How to join a modded Minecraft server
This page is for the people joining a modded server, so you can send it straight to your friends. A modded server only lets in players who have exactly the same mods, because both sides need to know every block and item in the world.
What you need from the server owner
- The name of the modpack and its exact version, or the list of mods if it is not a pack.
- The server address.
- Whether you need to be added to the whitelist.
Joining a modpack server
Use the launcher that hosts the pack. The CurseForge app and the FTB app cover most packs; Prism Launcher and the Modrinth App can install packs from CurseForge and Modrinth too.
- Install the launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Search for the modpack and open it.
- Choose the same version as the server, not automatically the newest. Most launchers have a version dropdown on the pack page.
- Install and start it once from the launcher, so it can set everything up.
- Go to Multiplayer, Add Server, paste the address and join.
Joining a server with its own mod list
Some servers use a hand picked set of mods instead of a pack. Then you rebuild the same set.
- In your launcher, create a new profile with the same loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) and the same Minecraft version as the server.
- Add the same mods, at the same versions. Many owners share a mod list or a small pack file to make this easy.
- Mods that only change what you see, like a minimap or shaders, are fine to add on your side. Mods that add blocks or items must match the server.
Give the game enough memory
Your own game needs memory too, separate from the server. Big packs crash or freeze on the default setting.
| Pack size | Memory for your game |
|---|---|
| Light, under 100 mods | 4 GB |
| Medium, 100 to 250 mods | 6 GB |
| Heavy, 250 mods or more | 8 GB |
Set it in your launcher's settings for that profile, usually under Java or Memory. Do not give more than half of your computer's RAM.
The errors, in plain words
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mismatched mod list, or missing mods | Your mods differ from the server's. Install the exact pack version the owner named. |
| Incompatible client, or outdated client | Your Minecraft version differs from the server's. |
| Timed out while logging in | A big pack takes long to sync. Try again once; if it repeats, ask the owner to check the server console. |
| The game closes before the menu | Usually too little memory for the pack, see the table above. |
| You are not whitelisted | The owner needs to add your exact username. |
Questions
Can I join a modded server from Bedrock or a phone?
No. Mods are for Java Edition on a computer only. Phones and consoles run Bedrock, which cannot load these mods.
Do I need to buy the modpack?
No. Modpacks on CurseForge, FTB and Modrinth are free. You only need your own copy of Minecraft Java Edition.
Can I use shaders on a modded server?
Yes. Shaders only change what you see, so they are yours to add. On Fabric use Iris, on Forge or NeoForge use Oculus or a similar loader that fits your pack.
Checked against the CurseForge app, Prism Launcher and Modrinth App, September 2026. Written by the Cheapest Minecraft Hosting team, updated .