Unable to connect to world (Bedrock)

What it means

This is Bedrock's catch-all message for "the server didn't answer". It covers the same ground as Java's timeout and refused errors, plus version mismatches, so there is no single cause. Work through the list from the cheapest check to the hardest.

How to fix it

• Is the server running? Check the console shows it started.
• Same version? Bedrock servers only accept the same release as the game. Update whichever is behind. See Outdated server / client.
• Is the address entered correctly? In Minecraft, Play, Servers, Add Server, put the address in the address box and the port (19132 by default) in the separate port box. Don't type address:port into the address box.
• From outside your network, are the ports open? A Bedrock server needs a TCP port plus a block of UDP ports. Open the server's Port Forwarding tab and Coalstack forwards both over uPnP, or forward them by hand with the port forwarding guide.
• Firewall. Allow bedrock_server.exe on Private and Public networks.
• Joining from the same Windows PC? Minecraft has to be exempted from the loopback restriction. The Bedrock server guide has the one-line command.
• Allowlist. A fresh Bedrock server can ship with an empty allowlist, which admits nobody. Add players by gamertag or turn it off.
• Consoles mostly can't add a server by address at all; that is a limit of the console version, not the server.

More help

Coalstack's Auto Debugger scans a Java server's log for known errors like this one and links straight to the fix. Download Coalstack to try it.

• Connection timed out
• Connection refused
• Unknown host
• All Minecraft server error codes
• Server guides