How to invite friends to your Minecraft Java server.

Invite friends in five steps

1. Start the server. Wait until the panel console shows that startup is complete.
2. Copy the complete address. On ChunkArc this is the custom value selected during creation, such as myworld.chunkarc.net.
3. Share the address as plain text. Your friends do not need your email, password or Pelican panel account.
4. Add the server in Minecraft. Open Java Edition, choose Multiplayer, select Add Server and paste the address into Server Address.
5. Match the setup. Use a compatible game version and, when required, the same mods and mod loader.

How do you add friends on Minecraft Java?

Java Edition does not have a general Add Friend button for dedicated servers like the invite flow used by Realms or some Bedrock experiences. For a dedicated server, the address is the invitation. Friends save that address in their multiplayer list and can reconnect later.

A local single-player world opened to LAN is different: it is normally visible only to players on the same local network. A hosted server is the appropriate option when friends connect over the internet.

Share the correct server address

Send the complete hostname, not only the first word. For example, share myworld.chunkarc.net, not just myworld. ChunkArc custom addresses normally hide the numerical allocation and port from players.

Do not share passwords, tokens or panel credentials. Players only need the Minecraft address unless you deliberately assign a trusted co-host through ChunkArc's limited Discord controls.

Match the Minecraft version

The player client must support the server version. If the server runs a different release, Minecraft may report an outdated or incompatible client. Check the running version in the panel before asking everyone to reinstall anything.

Invite friends to a modded or CurseForge server

For Paper or Purpur, players usually join with a normal compatible Java client because plugins run on the server. For Fabric or a CurseForge-style modpack, every player must use the correct Minecraft version, loader version and required mod versions.

• Share the exact modpack name and version.
• Do not mix Forge, NeoForge and Fabric files.
• Keep server-only mods separate from mods required on every client.
• Restart after changing the mod list and read the first relevant console error.

Check whitelist and permissions

If the whitelist is enabled, add each player's exact Minecraft username. A whitelist rejection is not a networking failure. Keep operator permissions limited and only grant them to people you trust.

What if the ChunkArc server is sleeping?

Free Beta servers pause after 15 consecutive minutes without players. You can start one from the panel, or the first player can simply join using its custom address. A real player connection starts it automatically; the first connection may take a moment while Minecraft boots.

For the exact behaviour and stated limits, read the Minecraft server sleep mode guide. If you are planning a session, the server availability guide explains how to wake the server early and get it ready before your group joins.

If a friend still cannot join

1. Confirm startup completed without a crash.
2. Copy the address again and check for spaces or spelling errors.
3. Match Java Edition, Minecraft version and required mods.
4. Check the whitelist and username capitalization.
5. Use the Minecraft connection troubleshooting guide before reinstalling.