Minecraft: How to Connect to Your Server

Aug 1, 2026 · 4 min read · Minecraft
connection dashboard in-game
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Ready to jump into your Minecraft world? Here is a guide on how to start using your Minecraft Server.

You must have a HardGaming Account already established and have an active paid membership with the selected plans that are available. For more information, refer to this article on how to get started if you haven't done so already.

There are many ways to connect to your Minecraft server. In this article, we will show you how to connect to your server in-game.

Step 1 - Navigate to the HardGaming website:

You must be logged in at Hardgaming.tech to proceed.

hardgaming.tech website with a red box outlining the website URL and a red arrow pointing at it

Step 2 - Access Your Server

Click on your dashboard and select the server for which you have purchased a plan. You will only see the dashboard if you have an active plan.

Selection Menu panel that shows the dashboard highlighted in a red box.

Here you will see the details about your server. You can click start to have it run immediately, or read on for the next step.

visual of all your active servers with the page titled "Mission Control" and visuals of current activity, uptime, RAM, and disk usage.

Step 3 - Select Manage Server

close up of manage server button under my servers

Step 4 - Retrieve Connect/IP Address.

Below, you can find your personal connect address and IP address. We will need this later.

Console Area after selecting manage server with additional tabs, another option to start/restart/stop the server, and views the status and memory/disk/CPU status

Step 5 - Open Minecraft

Select Multiplayer.

Minecraft main menu with red box around Multiplayer option

Step 6 - Connect to your server

There are two popular ways to connect to your server. Direct Connection or Add Server. Both options are explained below.

Multiplayer screen in minecraft

Direct Connection

Enter your Minecraft connect address or IP address that was retrieved from the Manage Server settings from step 4. This option lets you immediately join. This does not permanently save your server onto Minecraft. The server address will remain until you change it, but won't reappear until you type it in again.

direct connection screen on minecraft with empty text box

Add A Server

Select the Add Server option to add it to your list the next time you open up your multiplayer settings again. On this screen, put in your server name. Then enter your Minecraft connect address or IP address in the server address box. Select "Done".

adding a server screen in minecraft with empty text box displaying server name, and server address.

Troubleshooting

Server not showing up in Minecraft?

  • Please ensure that Minecraft is up to date and has no mods that would interfere with the server.
  • Make sure your server is online by checking the Console tab in your HardGaming dashboard.
  • Try connecting directly using the IP address method instead.
  • Double-check that you're searching for the exact server name as it appears in your control panel.

Connection timed out?

  • Verify the IP address and port are correct in your HardGaming control panel.
  • If your server was just started, give it a minute or two to fully load before trying again.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues, the HardGaming support team is here for you:

  • Live Chat - Use the integrated chat feature on our website
  • Discord - Join our community for quick help
  • Email - Reach out to our support team directly

Happy gaming! 🎮

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