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The server runs but nobody can join

When the console says "Done" but players see errors: the checks that find the cause in two minutes.

1 min readUpdated 2026-09-14Diese Anleitung auf Deutsch lesen →

Server running, players failing? Go through:

  1. Address. node1.penguhost.com:<port> exactly as in the Network tab. Common: someone used the port from an old server.
  2. Version. "Outdated client/server": match the versions or install ViaVersion for newer clients.
  3. Whitelist. "You are not white-listed": add them (whitelist add Name), or whitelist off.
  4. Online mode. "Failed to verify username" for everyone: Mojang's session servers are down (check status.mojang.com) or online-mode is off behind no proxy. Wait, or fix online-mode=true.
  5. Full. max-players reached.
  6. Banned. banned-players.json / banned-ips.json.
  7. Timed out for one person. Their network; test via mobile hotspot.
  8. Timed out for everyone. A plugin holding the login thread (AuthMe misconfigured, a proxy plugin without a proxy). Disable recent plugins.

Bedrock via Geyser: the Geyser port, UDP, and auth-type: floodgate. See Crossplay.

Kowalski: "why can't my friends join?" runs 1-6 for you.