How to join a Minecraft server: Java, Bedrock, Xbox, Switch, and IPs

To join a Minecraft server, copy the server address, open the multiplayer or servers menu in Minecraft, paste the address, and connect with the right edition. Java players use the Multiplayer menu. Bedrock players on Windows, mobile, and some platforms use the Servers tab. Xbox and Nintendo Switch are Bedrock, but custom IP joining can be limited on consoles.

The two things that matter most are edition and address. A Java server usually will not work in Bedrock, and a Bedrock server usually will not work in Java unless the server owner has set up crossplay support.

Start by finding a server that matches your edition. On ServerBuddy, browse the Minecraft server list, filter to Java servers or Bedrock servers, then copy the address from a live listing.

Quick steps by platform

The official Minecraft server guide describes the same split: Bedrock uses Play > Servers, while Java uses Multiplayer with Direct Connection or Add Server. Minecraft Help also notes that matching editions and game versions matter for multiplayer, which is why ServerBuddy shows edition and version on each listing.

Before you join, check these things

ServerBuddy is useful here because each listing shows live status, edition, version, players, uptime, and the address to copy. For version-specific browsing, start with Minecraft 1.21 servers or choose another version from the server list.

How to join a Minecraft Java server

Use this if you play Minecraft: Java Edition on PC, Mac, or Linux.

1. Open Minecraft: Java Edition.
2. Click Multiplayer.
3. Choose Add Server if you want to save the server, or Direct Connection if you only want to test it once.
4. Paste the server address into the Server Address field.
5. Click Done if you used Add Server.
6. Select the server from the list.
7. Click Join Server.

A Java server address often looks like this:

Some servers use a custom port. In that case, the address may look like this:

Add Server vs Direct Connection

Use Add Server for a server you plan to revisit. It saves the server in your multiplayer list, so you can see its MOTD, player count, and connection status later.

Use Direct Connection when you want to test an address once. This is useful when a friend sends an IP and you are not sure whether it is active.

How to join a Minecraft Bedrock server

Use this for Minecraft Bedrock on Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad, and other Bedrock platforms that show the Add Server button.

1. Open Minecraft.
2. Select Play.
3. Open the Servers tab.
4. Scroll down and choose Add Server.
5. Enter a Server Name. This can be anything you recognize.
6. Enter the Server Address.
7. Enter the Port.
8. Save the server or tap Play.

A Bedrock server address usually has a domain or IP plus a port. The default Bedrock port is usually:

If ServerBuddy shows a non-default port, use the port from the listing. Bedrock is less forgiving than Java here. A correct address with the wrong port usually fails.

How to join a Minecraft server on Xbox

Xbox uses Minecraft Bedrock Edition. That means you need a Bedrock-compatible server, not a Java-only server.

1. Sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Minecraft.
2. Make sure multiplayer is allowed in Xbox privacy or family settings.
3. Open Minecraft.
4. Select Play.
5. Open the Servers tab.
6. Join a featured server, a Realm, a friend's world, or a server available through the menu.

Custom public server IPs are the tricky part. Many Xbox players do not see an Add Server button for arbitrary server addresses. Minecraft Feedback still has active requests for an Add Server button on consoles, so treat custom-IP console instructions as server-specific, not a normal Minecraft menu flow.

Some console guides use DNS-based methods or companion apps to route the console to a custom Bedrock server. Those methods are outside Minecraft's normal Add Server flow. Do not change DNS settings to an address you do not trust, and do not enter Microsoft account details into third-party server tools.

For Xbox, start with Bedrock servers. If a listing only says Java, it is not the right target for Xbox unless the server owner clearly says they support Bedrock crossplay.

How to join a Minecraft server on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch also uses Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The same edition rule applies: choose a Bedrock server.

1. Sign in to Minecraft with your Microsoft account.
2. Make sure your Nintendo account has the online access needed for multiplayer.
3. Open Minecraft.
4. Select Play.
5. Open the Servers tab.
6. Join a featured server, Realm, friend's world, or available server entry.

Like Xbox, Switch often does not provide a simple Add Server button for custom public IPs. If a public server says it supports Switch, follow that server's console instructions carefully.

A ServerBuddy Bedrock listing can still help you check the address, port, live player count, uptime, and version. But if your Switch menu does not let you add a custom server, the IP alone will not be enough.

What is a Minecraft server IP?

A Minecraft server IP is the address your game uses to find the server. Players often say IP even when the address is a domain name.

A domain name, such as play.example.net, is easier to remember. A numeric IP points directly to a server address. A port is the number after the colon.

For Java, the default port is usually 25565. For Bedrock, the default port is usually 19132. If a server uses the default port, many listings leave it out. If a listing shows a custom port, copy it.

How to find a server IP on ServerBuddy

1. Go to the Minecraft server list.
2. Pick the right edition: Java or Bedrock.
3. Choose a playstyle, such as Survival, Skyblock, Lifesteal, or Minigames.
4. Check the version label.
5. Look at current players and uptime.
6. Copy the server address.
7. Paste it into Minecraft.

Do not judge a server only by current players. A server with 0 players right now can still be active at a different time of day. Check uptime, weekly activity, and version compatibility before deciding it is dead.

Java vs Bedrock servers

Some public servers use proxy software that lets Bedrock players join a Java network. Do not assume that works unless the server says so. If ServerBuddy labels a server as Java, use Java. If it labels a server as Bedrock, use Bedrock.

Common errors when joining a Minecraft server

For a public server that might be offline, use the Minecraft server status checker. It can help confirm whether the address responds before you keep changing settings.

If you run your own server and players cannot join, read Why is my Minecraft server offline?. If the message says players are not allowed, the server may be private or whitelisted. The whitelist guide explains that side from the owner's view.

How to choose a server before joining

For a first server, avoid anything that makes you install unknown files or join through confusing third-party instructions. Start with a public, active, clearly labeled server.

Pick the right edition first: browse Java servers if you play Java Edition on PC, or Bedrock servers if you play on Bedrock. Running your own public world? Submit it on Add your Minecraft server after it is online and reachable.