Connection Reset Error

What is "Connection Reset" Error?

The "java.net.SocketException: Connection reset" error is one of the most common connection issues in Minecraft, particularly on modded servers. This error occurs when the connection between your game client and the server is unexpectedly terminated, preventing you from joining or staying connected to a server.

Common Causes

Understanding why this error occurs helps you fix it faster:

1. Network Issues

• Unstable Internet: Packet loss or intermittent connection drops
• Firewall Blocking: Firewall or antivirus blocking Minecraft connections
• Router Problems: Router dropping connections or port forwarding issues
• ISP Throttling: Internet provider limiting gaming traffic
• VPN/Proxy: VPN or proxy causing connection instability

2. Server-Side Issues

• Server Overload: Server running out of resources
• Anti-Cheat: Server-side anti-cheat kicking players
• Whitelist/Banlist: Being denied access by server
• Server Crash: Server crashing during your connection
• Timeout: Taking too long to send required data

3. Client-Side Issues

• Outdated Mods: Incompatible or outdated mods
• Corrupted Files: Damaged Minecraft installation
• Antivirus Interference: Security software blocking connection
• Java Version: Wrong Java version for your modpack

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

1. Restart Everything

The simplest solution often works:

1. Close Minecraft completely
2. Restart your router: Unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in
3. Restart your computer
4. Launch Minecraft and try reconnecting

2. Check Server Status

• Server Website: Check if the server is reporting any issues
• Discord: Join the server's Discord for status updates
• Ask Others: See if other players are experiencing the same issue
• Server List: Check if server appears offline on server lists

3. Verify Your Internet Connection

• Speed Test: Run a speed test at speedtest.net
• Ping Test: Open Command Prompt and run: ping google.com
• Other Games: Test if other online games work
• Websites: Check if you can browse websites normally

Detailed Solutions

Solution 1: Flush DNS Cache

Clearing your DNS cache can resolve connection issues:

Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter
4. Restart Minecraft

Mac:

1. Open Terminal
2. Type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Enter your password
4. Restart Minecraft

Linux:

1. Open Terminal
2. Type: sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart
3. Or: sudo systemctl restart nscd
4. Restart Minecraft

Solution 2: Configure Windows Firewall

Allow Minecraft through your firewall:

1. Open Windows Security
2. Click Firewall & network protection
3. Click Allow an app through firewall
4. Click Change settings
5. Find Java(TM) Platform SE binary
6. Check both Private and Public
7. Click OK
8. Restart Minecraft

Solution 3: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes antivirus software blocks Minecraft connections:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus
2. Try connecting to the server
3. If it works, add Minecraft as an exception in your antivirus
4. Re-enable your antivirus

Solution 5: Update/Reinstall Java

Using the correct Java version is crucial:

1. Check Modpack Requirements: Verify which Java version you need
2. Download Java:
   • For 1.16 and below: Java 8
   • For 1.17-1.20: Java 17 or 21
   • For 1.21+: Java 21
3. Install Java from adoptium.net or oracle.com
4. Point Launcher to Java: Set Java path in launcher settings
5. Restart and test

Solution 5: Check Router Settings

Router configuration can affect Minecraft connections:

• Port Forwarding: Forward port 25565 (default Minecraft port)
• UPnP: Enable Universal Plug and Play
• DMZ: Place your computer in DMZ (use cautiously)
• QoS: Prioritize gaming traffic in Quality of Service settings
• Firmware Update: Update router firmware to latest version

Solution 6: Disable VPN/Proxy

VPNs can cause connection instability:

1. Disconnect from VPN
2. Disable any proxy settings
3. Try connecting without VPN
4. If it works, try a different VPN server or use VPN split tunneling

Solution 7: Verify Modpack Installation

Corrupted or mismatched mods cause connection issues:

1. Use Official Launcher: CurseForge, Modrinth, or official pack launcher
2. Verify Files: Check modpack integrity
3. Reinstall Modpack: Complete fresh installation if needed
4. Match Server Version: Ensure your modpack version matches the server
5. Remove OptiFine: Try without OptiFine (known to cause issues)

Advanced Troubleshooting

Check Logs for Specific Errors

Minecraft logs often contain helpful details:

1. Open Minecraft Launcher
2. Click Launch Options
3. Enable Open output log when game starts
4. Launch game and trigger the error
5. Look for lines containing "SocketException" or "Connection reset"
6. Check for mod-specific errors above the connection error

Test with Vanilla Minecraft

Determine if the issue is modpack-specific:

1. Install vanilla Minecraft (same version as server)
2. Try connecting to the server
3. If it works: Issue is with mods
4. If it doesn't work: Issue is network/server-related

Use Alternative DNS Servers

Switching DNS can improve connection stability:

Google DNS:

• Primary: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS:

• Primary: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary: 1.0.0.1

How to Change DNS (Windows):

1. Open Network Settings
2. Click Change adapter options
3. Right-click your network adapter
4. Click Properties
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4
6. Click Properties
7. Select Use the following DNS server addresses
8. Enter preferred DNS
9. Click OK

Server-Specific Solutions (ModdedMC Network)

When connecting to ModdedMC Network servers:

• Use Official IP: Always use the official server IP from moddedmc.net
• Check Discord: Join discord.gg/mmcn for server status
• Verify Modpack: Ensure you're using the correct modpack version
• Whitelist: Some servers require whitelist application
• Server Restarts: Servers restart periodically for maintenance

Prevention Tips

Reduce future connection errors:

• Stable Internet: Use wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi when possible
• Keep Updated: Regularly update modpacks, Java, and drivers
• Close Background Apps: Minimize bandwidth-heavy applications
• Restart Regularly: Restart Minecraft every few hours during long sessions
• Monitor Performance: Watch network latency, CPU usage, and packet loss
• Optimize Settings: Lower render distance and graphics if needed

When to Contact Server Staff

Contact ModdedMC staff if:

• Error persists after trying all solutions
• Only you are experiencing the issue
• Other servers work but this specific server doesn't
• Error started after a server update
• Logs show server-side errors or kicks

What Information to Provide

When reporting the issue, include:

1. Full error message (screenshot or copy-paste)
2. Minecraft version and modpack name
3. Latest.log file from your Minecraft folder
4. What you've tried from this guide
5. When it started happening
6. Whether it's consistent or intermittent

Related Error Solutions

If this guide doesn't solve your issue, check these related error guides:

• Internal Exception: io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException - Server timeout issue
• Internal Exception: java.lang.NullPointerException - See our NullPointerException guide
• OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space - See our Memory Error guide
• Failed to login: Authentication servers are down - See our Authentication guide
• Connection timed out: no further information - Firewall or network issue

Summary Checklist

Work through this checklist systematically:

1. ☐ Restarted Minecraft, router, and computer
2. ☐ Checked if server is online and others can connect
3. ☐ Flushed DNS cache
4. ☐ Added Minecraft to firewall exceptions
5. ☐ Temporarily disabled antivirus
6. ☐ Updated/verified correct Java version
7. ☐ Disabled VPN/proxy
8. ☐ Verified modpack installation and version
9. ☐ Checked logs for specific errors
10. ☐ Changed DNS servers
11. ☐ Contacted server staff with detailed information

Additional Resources

• Minecraft Official Support: help.minecraft.net
• ModdedMC Discord: discord.gg/mmcn
• ModdedMC Tickets: Create a support ticket at moddedmc.net/tickets
• Java Downloads: adoptium.net