menu. In the future you will be able to enter it by clicking on it, then on "Join server"
Method 2 of 4: Connect with the Pocket Edition
Step 1. Visit a website with a list of Minecraft IPs
As you did for the desktop version of the game, you need the IP address of the server you want to connect to on the mobile as well. You can find them on sites that contain login information for a large number of Minecraft PE servers. Below you will find some reputable sites you can try:
- minecraftpocket-servers.com/
- mcpestats.com/
Step 2. Type in the IP address of the server you want
When you find a world you like, copy its address. You will need it to connect.
Since you're not using a computer, you may not have the ability to copy and paste the address to the clipboard (although many smartphones today have this feature). If you have no other choice, write it down on a piece of paper
Step 3. Open Minecraft PE
Start the game on your mobile device. On the first screen, press "Play". A further screen will open where you will see the current server list.
Step 4. Go to the "Add Server" menu
Click "Edit" at the top right of the screen. Then click the "External" button that you see appear: a screen will open where you can enter the information of the server you want to enter.
Step 5. Enter the IP address of the server you have chosen
In the "Address" field type (or paste) the address you copied earlier. Give the server a name (for example, you can name it according to the type of game: "Survival" etc.). When done, hit "Add Server".
Do not change the "Port" setting unless specifically required to do so in the login information
Step 6. Click on the server you just added
Return to previous page. You should see the server you saved in the list of available ones. Press it to load the game world!
Method 3 of 4: Connect from the Console Version
Step 1. Find a player who organizes a match
The method for connecting to a multiplayer match on XBox 360, XBox One, PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 is slightly different than those described above. On consoles, the IP address system is not used, but you must be personally invited to the game by another player (or create a multiplayer session yourself and invite other users).
- If none of your friends play Minecraft, the best place to find people willing to invite you to their games is Minecraftforum.net. On this site, players who set up servers post their XBox or PlayStation IDs, so you can add them to your contacts.
- To find games to join, visit the forums and scroll down until you see the name of the system you are using. Under the "Multiplayer" heading click on "Server". On the next page, browse through the various posts looking for a game you like.
Step 2. Send a friend request to the host
Once you find a session post you want to join, write the name of the person who organizes it. Launch the console and send a friend request to that user. The way to do this varies slightly by console; read later:
- How to Make Friends on XBOX Live (for XBox 360 and Xbox One).
- Official Sony guide on how to add friends on PS3
- Official Sony guide on how to add friends on PS4
Step 3. Wait for the match invitation
Once the friend request has been sent to the organizer of the session, it is up to him to invite you to join the server. Be patient; it can take some time, especially if the other user is busy.
Be prepared to send inquiries to multiple people so you don't have to wait too long
Method 4 of 4: Troubleshoot
Step 1. Never use server hacks
Using Force Op is tantamount to becoming an enemy of the administrator. If you've found a really fun server and decide to hack, you might get kicked out or banned.
Step 2. Try the following servers:
Mineplex, Pika Network, Ghast Legion, Guildcraft, RandomCraft, Hypixel and one of the most popular MCOrigins.
Step 3. Never enter unknown servers
Some users log your IP to enter your PC.
Step 4. Never join the following servers:
xtxmc.com, rabbitmc.com, play.colonelcraft.nl, stfuplay.net, fightcraft.com, yencodstrailer.nl, jeromeplays.nl, play, thediamondminecraft.com, guntechuse.xp, wwby.nl (wewillbanyou.com), djcpbj.com: 25561, us.leunt.com, mc.playgmp.com:25565. On these servers, users' IPs have been used for malicious purposes. Some of them have been eliminated.
Step 5. Use sites like Serverpact, MinecraftServers, ServerListMinecraft and Minecraft-mp to find new servers
Advice
- Be sure to register your account before playing to protect your preferred username.
- The Minecraft Wiki is a great resource for any questions or issues not covered in this article.
