[7 Easy Ways] - Fix “Minecraft Server Connection Timed Out” (2024)

By Zaynab Khan / Last Updated on: May 6, 2023

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Why does my Minecraft server keeps timing out?

It would not be a pleasant scenario where you cannot connect to the server while playing your favorite game, Minecraft. However, sometimes, you get connected to the server initially, but after a while, you see an error that says the Minecraft connection timed out! Though you can play the game offline as well, it is always fun to play online with players worldwide.

There are a couple of causes for why you cannot connect to the server while playing Minecraft or why you see the Minecraft server connection timed out the error! Each reason holds a significant value because tracing the root cause helps you fix the error smoothly and quickly. So, let’s have a look at the factors that may be responsible for you have been encountering the Minecraft connection timed out error;

1. A slow-speed internet may result in a Minecraft server connection timed out error.
2. In addition, any problem with your Wi-Fi router may also be a hindrance to why you cannot connect to the online servers.
3. The firewall settings on your device may be trying to provide maximum protection. However, that may interrupt your Minecraft connection to the servers.
4. Lastly, if you have turned on any antivirus software on your device, you may encounter the Minecraft connection timed-out error.

How to fix the Minecraft server connection timed out?

When you cannot connect to the online servers while playing Minecraft, you will not be able to interact with gamers from different parts of the world. It is like a cherry on the top when you play Minecraft globally by connecting to the online servers since the fun multiples! Having your Minecraft connection timed out is not a huge error; you can resolve it quickly with the help of this simple guide;

1. Disable the antivirus software on your device

Undeniably, installing the antivirus software on your computer is essential to protect your PC from unannounced malfunctioning due to viruses. However, the antivirus software shields your PC so that you cannot run a lot of things on it.

Therefore, we suggest you disable the antivirus software for a while when you do not want to face the Minecraft server timing out error. Plus, it would help if you get your computer and antivirus software already available in the settings.

2. Check Minecraft servers status

If you see the Minecraft connection timed out error on your screen, we suggest you check Minecraft online servers’ status. It will save you from resolving a problem that does not exist! Yes, you read it right! At times, there is no problem with your router, antivirus, firewall, etc., but the servers are generally down, for which you usually need to be patient.

If you ever want to check the present status of Minecraft servers, please follow the steps mentioned below;

1. Firstly, you need to launch the web browser and navigate the search bar, where you will type ‘mcsrvstat.us‘
2. The site mentioned above allows you to check the status of the Minecraft server that you want to connect to.
3. Next in line, you must enter the server’s IP address so that the site specifically tells you about the server you want to join.
4. You will see the ‘Get server status‘ option where you need to click and see the details appearing on the screen.

3. Reset network configurations

Sometimes, you face the Minecraft connection timed out error because your IP address gets banned from the Minecraft servers. The reason behind the blocked IP address could be anything. However, you can reset the network configurations to get yourself a new one. Please follow the steps given below to get a new IP address to connect to the Minecraft servers;

1. Firstly, you must navigate to the menu on the Windows and search for the ‘command prompt.’ Once you find it, please follow the steps below to open it.

2. You have to launch the ‘command prompt’ as an administrator, for which you have to press the right-click on the option and select ‘run as administrator.’

3. When the ‘command prompt’ starts running, you have to type in a few commands. After typing in the commands, you will need to restart your PC. We will enlist the commands below;
   • ipconfig/release
   • ipconfig/flushdns
   • ipconfig/renew
   • netsh int ip
   • netsh int ip set dns
   • netsh winsock reset

4. Allow Minecraft on the firewall

As mentioned earlier, the firewall on your PC is primarily responsible for not allowing you to connect to the servers while playing Minecraft. To avoid this issue, you must allow Minecraft on your firewall so that you won’t come across the ‘Minecraft connection timed out’ error. Please follow the steps given below to allow Minecraft on the firewall;

1. Firstly, you have to open the Windows menu and search for ‘Windows firewall.’ Once you find it, please open it by clicking on it twice.

2. Next, you will need to click on ‘allow a program or feature through Windows defender firewall.’

3. Next, a long list containing all the applications installed on your PC will appear, where you have to tick ‘Minecraft‘ so that your Windows firewall allows the game.

4. Once you have successfully followed the instructions, please click ‘ok‘ to save your new settings.

5. Switch to an older Minecraft version

Though you might have heard that switching to newer versions of games usually resolves many errors and bugs, it is not the case every time. If you have recently installed the latest version of Minecraft on your PC, it could be why your Minecraft server connection times out frequently. Therefore, try getting back to the older version to get rid of the error;

1. Firstly, please navigate to the ‘Minecraft launcher‘ on your PC and look for the ‘installations tab.’ Once you find it, please click on it to open it!
2. Next, you will see the ‘new’ option, and please click on it.
3. Next, you will have to find the ‘versions‘ tab and search for the older version of the game.
4. Once you have downloaded and installed the older version of Minecraft, you can try connecting to the server and see if the error exists.

6. VPN services

Understandably, different countries have a particular set of rules and regulations. Therefore, your internet provider may need to block a few IP addresses so that you do not do anything that is not allowed in your region. However, if you are very much into Minecraft, you can try using VPN services. Though, you should always be careful while using a VPN!

7. Port forwarding

The Minecraft uses the port 25565 on your PC to function efficiently. If the game cannot use the port while you are in the middle of the game, you must know that you will come across the Minecraft connection timed-out error. Therefore, it would be better if you forward the port to your Windows firewall for smooth functionality of the game;

1. Firstly, you have to open the Windows menu, search for Windows firewall and open it.

2. Your next step includes opening the ‘advanced settings.’

3. You will see the ‘inbound rules’ where you must click on the ‘new rule’

4. Next, please select ‘ports’ and click on ‘next.’

5. Later, when you select the ‘TCP’ option and select the ‘specific local‘ to launch the dialogue box, you will type in ‘25565.’

6. Lastly, you will need to select ‘allow connection‘ to run things smoothly.

7. Please note that you have to follow the steps mentioned above for ‘outbound rules‘ too.

Conclusion

The Minecraft server timed-out error annoys gamers because it leaves them with no choice but to play alone and offline. However, the error is not something you cannot deal with. There is always a fix for every bug! In this article, we have tried our best to provide you with relevant information on why your PC comes up with a Minecraft connection timed-out error and how you can fix it!

Hopefully, it will prove helpful!