Minecraft Authentication Servers Down Error: How to Fix It
Easy 10–30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- Authentication servers down
- Brand
- Minecraft
- Product Type
- game
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 10–30 minutes
Ad
Tools You'll Need
- Web browser (to check server status)
- Command Prompt or Terminal (for DNS flush)
- Ethernet cable (optional, for wired connection test)
How to Fix Error Code Authentication servers down
-
Check Mojang Server Status
-
Restart Minecraft and the Minecraft Launcher
-
Check Your Internet Connection
-
Switch Between Wi-Fi and Wired Connection
-
Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus
Only disable your firewall and antivirus temporarily for testing. Re-enable them immediately after the test, and add Minecraft as a trusted exception rather than leaving security software off. -
Flush DNS Cache
-
Change Your DNS Server
-
Log Out and Log Back Into the Minecraft Launcher
-
Update the Minecraft Launcher and Java
-
Reinstall the Minecraft Launcher
Before reinstalling, back up your world saves located in %AppData%\.minecraft\saves on Windows or ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/saves on Mac, just as a precaution.
Ad
When to Call a Professional
If you have completed all troubleshooting steps and Minecraft's authentication servers are confirmed online but you still cannot log in, contact Mojang Support directly at help.minecraft.net. This may indicate an account-specific issue such as a banned account, a Microsoft account migration problem, or a billing issue that only Mojang's support team can resolve. Additionally, if your network is managed by a school, workplace, or ISP with deep packet inspection or restrictive firewall policies, you may need to contact your network administrator.Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Minecraft authentication servers go down?
Mojang's authentication servers can go down due to scheduled maintenance, unexpected outages, high traffic during major game updates or events, or infrastructure issues on Microsoft/Mojang's end. These outages are usually brief and resolved within a few hours. You can monitor real-time status at the official Minecraft status page.
Can I play Minecraft offline when authentication servers are down?
Yes, Minecraft Java Edition allows offline play in some cases. If you have previously logged in successfully on your device, you can launch the game in offline mode by starting the launcher while disconnected from the internet — it will offer an offline option. Note that you cannot join online servers or access multiplayer in offline mode.
How long do Minecraft authentication server outages usually last?
Most Mojang authentication server outages are resolved within 30 minutes to a few hours. Major outages affecting a large number of players are typically addressed quickly because they generate a high volume of support tickets and social media reports. Checking Mojang's official status page or Twitter/X account (@Mojang) will give you the latest updates.
Does this error mean my Minecraft account is banned?
Not necessarily. The 'Authentication Servers Are Down' error most commonly points to a server-side outage or a local network issue, not an account ban. If your account were banned, you would typically see a different, more specific error message. However, if you consistently get authentication errors while others can log in fine, contact Mojang Support to verify your account status.
I migrated to a Microsoft account — could that cause authentication errors?
Yes, issues during or after the Mojang-to-Microsoft account migration can sometimes cause authentication problems. Make sure you are logging into the Minecraft Launcher with your Microsoft account credentials, not your old Mojang email and password. If you are unsure whether your migration was completed successfully, visit account.minecraft.net or contact Mojang Support for assistance.