How to join your Minecraft server

Joining your Minecraft server is a simple process, which is detailed below.

Find Your Hostname or IP Address

First, start the server using the green arrow in the top left corner of your instance server panel. Once the panel has turned green you will be able to join your server. Then, you will need to locate either your server's Hostname or IP Address. The Hostname is located at the top of the server panel right below your instance name and will be highlighted in blue.

The server's IP Address will be located at the bottom of the Overview page of your server panel. We would recommend using the hostname unless you're experiencing issues.

Nodepanel highlighting Server Hostname

Overview tab of the Nodepanel highlighting the Server IP Address

Add Your Server

Once you have the Hostname or IP Address, login and start Minecraft on your Minecraft Launcher. Then, select "Multiplayer", and finally click "Add Server".

Minecraft Client for 1.17 highlighting the Multiplayer button

Minecraft Client highlighting Add Server in the Multiplayer Screen

There will be two text boxes, "Server Name" and "Server Address". You can enter anything you like in the "Server Name" text box, as that is how it will be listed in the "Multiplayer" screen for your Minecraft client. We'd recommend something memorable! Next, type in the Hostname or IP Address you found earlier into the "Server Address" text box, and confirm your entries by clicking "Done".

Minecraft Client Add Server screen Example

You will then be taken back to the server list. The server should appear in that list with the name you selected, and should display an image of green bars at the right that signify it is online.

Minecraft Client Multiplayer screen including an Example Server that is Joinable

Note: You can also use the "Direct Connect" button if you don't want to add the server to the list.

Join Your Server

You can now join the server by either selecting it in the list and clicking "Join Server", clicking the arrow on the server's icon, or by double clicking on the server's name. If you are still having issues, check out our article Troubleshooting issues preventing you from joining the server for more information, or contact our support team for assistance.