How to Connect to Your Minecraft Server

Finding Your Server Address

In the GameGrid dashboard, click "Manage" on your Minecraft server card. The address is in the status bar at the top of the page, and again on the Overview tab under Connection Info.

Copy the "Server Address" row exactly. It is an IP address and a port together, for example 203.0.113.10:28100.

Your port is assigned by the platform out of its own range - it is not 25565. That means the port ALWAYS has to be included, and telling players they can leave it off will not work.

The "Game Port" row on the same card is the number half of that address if you need it on its own.

Java Edition: Direct Connect

Direct Connect is the fastest way to join - it's a one-time connection without saving the server to your list.

1. Open Minecraft Java Edition.

2. Click "Multiplayer".

3. Click "Direct Connection".

4. Paste the full Server Address, including the port.

5. Click "Join Server".

Java Edition: Add Server (Save for Later)

If you want to save the server so you don't have to type the IP every time, use Add Server instead.

1. Open Minecraft Java Edition.

2. Click "Multiplayer".

3. Click "Add Server".

4. Enter a server name (anything you want - this is just a label).

5. Paste the full Server Address, including the port.

6. Click "Done". The server appears in your multiplayer list.

7. Select it and click "Join Server" to connect.

Bedrock Edition Connection

GameGrid hosts Java Edition servers, so Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, mobile, console) cannot join one directly. Geyser, which lets Bedrock clients join a Java server, is a Bukkit plugin - so it runs on Paper only. It cannot be installed on Vanilla, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge. See How to Install Minecraft Plugins.

Common Connection Errors

"Connection refused" - the server is offline, or the port was left off the address. Check the status badge, then re-copy the Server Address from the Overview tab.

"Connection timed out" - A firewall is blocking the connection, or the IP is wrong. Verify the IP in your dashboard.

"Outdated server" - the client is on a newer Minecraft version than the server. Update the server from the Admin tab's Game Updates card; a restart does not pull a new build.

"Outdated client" - The server is running a newer version than your client. Update your Minecraft client via the launcher.

"Failed to login: Invalid session" - Your Mojang/Microsoft session expired. Restart your Minecraft client.