1. Make sure the server is actually online
Open the CoolCraft server panel and check its current state. If the
server is stopped, start it and watch the console until startup
finishes.
If the server is hibernated, it must be restored before the normal live
server can run again.
2. Check the console
The server console is one of the most useful troubleshooting tools. If
startup failed, the final lines often identify the plugin, mod,
configuration file, Java issue, or other error responsible.
A server process being started does not necessarily mean Minecraft
successfully finished loading.
3. Verify the server address and port
Use the current connection information shown for the server. A typo in
the hostname or port is enough to prevent a connection.
This is particularly worth checking after infrastructure or allocation
changes. Do not rely forever on an address copied into an old message.
4. Check the Minecraft edition
Make sure you are not trying to join a Java server using a standard
Bedrock client or a Bedrock server using a standard Java client.
Cross-edition connections require a setup specifically designed to
support them.
5. Check the Minecraft version
If the server runs a specific Minecraft version, use a compatible
client. A version mismatch can cause the server to reject the
connection before you ever enter the world.
6. Check your mods
On a modded server, the client and server may need matching mod-loader
versions, mods, dependencies, and configurations. A player missing a
required mod may fail to join even while other players connect normally.
If only one person has the problem, compare their setup with a player
who can successfully connect.
7. Read the exact disconnect message
Messages such as a timeout, incompatible version, missing registry
entry, authentication failure, or mod rejection point toward very
different problems.
Copy the complete error instead of describing every connection problem
as “it won't join.” The exact message can dramatically shorten
troubleshooting.
8. Determine whether everyone is affected
Ask whether another player can connect. If nobody can join, investigate
the server first. If everyone except one player can join, the affected
player's client, network, version, or mods become more likely causes.
9. Don't immediately reinstall the server
Reinstalling is a major action and is rarely the best first response to
a connection problem. Check the server state, console, address, version,
and client configuration first.
A useful support report includes:
The exact connection error, server software, Minecraft version,
whether the server finishes starting, whether anyone else can join,
and any relevant console errors.
Still can't connect?
If you have checked the items above and the issue continues, contact
CoolCraft support. Include the server identifier and the exact error
message so the problem can be investigated without repeating the basic
troubleshooting steps.