Minecraft Version Mismatch

Can I Fix This Myself?

Self-Service: Yes

Requires Staff: Very Rare — version sync is always user-controllable

This guide helps you fix Minecraft version mismatch errors. These occur when your client and server versions don’t match.

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Quick Reference: Find Your Error

Error Message	What It Means	Who Updates	Fastest Fix
Outdated server	Server is older than client	Server owner	Update server version in panel
Outdated client / Client is outdated	Client is older than server	Player	Update Minecraft in launcher
Incompatible client	Major version mismatch	Either side	Match versions exactly
Unsupported protocol version	Version mismatch	Either side	Match versions exactly
Failed to verify username	Not a version issue	—	Check online-mode setting

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How to Check Server Version

The server shows its version when it starts. Check the console:

[Server] Starting Minecraft server version 1.20.4

or

[Server] This server is running Paper version 1.20.4-R0.1

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How to Change Server Version

Using the Panel

1. Go to your server in the control panel
2. Click Startup or Settings
3. Find the Minecraft Version or Server Jar option
4. Select your desired version
5. Click Save
6. Reinstall or Restart the server (depending on your panel)

Caution

Changing versions may require a server reinstall. Back up your world first if you have important data.

Common Server Types

Server Type	Best For
Paper	Performance, plugins (Spigot compatible)
Purpur	More features than Paper
Spigot	Standard plugin support
Vanilla	No plugins, official Minecraft
Forge	Mods (requires matching client mods)
Fabric	Lightweight mods

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How to Change Client Version

Vanilla Minecraft (Official Launcher)

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher
2. Click Installations tab
3. Click New Installation
4. Select the version that matches your server
5. Click Create
6. Select the new installation and click Play

With Forge

1. Download Forge for your target version from files.minecraftforge.net
2. Run the installer
3. Select “Install Client”
4. Open the Minecraft Launcher
5. Select the Forge installation
6. Click Play

With Fabric

1. Download Fabric Installer from fabricmc.net
2. Run the installer
3. Select your target Minecraft version
4. Click Install
5. Open the Minecraft Launcher
6. Select the Fabric installation
7. Click Play

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Modded Servers: Extra Steps

Loader Version Must Match Too

For modded servers (Forge/Fabric), both sides need:

1. Same Minecraft version
2. Same loader version (Forge/Fabric)
3. Same mods (or compatible client-side only mods)

Common Modded Server Errors

Error	Cause	Fix
Mod X requires Minecraft 1.20.4	Mod version mismatch	Update/downgrade the mod
Missing required mod: X	Server has mod, client doesn’t	Install missing mod on client
Forge version mismatch	Different Forge builds	Match Forge versions exactly
FML handshake failed	Mod list doesn’t match	Sync mod lists between client and server

How to Match Modded Versions

1. Check your server’s mods folder for mod versions
2. Ensure client has the exact same mod files
3. Check loader version (Forge/Fabric) matches exactly
4. Some mods are “server-side only” — check mod documentation

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Bedrock vs Java

Minecraft Java and Bedrock are completely different and cannot connect to each other directly.

Edition	Connects To
Java Edition	Java servers only (Paper, Spigot, Forge, etc.)
Bedrock Edition	Bedrock servers only

Tip

Some servers use plugins like GeyserMC to allow Bedrock players on Java servers. Ask your server admin if this is enabled.

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Troubleshooting Checklist

1. ✅ Server version matches client version exactly
2. ✅ Using correct Minecraft edition (Java vs Bedrock)
3. ✅ Forge/Fabric loader version matches (for modded)
4. ✅ All required mods installed on client (for modded)
5. ✅ Server is actually running (check panel)

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Still Not Working?

Before contacting support, gather these 3 things:

1. Server ID — found in your panel URL or dashboard
2. What you tried — list the steps you already attempted
3. Error message or screenshot — exact text or image of what you see

Then contact us:

• Email: support@mambahost.com
• Discord: Open a ticket in our server

Caution

Do not keep retrying the same steps — if it didn’t work twice, it likely needs staff review.

(Exception: If the article tells you to repeat a step, like binary-search mod isolation, follow those instructions.)