How to make a Minecraft Bedrock server
A Bedrock server is a world your friends on phones, tablets and Windows join from the Servers tab, whether or not you’re playing. You can run one on your own computer, or make one your Java friends join too.
On your own computer
Mojang’s Bedrock Dedicated Server (opens in a new tab) is free, and runs on Windows 10 or later and on Ubuntu. You download it, start it, and open its port on your router, 19132 by default, so friends outside your home can reach it. Your computer has to stay on whenever anyone plays, and only Bedrock players can join it. The router step is where most people get stuck (why port forwarding goes wrong).
One server for Java and Bedrock friends
On Cubepals, Bedrock friends join any server without mods: the same server as Java friends, in the same world, with the same address. There’s nothing to choose for it.
- Sign up, then Create a server.
- Pick what to play.
- Type a name, then press Create server.
- Send everyone the address on the server’s page.
How your friends join
On a phone, a tablet or Windows, Bedrock friends open Play, then Servers, then Add Server, and type the address. Java friends open Multiplayer, then Add Server, and paste the same one.
Xbox, PlayStation and Switch can’t add a server, so they can’t join.
It sleeps when nobody plays
Nobody has to start it for anyone. When a friend joins, on Java or Bedrock, it wakes, and when everyone has gone it goes back to sleep. You don’t need to be online, and your computer doesn’t need to be on. How the sleeping works.
Where Bedrock friends can’t join yet
A server with mods or a modpack is for Java friends only for now.
Questions
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Yes, on the same server and in the same world. Java friends join from Multiplayer, Bedrock friends from Servers, with the same address.
Can friends on Xbox, PlayStation or Switch join?
No. Those consoles can’t add a server, so they can’t join one by its address.
Do I need to port forward?
No. Your friends join by the address, and nothing runs on your computer or your router.
Is it free?
It starts with a free trial, with no card. Pricing has the plans.
My server is older. Can Bedrock friends join it?
Yes, if it has no mods. In its Settings, under Bedrock friends, let them in.
Can I keep Bedrock players out?
Yes. In the server’s Settings, under Bedrock friends, switch off Let them join. Java players aren’t affected.
Start a world with your friends
Minecraft server hosting for friends. Send them the address and they’re in. Start with a free trial, no card needed.
Create a server