How to Fix the “Server Connection Timed Out” Error in Minecraft

Whether you’re running a Vanilla or modded Minecraft server, encountering connection issues can be frustrating for both you and your players. One of the most common problems server owners face is being unable to connect due to a timeout error. While this error is often linked to a poor player-to-server connection, it can also be caused by a configuration issue. This can be especially problematic since new players won’t be able to join your server until the issue is resolved. Fixing a timeout error can be tricky, as there are several possible causes and solutions that may need to be tested. Knowing this, we’ve created this Holy Hosting guide to walk you through the best methods to resolve the issue.

Solutions for Vanilla Servers

Direct Connection

• Log in to your Holy Hosting server panel and click on your server.

• Locate the IP:Port section and/or Subdomain.

• Copy either of the addresses, then open Minecraft and go to Multiplayer.

From there, click Direct Connection and paste the address in the Server Address field. You can test both addresses to see which works best.

That’s it! You’re done — it should now connect successfully unless there’s an underlying issue.

Restarting the Minecraft Server

• Go to your Holy Hosting server panel and select your server.

• Click Restart and wait for it to load completely. You can confirm it’s fully online by checking the Console on the left and looking for the message “Startup complete”.

• After that, try joining the Minecraft server again — this may fix the issue!

  
  

Solutions for Modded Servers

Forge 1.8 – 1.16.5

• Download the RandomPatches mod for Forge from here and make sure it matches your server version.

• Install the mod on your server using the Holy Hosting panel — you can learn more about this process here.

• Once installed, restart your server and wait for it to finish loading.

• Next, install the same mod in your local mods folder inside your Minecraft launcher directory (or your modded profile folder).

• After both installations are complete and the server is online, join to confirm everything is working properly.

  
  

Fabric 1.15.2 – 1.16.5

• Go to the RandomPatches Fabric download page here and download the correct version for your server.

• Install the mod on your server from the Holy Hosting panel — learn more about this process here.

• Start the server and wait until it’s fully loaded.

• Make sure to install the same mod in your local Fabric mods folder, usually found in your launcher’s files or modded profile.

• Once the server has finished loading and the mod is installed locally, try joining to see if that fixes the issue.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful! 🚀 Remember, don’t hesitate to ask questions on the HolyHosting Discord or contact our support team.

Follow us on Twitter @HolyHosting to stay up to date.

Stuffy @ HolyHosting