# Minecraft Server Won't Start – Install & Fix Connection

Minecraft server won't start or connection timed out? Java 17, EULA, port 25565 & firewall – step-by-step with troubleshooting.

**Quick answer:** Minecraft server won't start or players can't connect? In most cases it's missing Java 17+, EULA not accepted, closed port 25565 or wrong IP. This guide fixes exactly those issues step by step.

## If you're here, you probably have one of these problems

    - **Server won't start** – Java error, EULA not accepted or wrong JAR
- **"Connection timed out"** – port 25565 closed or firewall blocking
- **Players can't find the server** – wrong IP, no SRV record or DNS not propagated
- **Server crashes immediately** – not enough RAM or wrong Java version

## Requirements

    - Java 17+ – see [Set up Linux VPS](/en/root-v-server/vps-einrichten)
- RAM – [hardware guide](/en/gameserver/minecraft/hardware-requirements)
- Port 25565 open – [Firewall & ports](/en/root-v-server/firewall-ports)

## Step 1: Install Java

`sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre-headless
java -version`

## Step 2: Download server JAR

`mkdir minecraft-server && cd minecraft-server
wget https://piston-data.mojang.com/v1/objects/4506981865e518256b8607295ce6366ecb41f3f3/server.jar`
Tip: Use **Paper** instead of Vanilla for less lag – [performance guide](/en/gameserver/minecraft/improve-performance).

## Step 3: Accept EULA

`java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui`
Edit `eula.txt` → `eula=true`

## Step 4: Start server

`java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui`

## Step 5: Connect

Use server IP or domain. For domain without port: [Minecraft SRV record](/en/domain/minecraft-srv-record).

## Troubleshooting

    SymptomCauseFix

    Server won't startEULA=falseSet eula=true

    Connection timed outPort closed[Open port 25565](/en/root-v-server/firewall-ports)

    Server not foundDNS/SRV[SRV record](/en/domain/minecraft-srv-record)

    OutOfMemoryErrorLow RAM[Hardware guide](/en/gameserver/minecraft/hardware-requirements)

## Related guides

    - [Minecraft hub](/en/gameserver/minecraft)
- [Fix lag & TPS](/en/gameserver/minecraft/improve-performance)
- [Forge crashes / mods](/en/gameserver/minecraft/install-mods)
- [DNS not working](/en/domain/dns-what-is-it)
- [Server lag diagnosis](/en/root-v-server/lagging)

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