Updated 24 October 2026. Every answer lists its source.
Joining a Minecraft server on any device, answered
Step-by-step answers for every device, from typing the server address on PC to the console limits on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch.
How do you add a server on Minecraft Java?
Click Multiplayer, then Add Server, type a name and the server address, and click Done. The server appears in your list.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
What is Direct Connection in Minecraft?
Direct Connection joins a server once without saving it to your list. Type the address and click Join Server.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
How do you type a server IP with a port?
Put a colon and the port after the address, for example play.example.com:25566. You only need it if the server does not use 25565.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Server.properties, Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
How do you join an older version server on Java?
Make a launcher installation for the server's version, or join if the server has ViaVersion. The server list shows which versions it accepts.
How do you join a friend's server on Java?
Ask them for the address, which is their public IP or domain, and add it in Multiplayer. If you are on the same network, use their local IP.
How do you join ArtemisPvP?
Open Minecraft Java, click Multiplayer, Add Server and type play.artemispvp.com. Bedrock players can join too.
Source: ArtemisPvP - Join
How do you add a server on Minecraft Bedrock?
Open Play, go to the Servers tab, scroll down, choose Add Server and type the name, address and port (19132 by default).
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Bedrock Edition, Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
How do you join a server on Minecraft mobile?
Bedrock on iPhone, iPad and Android joins servers the same way as Windows: Play, Servers, Add Server, then type the address and port.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Bedrock Edition
How do you join a server on an iPad?
Use Bedrock's Servers tab: Add Server, type the address and port, and join. iPads run Bedrock, so they can only join Bedrock servers or Java servers with Geyser.
How do you join a server on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks run Bedrock Edition, so use the Servers tab and Add Server like on a phone.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Bedrock Edition
How do you join a server on Xbox?
Open the Servers tab and pick a featured server. Xbox has no Add Server button, so other servers need a workaround such as joining through LAN or a DNS method.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Bedrock Edition, Minecraft Wiki - Featured server
How do you join a server on PS5 or PS4?
PlayStation shows only featured servers in the Servers tab. Joining other servers needs a workaround, and online play needs PlayStation Plus.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Featured server, Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
How do you join a server on Nintendo Switch?
The Switch Servers tab lists featured servers only. Other servers need a workaround, and online play needs Nintendo Switch Online.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Featured server, Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
Can consoles join Java servers?
Not directly. Consoles run Bedrock, so a Java server needs Geyser and a console workaround to let them in.
How do you find a server's IP?
Server owners post their address on their website, Discord or server listing. For your own server, use your public IP or domain.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Server
What is the difference between a server IP and a domain?
An IP is a number like 203.0.113.5. A domain like play.example.com points to that IP and is easier to remember.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Server
Why does my server address not work?
Check spelling, the port, and that the server is online and on your version. Copy the address from the server's own site to avoid typos.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
How do you see if a Minecraft server is online?
Add it to your server list: a green ping bar and player count mean it is up. A red X or "Can't connect" means it is offline or unreachable.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Multiplayer
Why can't I join a Realm?
Check you were invited and accepted, your game is the Realm's version, and on Java that multiplayer is allowed on your account.
Source: Minecraft Wiki - Realms
How do you change your Minecraft version?
In the Minecraft Launcher make a new installation with the version you want. CurseForge and Modrinth apps set the version per profile.
How does ViaVersion work?
ViaVersion is a server plugin that translates between versions, so newer clients can join an older server. ViaBackwards lets older clients join newer servers.
Source: viaversion.com
What is port 25565 used for?
Port 25565 is the default port of Minecraft Java servers. Your router must forward it if you host a server for friends outside your home.
How do you stop getting kicked for being AFK?
Servers kick idle players after the player-idle-timeout time. Move now and then; vanilla has no AFK mode, and some servers forbid AFK tools.
More questions
Every topic is on the FAQ hub. Questions about the ArtemisPvP server itself (commands, ranks, events) are on the server FAQ. Server IP: play.artemispvp.com.