Minecraft server not working? Try these fixes

Gaming

4 min. read

Updated on October 4, 2023

by Tashreef Shareef

updated on October 4, 2023

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Key notes

Minecraft is the most popular voxel-based game in the world.
You can play it in single-player mode, but you can also join LAN worlds and even play on worldwise servers.
For more great articles on this great game, check out our dedicated Minecraft hub.
If Minecraft isn't the only title you play, check out our Gaming page for more info.

Configuring a Minecraft server is easy. However, at times you may encounter the Minecraft server not working issue when accessing the server. Minecraft network errors are most likely to occur due to an unstable network connection, security programs, and other temporary issues.

Several users have reported similar issues in the Reddit community forum.

So me and some friends were trying to start up a 1.14 server. Me and my friend R both downloaded the new minecraft server file (from .net) and after setting it up we can’t connect.

If you are also troubled by this error, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the Minecraft could not connect to server issues in Windows.

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What can I do if Minecraft could not connect to the server?

1. Install the latest version of the server

One of the common causes of Minecraft not working problem is the outdated Minecraft server.
Even if you have recently installed the Minecraft server, check for any pending updates.
Go to the Minecraft JAVA edition server page and check if a new version is available.
Download and install the update.
Restart the computer and try accessing the Minecraft server.

If the issue persists, check Reddit and Minecraft forums to see if other users are also experiencing this issue.

2. Try Apex MineCraft Hosting

If you still encounter the Minecraft server not working issue when accessing the server we suggest you try Minecraft Server Hosting developed by Apex Hosting.

This dedicated server uses the latest and most powerful hardware to ensure that your Minecraft server runs without lags or downtime.

You can easily control your Minecraft Server Hosting account by having access to the edit configurations and console and to change server versions.

You can enjoy all these following features:

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3. Disable your firewall

Turn off Windows Defender Firewall

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Go to Windows Update & Security.
Click on the Windows Security tab from the left pane.
Open Firewall and network protection.
Click on your currently active network.
Scroll down and toggle the little switch to turn off Windows Defender Firewall.

Disable third-party firewall

If your antivirus solution comes with a firewall, try disabling it as well.
You can disable the firewall from the antivirus settings.

After disabling the firewall, try connecting to the Minecraft server. If connected, add the Minecraft server to the exception list.

4. Sign out of Minecraft account

Launch Minecraft.
Click the Log Out button on the bottom right corner of the launcher.
Relaunch Minecraft.
Sign in with your Minecraft credentials and check for any improvements.

Restart your modem/router

Additionally, try restarting your modem or router.
Unplug the power cord from the back of the modem.
Make sure all the lights on the modem are off.
Leave the modem idle for a minute.
Plug the power cord back into the modem.
Wait for the modem’s lights to turn green and stop blinking.
Try connecting to your Minecraft server and check if the Minecraft server not connecting issue is resolved.

If the issue persists, check if the issue is caused by a third-party Minecraft mod installed on the computer. Disabling or uninstalling the problematic mods can help you resolve the Minecraft server not showing up problem.

The Minecraft server not working issue can occur due to several reasons, including network issues as well as server issues. Follow all the steps in this article and let us know which method helped you resolve the issue in the comments.