How to make a Minecraft Bedrock server

Bedrock server vs Java server#

Minecraft has two editions that don't mix. Java Edition runs on PC, Mac and Linux. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10/11, Android, iOS, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. A Bedrock server is the right choice if your friends play on phones or consoles. If they are split between both editions, a Java server with crossplay is easier: see the GeyserMC guide.

Option 1: free hosted server (about a minute)#

1. Create the server

   Go to free Bedrock hosting, create a free account and pick Minecraft Bedrock. Choose a name, game mode and difficulty on the order form.

2. Wait for the install

   The panel downloads the newest Bedrock server and configures it. This takes a short moment. When the Console page loads, press Start.

3. Copy the address

   Click Connect next to the server address on the Console page. It shows the address and the port to give to players.

4. Join

   In Minecraft open Play → Servers → Add Server, type the address and port, then save and join.

Change game mode, difficulty and world name#

On the Bedrock template, game mode, difficulty, cheats, level name and the server name come from the server's Startup page and are written to server.properties each time it starts. Change them there, not by editing the file, or they will be reset. Other settings in server.properties can be edited in the panel's Server Properties page.

Keep it up to date#

Minecraft updates often and players on the newest version can't join an older server. Keep Bedrock Version on latest and use Settings → Reinstall Server after a Minecraft update. It keeps your world, allowlist and permissions. Since 26.60 this also matters for NetherNet.

Free Bedrock server 4 GB RAM, always on, ready to join from phone, console and Windows.

Create a Bedrock server

Option 2: run Bedrock Dedicated Server yourself#

1. Download the server

   Get the Windows or Linux zip from the official Bedrock Dedicated Server page on minecraft.net. Unzip it into its own folder.

2. Edit server.properties

   Set a name, game mode and difficulty. Keep transport=nethernet, which is required from Bedrock 26.60.

3. Start it

   Run bedrock_server.exe (Windows) or ./bedrock_server (Linux). The console says Server started when it is ready.

4. Open the port

   Allow port 19132 for TCP and UDP in your firewall and forward both to your PC on your router.

server-name=My Bedrock Server
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
allow-cheats=false
max-players=10
online-mode=true
allow-list=false
server-port=19132
transport=nethernet

Self-hosting is free, but your PC has to stay on and your home upload speed limits how many people can play comfortably.

Operators, allowlist and permissions#

These commands work in the server console. The player must be online for op.

op PlayerName
allowlist on
allowlist add PlayerName
allowlist list
kick PlayerName

For a permanent setup, edit permissions.json and set a player's permission to visitor, member or operator. Use the player's Xbox gamertag and xuid.

Add-ons: how Bedrock "mods" work#

Bedrock has no Forge or Fabric. Customisation comes from behavior packs (change how things work) and resource packs (change how things look). Packs go into the behavior_packs and resource_packs folders and are activated in the world's pack JSON files. On FreeGameHost, the panel's pack installer does this for you.

Troubleshooting#

• "Unable to connect to world": update the server, keep transport=nethernet and use the Bedrock port. See NetherNet explained.
• "Outdated server/client": versions don't match. Reinstall the server on the latest version, or update the game.
• Friends can join but you can't (same Wi-Fi): use the server's public address, not localhost, and check your router supports loopback.
• Consoles can't add servers: this is a console limit, not your server. See the console guide.