How to Fix Unknown Host Minecraft Server

Hello Dev, are you facing the “Unknown Host” error while trying to connect to your Minecraft server? If yes, then don’t worry, you’re not alone. This error is quite common among Minecraft players, and it can be frustrating to deal with. But thankfully, fixing this error is not as complicated as it may seem. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to fix the “Unknown Host” Minecraft server error. Let’s get started!

What is the “Unknown Host” Error in Minecraft?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand what the “Unknown Host” error actually means. When you see this error, it means that the Minecraft launcher failed to resolve the hostname of the server you’re trying to connect to. In other words, the launcher is not able to find the IP address of the server, which results in the error message.

There can be several reasons why the Minecraft launcher is unable to resolve the hostname of the server. It could be due to an incorrect server address, DNS issues, firewall restrictions, or other network-related problems. Let’s explore some of the common causes of this error in more detail.

Common Causes of the “Unknown Host” Error

Here are some of the common reasons why you may encounter the “Unknown Host” error in Minecraft:

Common Causes	Solutions
Incorrect server address	Double-check the server address and make sure it’s correct
DNS issues	Flush your DNS cache or try using a VPN
Firewall restrictions	Temporarily disable your firewall or add an exception for Minecraft
Network-related issues	Check your network connection and try resetting your router/modem

How to Fix the “Unknown Host” Error in Minecraft

Method 1: Double-Check the Server Address

One of the most common reasons for the “Unknown Host” error is an incorrect server address. Therefore, it’s important to double-check the server address and make sure it’s correct. Here’s how:

1. Open the Minecraft launcher and click on “Multiplayer”.
2. Select the server you’re trying to connect to and click on “Edit”.
3. Check the server address and make sure it’s correct.
4. If the address is incorrect, update it and try connecting again.

Method 2: Flush Your DNS Cache

If the server address is correct but you’re still facing the “Unknown Host” error, then it could be due to DNS issues. Sometimes, your computer may cache outdated DNS information, which can cause problems when trying to connect to a server. To fix this, you can try flushing your DNS cache. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
4. Wait for the command to complete, then try connecting to the server again.

Method 3: Use a VPN

If flushing your DNS cache didn’t work, you can try using a VPN to connect to the server. This will change your IP address and may resolve any DNS issues that were causing the error. There are many free and paid VPN services available online. Choose one that suits your needs and follow the instructions to connect to the server.

Method 4: Temporarily Disable Your Firewall

If you’re still facing the “Unknown Host” error, it could be due to firewall restrictions. Your firewall may be blocking the connection to the server, which can cause the error. To fix this, you can try disabling your firewall temporarily and see if that resolves the issue. Here’s how:

1. Open the Control Panel and click on “System and Security”.
2. Select “Windows Defender Firewall” and click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
3. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both private and public networks.
4. Click on “OK” to save the changes and try connecting to the server again.
5. Don’t forget to re-enable your firewall once you’re done playing Minecraft.

Method 5: Reset Your Router/Modem

If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting your router/modem. This will reset your network connection and may resolve any network-related issues that were causing the error. Here’s how:

1. Locate the reset button on your router/modem.
2. Press and hold the button for at least 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the device to restart and try connecting to the server again.

FAQ

Q1. What is the “Unknown Host” error in Minecraft?

A1. The “Unknown Host” error in Minecraft occurs when the launcher is unable to resolve the hostname of the server you’re trying to connect to.

Q2. What causes the “Unknown Host” error?

A2. The “Unknown Host” error can be caused by several factors, including incorrect server address, DNS issues, firewall restrictions, or network-related problems.

Q3. How do I fix the “Unknown Host” error?

A3. You can try several methods to fix the “Unknown Host” error, including double-checking the server address, flushing your DNS cache, using a VPN, temporarily disabling your firewall, or resetting your router/modem.

Q4. Can I prevent the “Unknown Host” error from occurring?

A4. To prevent the “Unknown Host” error from occurring, make sure you enter the correct server address and keep your DNS cache up-to-date. Also, check your firewall settings and ensure that Minecraft is allowed to connect to the internet.

Q5. What should I do if none of the methods work?

A5. If none of the methods work, you can try contacting your server host or Minecraft support for further assistance.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this article helped you fix the “Unknown Host” error in Minecraft. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy gaming!