Why does my Minecraft server say 'Connection Refused'?

Connection Refused means the server isn't running or isn't accessible. Check that the server is started, port forwarding is configured, and firewall isn't blocking connections.

What does 'Connection Timed Out' mean in Minecraft?

Connection Timed Out means the server didn't respond in time. This is usually caused by wrong IP address, port forwarding issues, or the server being offline.

Why can I connect locally but not from outside?

This indicates a port forwarding or firewall issue. Your server works on your network but isn't accessible from the internet. Configure port forwarding on your router.

How do I fix 'Failed to connect to the server'?

Check the server IP is correct, verify the server is running, ensure you're using the right Minecraft version, and check your internet connection.

Minecraft Server Not Working? Fix Connection Issues (2025)

Quick Diagnosis

First, identify your error message to find the right solution:

Connection Refused

Server isn't running or port is blocked

Connection Timed Out

Server unreachable or wrong IP

Outdated Client/Server

Version mismatch

Failed to Verify Username

Authentication issue

Fix: "Connection Refused"

This error means the server exists but actively refused your connection. Common causes:

1. Server isn't running

The most common cause. Make sure the server is actually started and running.

Check the server console for errors. Look for "Done" message indicating successful startup.

2. Wrong port

If you changed the server port, you need to specify it when connecting.

Connect using serverip:port format (e.g., play.example.com:25566)

3. Firewall blocking connections

Windows Firewall or antivirus might be blocking Minecraft.

Add Java and Minecraft to firewall exceptions. Temporarily disable antivirus to test.

Fix: "Connection Timed Out"

This means the server didn't respond at all. The issue is usually network-related:

1. Wrong IP address

Double-check the server IP. For self-hosted servers, use your public IP (not 192.168.x.x).

Find your public IP at whatismyip.com

2. Port forwarding not configured

Self-hosted servers need port 25565 forwarded in your router.

See our port forwarding guide

3. Server is offline

The server machine might be off or the process crashed.

Contact the server owner or check hosting provider status page.

Fix: "Outdated Client" / "Outdated Server"

Your Minecraft version doesn't match the server version.

Check what version the server is running
In Minecraft Launcher, click "Installations"
Create or edit an installation with the matching version
Play using that installation

Fix: "Failed to Verify Username"

This is a Mojang authentication issue:

Check if Mojang/Microsoft auth servers are down at status.mojang.com
Restart Minecraft completely
Log out and log back into your Minecraft account
Check your internet connection

Still Not Working?

If you've tried everything and your self-hosted server still has issues, the problem might be:

ISP blocking port 25565 - Some ISPs block gaming ports
CGNAT - Your ISP shares IP addresses, making hosting impossible
Dynamic IP - Your IP changes, breaking the connection

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