Why Can't I Join My Friends' Minecraft World? [9 Solutions]

Selma Citakovic
Selma Citakovic

Updated · Mar 07, 2023

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Are you receiving the message “Unable to connect to world” when attempting to connect to your friends in Minecraft? Are you wondering, “why can't I join my friend’s Minecraft world”? No need to worry.

This article will cover the reasons behind and solutions to this issue!

8 Reasons Why You May Be Unable to Connect to a World in Minecraft

1. The Server is Down or Irresponsive

This issue frequently occurs if the server is not hosted with the appropriate hardware. As a result, the Minecraft world hangs and stops responding when the number of players increases. In this situation, attempts by other players to connect to the Minecraft world would fail and create this error.

You won't be able to join your friend's server if it is already full. Before joining, you must wait for someone else to remove their name from your friend list.

2. The World Is Unavailable

Another reason you might not be able to join your friend’s world is that the world might be unavailable. While this issue rarely occurs. It's possible you accidentally deleted the world you made and intended for your friend to join, or there were other problems with the system hosting the Minecraft server.

This issue occurs if the device running the Minecraft server unexpectedly loses internet access or if the server crashes on the host computer.

3. The Server Is Full or There Are Issues With the Friends List

This problem may also occur if you haven’t adjusted the maximum number of players permitted and the number of players permitted is limited. The maximum number of players in the Minecraft world is set by default at five players.

Problems with your friend list are another significant factor that might prevent you from joining your friend’s world. When you add too many fraudulent accounts, the friend list may sometimes get corrupted.

A large and saturated friend list may also cause problems with the friend list. The game won't allow you to join any new servers that your friend builds if there are any issues with your friend list. You can solve the problems by filtering your friend list.

4. You’re Not Whitelisted

You won't be able to join if your name is not on your friend's friend's Minecraft server's whitelist. In other words, you won't be able to log in to play Minecraft with your friends if you're banned or blocklisted from the server. Verify that you are not on any blocklists.

5. Incompatible Game Version

Minecraft comes in two versions: Java and Bedrock. The two versions are incompatible with one another, but a recent statement from Mojang and Microsoft gave owners of one version a free copy of the other. Check that you and your friends are using the same game edition before attempting to connect.

6. Firewall or Antivirus Settings

If your Windows Firewall does not permit Minecraft, you could be experiencing this issue. If so, you should verify the Firewall settings to ensure sure 'javaw.exe' is allowed access. 

Also, check your antivirus systems to ensure it isn’t creating the issue, as some antivirus programs may refuse to let verified apps function simply because they connect to separate servers. It might be difficult to enter the new Minecraft world because of this strong security feature. Check the settings or install fresh antivirus software to solve the problem quickly.

If you're using a free version, you might have trouble altering the settings. You can still access the settings to verify whether the antivirus program is creating issues.

7. Corrupted Account 

A corrupted user account is another significant factor that might cause problems while running the server. Many people use several servers to play Minecraft online. In some cases, launching a world with a corrupted server might result in issues with the user account.

The new gaming world for Minecraft may need to be fixed because of issues with your Microsoft account. Even if it doesn't happen often, chances are still there. Using antivirus software is the only method to resolve the problem.

To guarantee that any corrupted files are removed, you must run a virus check on both your gaming and personal accounts.

8. Stored Cache 

Lack of storage space is a significant factor that might prevent your application from connecting to a Minecraft server.

Bear in mind that your device has to have some free space to establish a new server and enjoy the game at its best. Doing so will make it possible for the device to operate smoothly. Therefore, your device should have adequate storage to successfully launch the application.

If you want to play the game on a PC, you may have to free up some space by removing some other programs. However, you can use portable storage if you want to speed up your Xbox or other devices. 

Once you've successfully made some space for the software to launch, restart it before starting a new Minecraft world. Doing this will enable the program to launch successfully and occupy the necessary disk space for an error-free operation.

What to Do When You Can’t Connect to a Minecraft Server?

1. Connect to a VPN 

It won't be possible for you to connect to a Minecraft world if the network settings are wrong. In this situation, try resolving the problem with virtual private network software. You can get around any limitations on your network with a strong VPN. This way, you can connect to the Minecraft world without any problems by doing this.

While numerous VPN apps are available, pick one that works with the running system on the device. Install the virtual private network, then set it up so it can connect to the server in the area or location you wish to play.

Now establish a connection to the Minecraft environment you want to use. You shouldn't have any problems. To get more help, talk to the server administrator if the issue continues.

