Understanding Failed to Connect to Server Unknown Host Minecraft Error

Greetings Dev! Is your Minecraft game not connecting to the server and displaying the error “Failed to connect to server, unknown host”? Don’t worry because you’re not alone! This error is quite common among Minecraft gamers worldwide, and we’ve got you covered. In this journal article, we will provide a complete guide to help you fix the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft.

What is “Failed to Connect to Server Unknown Host Minecraft” Error?

The Minecraft game is a popular sandbox game that requires a stable internet connection for multiplayer gaming. However, at times, gamers encounter issues while connecting to the game’s server, resulting in the error message “Failed to connect to server, unknown host.”

This error message indicates that the Minecraft client cannot connect to the server due to an incorrect server address or DNS (Domain Name System) issues.

Reasons for “Failed to Connect to Server Unknown Host Minecraft” Error

The following are the reasons why you may encounter the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft:

Reasons	Solution
The server address is incorrect.	Double-check the server address and connect again.
The server is offline or undergoing maintenance.	Wait for some time and try again later.
DNS server issues.	Configure your DNS servers to a public server and try again.
The Minecraft client is outdated.	Update the Minecraft client to the latest version.
Firewall or Antivirus blocking Minecraft.	Disable your Firewall or Antivirus temporarily and connect again.

How to Fix “Failed to Connect to Server Unknown Host Minecraft” Error?

Method 1: Check Server Address

The server address is the primary reason behind the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft. Hence, make sure that you have typed the correct server address. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Minecraft launcher.
2. Go to “Multiplayer” mode.
3. Double-check the server address.
4. If the server address is incorrect, right-click on the server and select “Edit.”
5. Type the correct server address and save changes.
6. Connect to the server again.

Method 2: Check Server Status

If the server is offline or undergoing maintenance, you will encounter the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft. Hence, check the server status before connecting. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official Minecraft server status website.
2. Check if the server is online or offline.
3. If the server is offline, wait for some time and try again later.

Method 3: Configure DNS Servers

At times, the DNS servers may cause issues while connecting to the Minecraft server, leading to the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error. Hence, try configuring your DNS servers to a public server. Follow the steps below:

1. Press the “Windows key” + “R” simultaneously to open the “Run” dialog box.
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” in the dialog box and press “Enter.”
3. Right-click on the network you are using and select “Properties.”
4. Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and select “Properties.”
5. Check the option “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
6. Type “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4” in the preferred and alternative DNS server fields, respectively.
7. Click “OK.”
8. Connect to the Minecraft server again.

Method 4: Update Minecraft Client

Outdated Minecraft clients may cause the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error. Hence, update your Minecraft client to the latest version. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Minecraft launcher.
2. Click on “Options.”
3. Select “Force Update” and click “OK.”
4. The Minecraft client will update automatically.
5. Connect to the Minecraft server again.

Method 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus

Your Firewall or Antivirus programs may prevent Minecraft from connecting to the server, leading to the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error. Hence, disable your Firewall or Antivirus temporarily and connect again. Follow the steps below:

1. Press the “Windows key” + “I” to open “Settings.”
2. Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Windows Security.”
4. Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
5. Click on “Manage settings.”
6. Turn off the Firewall and Antivirus temporarily.
7. Connect to the Minecraft server again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why am I getting the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft?

The “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft can occur due to incorrect server address, server status, DNS issues, outdated Minecraft client, or Firewall and Antivirus programs blocking Minecraft.

2. How to fix the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft?

You can fix the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft by checking the server address, server status, configuring DNS servers, updating the Minecraft client, or disabling the Firewall and Antivirus temporarily.

3. How to check the server status in Minecraft?

You can check the server status in Minecraft by visiting the official Minecraft server status website and checking if the server is online or offline.

4. How to update the Minecraft client?

You can update the Minecraft client by opening the Minecraft launcher, clicking on “Options,” selecting “Force Update,” and clicking “OK.”

5. How to disable Firewall and Antivirus in Windows 10?

You can disable Firewall and Antivirus temporarily in Windows 10 by pressing the “Windows key” + “I” to open “Settings,” clicking on “Update & Security,” clicking on “Windows Security,” clicking on “Virus & threat protection,” clicking on “Manage settings,” and turning off the Firewall and Antivirus temporarily.

In conclusion, we hope this journal article has helped you understand and fix the “Failed to connect to server, unknown host” error in Minecraft. If you still face issues, feel free to contact Minecraft’s customer support for further assistance. Happy gaming, Dev!