The joining guide · Minecraft Java Edition
Your world is waiting.
Here’s how to join.
One person creates the server. Everyone joins from Minecraft with the same address and version.
You need Minecraft Java Edition on a computer and a Minecraft account that can use multiplayer. A Minecraft game licence is not included.
Create a server
Create an account and complete the sign-in steps. In your dashboard, choose Create my server. Dirt is the starting free tier; your active account plan in Plan & billing applies to all your servers automatically.
Choose an available name with 3–32 characters and press Create server. The server appears in your dashboard; its address is shown once setup is ready. If billing shows no active plan after signing up, refresh once and contact support if it stays that way.
Wait for Online
The first start downloads the server software and prepares your world. This can take a few minutes. Leave the server page open while it shows Starting; join once it shows Online.
If a server is stopped, open it and press Start. A capacity message means there is no room to start it yet. Use Start on the same server later; creating another server does not solve that problem.
Join from Minecraft Java
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Java Edition.
- Use the Minecraft version shown on the server page. If it differs from your launcher profile, choose the matching release under Installations.
- Launch the game and choose Multiplayer → Add Server.
- Copy the address from ChunkCraft into Server Address. Use only the address: no
https://and no extra port. - Save it, select the server and choose Join Server.
For a Paper server, start with the matching standard Java client. For Fabric, follow the server’s Mods instructions for the loader and required client mods. Bedrock Edition and console clients do not connect through this Java-only setup.
Bring your friends
Share the server address and Minecraft version. Your friends need Minecraft multiplayer access; they do not need their own ChunkCraft account. Dirt has three player slots in total, including you.
For a private world, open Players & access and add your friends’ exact Java usernames to the whitelist before enabling it in World settings. Add yourself too. Keep operator access for people you trust.
On Dirt, start the server from your dashboard before the next session if it has gone to sleep. Before changing versions, use World export to download your world.
If you get stuck
Check these things first
Connection refused or timed out
Check that the server shows Online, then copy its address again. On Dirt it may have gone to sleep. If startup fails, open Diagnostics. Do not disable your firewall as a first step.
Outdated client or server
Match the Java version on the server page. For Fabric, also check the required loader and client mods. A newer client is not automatically compatible.
“Not whitelisted”
Ask the owner to add your exact Java username in Players & access. If you own the server, add your own username too.
Server cannot start
A capacity error needs a later retry on the existing server. A failed health check needs Diagnostics. Include the error and your server name when contacting support; never send passwords or tokens.
Still stuck? Ask in the ChunkCraft Discord · Email support · More Minecraft guides
Build together
Bring the whole group
Use the Discord for setup questions, server updates and practical help. Send this joining guide to everyone before your first session so they have the correct address, version and whitelist steps in one place.