2. Re-Add Your Friends 

If you cannot connect to the world on Minecraft, experts advise that you add your friends again. The steps for adding friends again are as follows:

  1. Register an account on Minecraft and start a Single World game.
  2. You can access your friend list by entering "friends" in the conversation. Hit Enter; after typing /friend, remove "friend name." 
  3. The name of the friend you want to unfriend is represented by friend name.

To add them again, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Begin the game on its webpage (do not launch the new world).
  2. To add a new friend, select the Friends Tab.
  3. Look for your friends using the Gamer Tag, add them, then choose "Send Friend Request."
  4. Your friends will appear on your gaming list after accepting your invitation.
  5. After choosing your friend, click "Join World."
  6. You should be able to connect to your friend's Minecraft environment after deleting and adding them again.

3. Update the Game 

If you and your friend use various game versions, multiplayer in Minecraft won't function. There's a chance one of you updated while the other didn't. You must upgrade to make sure you and your friend are using the same version of Minecraft.

Unfortunately, most users fail to update or upgrade the application to get the newest features. Thus, they operate on an out-of-date version, leading to issues like this one. 

4. Ensure Your Internet Is Working Properly 

Check that your internet is functioning properly before you begin troubleshooting, as this may be a fast and easy solution to the issue. To connect to a friend's world, your internet connection must be active and stable and have enough bandwidth. Doing so will make connecting to a Minecraft server seamless. 

5. Log In and Log Out of Your Account 

This tried-and-true method of logging out of your account and back in to repair various strange issues also holds for the "Unable to connect to world" error. Switching to another account may also solve the problem. 

6. Fix the Firewall Issue

The Windows Firewall option is another problem that could affect connectivity. The Windows Firewall option is another problem that could affect connectivity.

Windows will ultimately prevent various apps from connecting to networks from various locations when this problem occurs. Failure to establish connections with other servers is one of the frequent problems that lead to the malfunctioning of many systems.

  1. The game stops loading the world when Windows can’t establish a connection with the server, and you are then given a failure to connect warning.
  2. Follow these instructions to resolve the Windows Firewall problem: 
  3. Search for Firewall and Network Protection in the search field to access the Firewall Settings.
  4. Select Allow an App Through Firewall from the option on the left.
  5. When a new window appears after allowing the program through the firewall, select Change Settings.
  6. Scroll down the list and tap both boxes to look for the Minecraft Launcher. 
  7. Click Add New App and add the Minecraft program if you can't locate the option.
  8. Click "Ok" to exit the settings.

Once you've completed the instructions, Minecraft will join your friend's server for you.

7. Reload Your World 

Regardless of the platform, some players have claimed they can connect to a friend's world after reloading their own. To try this approach, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Minecraft and click on "Play."
  2. Locate the "Worlds" tab by navigating, then select one of the private worlds.
  3. Launch the menu, then select "Save & Quit."
  4. Return to the Main menu by navigating.
  5. Select the “Friends” tab and join their world. 

8. New Account Creation

If problems with your account seem impossible to fix, you should make a new account. A Microsoft account may occasionally cause issues when starting a different Minecraft server. The issues occur mostly because most users connect their accounts across several websites and social media networks, exposing them to numerous problems. These vices can corrupt your account, and you run the risk of losing your gaming account.

Creating a new account can solve this issue regardless of the device you use.

9. Create а LAN World and Send an Invitation to Your Friends

If none of the previously suggested solutions are successful, you should establish your own world and bring your friends over, which should ideally make things work, 

By clicking the "escape key" on your keyboard, select "Open to LAN," and input your preferences. You can create a brand-new Minecraft world where you and your friends can play.

Final World

Minecraft is one of the most popular games today that allows users to construct and explore a world made of blocks. However, occasionally there may be a problem that prevents players from connecting to the world. We hope this guide answers the question, “why can't I join my friend’s Minecraft world."

FAQs.


What leads to a connection timeout error?

The timeout error, also known as ERR CONNECTION TIMED OUT, indicates that a website took too long to reply to the browser's request. Typically, it takes a site 30 seconds to connect to a computer and start communicating. The browser program will cut off the connection if it takes more time.

How can I resolve the Minecraft connection timed-out issue?

Occasionally, a computer's firewall or antivirus program may prevent the Minecraft application from accessing the internet. You can resolve this issue by temporarily disabling antivirus protection and enabling Minecraft to pass through the Windows firewall.

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Selma Citakovic

Selma Citakovic

Selma is a content writer with a love for all things nerdy by day and an internet archaeologist that likes to dig up obscurities by night. Mostly she's trying to balance between many obsessions. Right now, it's bass playing and reading hard sci-fi about vampires in outer space - next week, who knows.

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