---
title: "Outdated client, Outdated server or Incompatible client errors"
url: https://help.endercloud.in/docs/outdated-client-or-server
category: "Minecraft Hosting › Troubleshooting & Performance"
type: Troubleshooting
tags: ["connection", "troubleshooting", "versions"]
keywords: "outdated client! please use, outdated server! i'm still on, incompatible client! please use, incompatible version, client out of date, server out of date, version mismatch, wrong version, different version, viaversion, viabackwards, bedrock outdated server, bedrock outdated client, update server version, outdated client, outdated server, incompatible client, version error, wrong minecraft version, can't join version mismatch, version alag hai"
difficulty: beginner
time: "5 minutes"
updated: 2026-11-14
source: Endercloud Knowledge Base (official)
---

# Outdated client, Outdated server or Incompatible client errors

> The player's game version and the server's version don't match. Join with the same version as the server, change the server version in the Versions tab, or add ViaVersion.

Messages like `Outdated client! Please use 1.21.4`, `Outdated server! I'm still on 1.20.1` or `Incompatible client! Please use ...` mean the player's Minecraft version is different from the server's. The version number in the message is the one the server runs. Make the versions match, or let other versions join with ViaVersion.

## Why it happens

-   The player's launcher updated to the newest release, but the server is still on an older version.
    
-   The server was updated, but the player is still on an older version or an old modpack profile.
    
-   On Bedrock, phones and consoles update automatically, so players are often ahead of the server.
    

## Fix 1: Join with the server's version (easiest)

On Java Edition, open the launcher, go to **Installations**, create a new installation with the server's version, and play with it. Check the server's version in the **Versions** tab (the top line shows, for example, "Currently running Paper · Installed Minecraft Version: 26.3") or in the server list.

## Fix 2: Change the server's version

1.  Make a backup in the **Backups** tab.
    
2.  Open **Versions**, choose your software and the new version, and install it. Leave **Wipe Server Files** unticked to keep your world.
    
3.  Check your plugins or mods support the new version before you start, and update them.
    
4.  You don't need to change Java yourself: the **Versions** installer picks the right Java for the version you install. Only if you run a jar you uploaded yourself, set Java in **Startup** → **Docker Image**. See [Change Java version](/docs/how-to-change-your-minecraft-servers-java-version).
    

> **Warning:**
> Updating to a newer Minecraft version is fine, but **going back to an older version is not supported**. A world opened on a newer version may not load on an older one. Only roll back by restoring a backup from before the update. More in [How to change Minecraft version or server software](/docs/how-to-change-minecraft-version-or-server-software).

## Fix 3: Let several versions join with ViaVersion

On Paper, Purpur or Spigot (or on a Velocity/BungeeCord proxy), these plugins let players on other versions join:

-   **ViaVersion**: newer clients can join an older server.
    
-   **ViaBackwards** (needs ViaVersion): older clients can join a newer server.
    
-   **ViaRewind** (needs both): very old clients such as 1.8.
    

Install them from **Plugins** → **Browse Plugins** (search the name, then **Install**) and restart. Some newer blocks and features may look different to players on other versions. Setup: [ViaVersion: support older and newer clients](/docs/viaversion-support-older-and-newer-clients).

ViaVersion does not work for modded servers (Forge, NeoForge). Modded players must use the exact same Minecraft and mod versions as the server. See [Mod mismatch errors](/docs/mod-mismatch-and-missing-mods-errors).

## Bedrock players

-   **Bedrock server:** the server must run the same version as the players. When players update, update the server. Bedrock server types (Vanilla Bedrock, Nukkit, PocketmineMP) are not in the **Versions** tab; they are chosen through **Settings → Change Egg**. If you are not sure how to update yours, open a ticket and we will help.
    
-   **Java server with Geyser:** update Geyser (and Floodgate) when a new Bedrock version comes out. Geyser adds support for new Bedrock versions in its updates. See [Geyser and Floodgate](/docs/geyser-and-floodgate-java-bedrock-crossplay).
    

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Which version should my server run?**

Pick the version most of your players use and that your important plugins or mods support. With ViaVersion you can then allow newer clients too.

**Q: The server list shows the server in red with a version number**

That is the same version mismatch. Follow the fixes above.