Getting an error when trying to join your favorite Minecraft server can be frustrating. Let’s check out one error that has been around for over a decade and find out how to fix io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException in Minecraft.
What Kind of Error Is io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException?
Encountering io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException in Minecraft
The error means that the connection between your device and the server is taking too long. Essentially, server updates, like breaking blocks or character movement, are not being registered by your device quickly enough.
This issue has been around for several years; I remember often getting this one or a similar error when I played on a multiplayer server back in 2013. Thankfully, with every new update, the io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException is not showing up as often.
How to Fix the Minecraft io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException Error?
Despite being an old error, there’s no solution that will work every time. That said, the community has found some fixes that seem to work for most players. But, let’s start with the basic fixes that should solve any issue most of the time:
- Restart the game.
- Restart your device.
- Power cycle your router; shut it down for a minute, then turn it back on.
If the io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException persists, you’ll need to look into more advanced troubleshooting.
Since this is an internet connection error, the main fixes will be network related. But I’d highly suggest you reinstall Java. To do this, simply download the Java uninstall tool, and install the latest Java version.
Change the DNS Servers
If none of the above fixes helped you with this error, changing the DNS servers on your device should do the trick. Thankfully, doing this isn’t too tricky:
Finding the Network settings through the Control Panel
- Navigate to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
- Once you’re there, select your Network and click on Connections: your connection type.
- Click on Properties on the bottom-left, and double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4).
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and input:
- Primary DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
Changing the DNS servers
You’ll now be connected to Google’s DNS servers. This should fix the io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException error if there was an issue on your ISP’s side.
Reset Winsock
Resetting Winsock will undo any network changes on your computer that could have been done by a VPN or web browsers. You’ll need to be connected as an administrator to try this fix, though.
- Open the Command Prompt as an admin.
- Type the following command: “netsh winsock reset” and hit Enter.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this has helped you fix io.netty.handler.timeout.ReadTimeoutException in Minecraft, and you can now join your favorite server again. If the issue persists, it could be an issue with your internet connection, so try using an Ethernet cable or move closer to the router. You can also check out this Minecraft Forum thread for some extra help.