On Java, open Multiplayer, click Add Server, paste the server address, and join. On Bedrock PC or mobile, open Servers, scroll to Add Server, and enter the address and port. Consoles can only join featured servers and Realms.
- Java: Multiplayer, Add Server, paste address, Join
- Your game version must match the server
- Bedrock PC and mobile: Servers tab, Add Server
- Consoles: featured servers and Realms only
- Never give anyone your account password
01What do you need before you join?
- The right edition. Java servers need Java Edition. Bedrock servers need Bedrock.
- A real account. You must be signed in with a Microsoft account to play multiplayer.
- The server address. Something like
play.cheatsmp.dev. Bedrock servers may also list a port. - The matching version. If the server runs 26.3, your game must be 26.3.
Default ports: 25565 for Java, 19132 for Bedrock. If a server uses the default, you can skip the port.
Find addresses on the server's own website or Discord. Copy them exactly. One wrong letter means you cannot connect.
02How do you join a server on Java Edition?
Here is the full walkthrough using CHEAT SMP as the example:
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and make sure Latest release is selected. That is Java 26.3 right now.
- Click Play, then choose Multiplayer.
- Read the online play warning and click Proceed.
- Click Add Server.
- Type a name (any name) and paste
play.cheatsmp.devin Server Address. - Click Done. The server shows up in your list.
- Select it and click Join Server.
Want to join once without saving it? Use Direct Connection instead of Add Server.
When the server asks about resource packs, you can accept or decline. Some servers need their pack to show custom items properly. CHEAT SMP needs no mods; you join with the normal game.
On a snapshot? Switch back to the latest release. Most servers do not run snapshots.
Next time, the server is already saved in your list. The signal bars show your connection, and the player count shows how busy it is. A red X means the game cannot reach the server.
03How do you join a server on Bedrock Edition?
Bedrock servers usually list an address and a port. If no port is given, use the default 19132.
Windows, Android and iOS:
- Open Minecraft and tap Play.
- Go to the Servers tab.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Add Server.
- Enter a name, the address, and the port.
- Tap Play to join now, or Save to keep it.
Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Switch 2: there is no Add Server button. You can join the featured servers in the Servers tab, friends' worlds, and Realms. Joining other servers needs unofficial workarounds. Consoles also usually need an online subscription.
CHEAT SMP on Bedrock: address domination-approves.tun.ply.gg, port 53228.
04How do you fix common server errors?
| Error | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Outdated client / Incompatible client | Your version does not match the server | Pick the version the message names in the launcher |
| Failed to verify username | The server could not confirm your account | Close the game and launcher, sign in again, rejoin |
| Invalid session | Your login session is stale | Restart the game and the launcher |
| Unknown host / can't resolve hostname | The address is wrong | Check spelling, remove spaces |
| Connection timed out / refused | Server is offline or blocked | Wait, turn off your VPN, try another network |
More tips:
- Delete and re-add the server entry if an old one is saved.
- Restart your router or PC if nothing else loads online either.
- Try a phone hotspot. If it works, the problem is your home network.
- Cracked launchers cannot join servers that check accounts. That is on purpose.
- Check the server's website or Discord. It may be down for an update.
If your launcher auto-updated to a newer release, the server may not have updated yet. Switch back to the version it names until it catches up.
05How do you stay safe on Minecraft servers?
- Never share your password. No server needs your Microsoft login.
- Keep personal info private. Real name, age, school, location, phone number.
- Read the rules before you build. Use
/rulesif the server has it. - Mute, block, and report players who bother you.
- Skip random downloads. "Required" mod files from strangers can be malware.
- Avoid pay-to-win servers. See our no pay-to-win guide.
- Turn off multiplayer in your world settings when you want to play solo.
Parents: look for servers with posted rules, a chat filter, a minimum age, and a working report command. Play together for a few minutes to see how chat feels.
If someone offers free items, ranks, or "op" in exchange for your login or a download, it is a scam. Leave and report them.
06Ready to join? Here is a server to try
CHEAT SMP is a free Java 26.3 survival server at play.cheatsmp.dev. You need a paid Java account, and no mods: every power runs server-side. A short tutorial starts when you type /survival. Full steps are on the join page, and answers live in the FAQ.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is the IP to join a Minecraft server?
Each server has its own address, given by its owner. For example, CHEAT SMP's Java address is play.cheatsmp.dev.
Why does Minecraft say outdated client?
Your game version does not match the server. Switch your launcher to the version named in the error message.
How do I fix failed to verify username?
Close Minecraft and the launcher, sign back in, and rejoin. If you use a cracked launcher, you cannot join servers that check accounts.
Can you join custom servers on Xbox, PlayStation or Switch?
Not officially. Consoles only list featured servers and Realms; other servers require unofficial workarounds.
Like this? Play it with powers.
CHEAT SMP is a Java 26.3 server at play.cheatsmp.dev, used here as the worked example for joining on Java.
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Published Oct 30, 2026. Written for Minecraft Java 26.3; we update posts when the game changes. Not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft.
