For your friends to play on your modpack server, every player needs the same modpack in the same version as the server. Here is how, step by step.
1. Send an invite
On your server page under Invite friends you get a link for your friends. It shows the server address and the matching modpack download – see Invite friends.
2. Install the modpack (every player)
Everyone installs the pack on their PC with a free launcher:
- CurseForge app – for packs from CurseForge. Search the pack, pick the same version as on the server, install.
- Modrinth app – for packs from Modrinth, the same way.
- Prism Launcher – can install packs from both sites.
You can see which version runs on the server on the invite page.
3. Set the memory in the launcher
Modpacks also need much more memory on the PC than plain Minecraft. In the launcher (settings → Java/memory) set 6–8 GB for big packs, 4 GB for small ones. Too little memory is the most common reason for "Timed out" while joining.
4. Connect
Start Minecraft through the modpack profile → Multiplayer → Add server → enter the address from the invite page (with port, e.g. 1.2.3.4:25565).
Good to know
- Pack update: if you update the pack on the server, all players have to switch to the new version too – see Update a modpack.
- Extra mods: if you add mods to the server that are also needed in the game, your friends need them too.
- Trouble joining: see Friends can't join.