Fix Minecraft "Outdated Server!" / "Outdated Client!"
Outdated server! I'm still onOutdated client! Please useversion mismatchThese messages mean your Minecraft version and the server's don't match. "Outdated server" = your client is newer; "Outdated client" = your client is older. Here's how to fix it, including the Forge/Fabric-specific case.
Which message did you get?
The two messages point in opposite directions — read yours and go straight to the fix:
| Message | What it means | Quickest fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Outdated server!" | Your client is NEWER than the server | Set your launcher to the server's version (or the admin updates the server) |
| "Outdated client!" | Your client is OLDER than the server | Update your launcher to the server's version |
Match the version
The simplest fix: set your Minecraft launcher to the exact version the server runs. The error message tells you the server's version — create a launcher profile for it and join.
Server admin: let multiple versions in
If you don't want to force one version on everyone, run ViaVersion (and ViaBackwards/ViaRewind) on a Paper/Spigot server. It lets newer — and older — clients connect to your server version, so a launcher update never locks players out.
"Outdated server" means YOUR client is ahead of the server — downgrade your launcher or the admin should update the server. "Outdated client" means you're behind — update your launcher.
Match your launcher to the server version, or run ViaVersion on the server so any client version can join.
Forge and Fabric modpacks are stricter
On a modded server, "outdated" errors are often really a Forge/Fabric loader version mismatch rather than the base Minecraft version — ViaVersion doesn't bridge mod loader versions. Every player needs the exact modpack version the server runs, including matching mod jar versions, not just the base game version.
How to prevent this
- Announce the exact version before rolling out a server update, so players can prepare their launcher profile.
- Consider running ViaVersion by default on vanilla/Paper servers so a client-side auto-update never locks anyone out unexpectedly.
- On modpacks, distribute the modpack via a launcher (CurseForge, Modrinth) that keeps client and server versions in sync automatically.
Related errors
If the connection fails outright rather than showing a version message, see fixing "Connection refused: no further information". For setting up a new server, see how to make a Minecraft server.
Minecraft is a trademark of Mojang Synergies AB / Microsoft. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Mojang or Microsoft.
Minecraft hosting with plugins
Our Minecraft hosting runs Paper with one-click ViaVersion installs, so every player can join — protected in Frankfurt.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Outdated server" mean in Minecraft?
Your client is on a newer version than the server. Either set your launcher to the server's version, or the server admin can update the server (or run ViaVersion to accept newer clients).
What does "Outdated client" mean?
Your client is older than the server. Update your Minecraft launcher to the server's version, or the server can run ViaBackwards to accept older clients.
How do I let all versions join my server?
Run ViaVersion (plus ViaBackwards/ViaRewind) on a Paper or Spigot server. It bridges version differences so players on many Minecraft versions can connect.
Does ViaVersion work on modded (Forge/Fabric) servers?
Not for the mod loader itself — ViaVersion bridges base Minecraft protocol versions, not mismatched mod jar versions. On modpacks, every player still needs the exact same mods and loader version as the server.
Why does the version error happen right after I updated my launcher?
Minecraft launchers sometimes auto-update to the newest release. If the server hasn't updated to match yet, you'll see "Outdated server" until either you roll back your launcher profile or the server updates.
Is it safe to run an old Minecraft server version indefinitely?
It works, but you'll miss security and bug fixes, and eventually most players' launchers will auto-update past it. Running ViaVersion is usually a better long-term fix than staying permanently outdated.
Go deeper on this
Guides and explainers that pair with this fix — from our guides and blog.
How to Make a Minecraft Server
Set up a Java server from scratch — version, server.properties, EULA and going live.
ReadSettings to Reduce Minecraft Lag
View distance, Paper tuning and pre-generation for a smooth 20 TPS.
ReadBest Free Minecraft Plugins
EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldGuard and CoreProtect — the essentials.
ReadBest Minecraft Modpacks to Host
The best packs to run, and the RAM each one needs.
ReadMinecraft Modpack Hosting
One-click hosting for All the Mods, RLCraft, Cobblemon and more — with recommended RAM.
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