Help CenterTroubleshooting › Can’t Connect

Troubleshooting: Can’t Connect to Server

If you or your players can’t connect to the server, work through these checks in order.

1. Is the Server Running?

1Check Server Status

Go to your server in panel.pexnode.com. The status indicator in the top-left should show Running (green). If it shows Offline or Starting, wait for it to fully start.

2. Are You Using the Right Address?

2Verify Connection Address

Check the Network tab for your server’s exact address (ip:port). Make sure you’re entering both the IP and port correctly in Minecraft.

3. Version Mismatch?

3Match Minecraft Versions

Your Minecraft client version must match the server version. Check which version your server is running in the Engines tab, then switch your client to that version in the Minecraft launcher.

4. Online Mode / Cracked Issues

4Check Authentication Mode

If “Online Mode” is enabled (default), only players with legitimate Minecraft accounts can connect. If you want to allow cracked clients, disable online mode in MC Settings (Java) or Settings (Bedrock).

Warning: Disabling online mode allows anyone to join with any username, which creates security risks. Use a login plugin like AuthMe if you disable online mode.

5. Whitelist

5Check Whitelist

If whitelist is enabled, only approved players can join. Add players to the whitelist via the console: whitelist add PlayerName

6. Firewall / Network Issues

6Test Your Network

If only specific players can’t connect, the issue is likely on their end: school/work network blocking game ports, ISP restrictions, or firewall software. Try connecting from a different network.

7. “Connection Timed Out”

This usually means the server is unreachable — either it’s offline, the address is wrong, or there’s a network issue between you and the server. Double-check the address and try again after 30 seconds.

8. “Outdated Server” / “Outdated Client”

This means a version mismatch. Either update your Minecraft client or change the server version to match. See our Change Version guide.

Still Can’t Connect?

If nothing above helps, submit a support ticket with:

  • Your server address (IP:port)
  • The exact error message from Minecraft
  • Your Minecraft version and edition (Java or Bedrock)