How to Setup GeyserMC on a Minecraft Server (Java & Bedrock Crossplay)
By FreeGameHost Team • Updated May 2026 • 7 min read
Minecraft is divided into two main versions: Java Edition (for PC players) and Bedrock Edition (for Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and Mobile). By default, these two versions cannot play together.
However, by installing a proxy plugin called GeyserMC, you can bridge this gap. Geyser acts as a translator, taking incoming Bedrock connections and translating them into Java packets, allowing console and mobile players to join your Java server seamlessly.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to install GeyserMC and its companion plugin, Floodgate, so your friends can play together regardless of their device.
Prerequisites
- A plugin-compatible Minecraft server (PaperMC, Spigot, or Purpur). Geyser will not work on a standard "Vanilla" server.
- Access to your server's file manager (like the Pterodactyl panel on FreeGameHost).
- The ability to allocate a second port for your server.
Step 1: Download GeyserMC and Floodgate
You need two plugins to make crossplay work perfectly without requiring Bedrock players to own a Java account.
- Go to the official GeyserMC download page.
- Download the latest Geyser-Spigot.jar.
- Download the latest Floodgate-Spigot.jar. (Floodgate is the companion plugin that bypasses the strict Mojang authentication for Bedrock players).
Step 2: Upload the Plugins
Navigate to your server control panel and make sure your server is Offline.
- Go to your File Manager.
- Open the
plugins folder.
- Upload both the
Geyser-Spigot.jar and Floodgate-Spigot.jar files here.
- Start your server. This allows the plugins to generate their configuration folders. Wait until the server is fully online, and then Stop the server again.
Step 3: Configure Your Geyser Port
This is where most people get stuck. Java Edition uses a TCP connection (usually port 25565), while Bedrock uses a UDP connection (default 19132). Geyser needs its own unique port to listen for Bedrock players.
FreeGameHost Tip: Go to the "Network" or "Allocations" tab in your Pterodactyl panel and create a second port. Note this 5-digit number down.
- In your File Manager, go to
/plugins/Geyser-Spigot/ and open the config.yml file.
- Scroll down to the bedrock: section.
- Find
port: 19132 and change "19132" to the secondary port you allocated on your host.
- Ensure
clone-remote-port: false is set to false.
- Scroll down to the remote: section. Ensure the
auth-type: is set to floodgate. (This tells Geyser to use the Floodgate plugin you installed earlier).
- Save the file.
Step 4: Fix Secure Profile Warnings
If you are running Minecraft 1.19.1 or newer, Mojang's chat reporting system will block Bedrock players from joining because they don't have valid Java chat signatures.
- Go to your main server directory and open the
server.properties file.
- Find the line that says
enforce-secure-profile=true.
- Change it to
enforce-secure-profile=false.
- Save the file and Start your server.
How Bedrock Players Connect
Your server is now fully configured for crossplay! Here is how your friends will join:
- Java Players: Connect using your standard server IP and primary port (just like normal).
- Bedrock (Windows/Mobile) Players: Go to the Servers tab, click "Add Server". Enter your Server IP in the address box, and enter your Geyser Port (the one you set in Step 3) in the Port box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch players join?
Yes, but consoles hide the "Add Server" button to force players to use official Realms. Your console friends will need to use a DNS workaround like BedrockConnect, or download a free app on their phone called "Phantom" which broadcasts your server to their console's LAN tab.
Why is there a period (.) in front of Bedrock usernames?
The Floodgate plugin automatically adds a prefix to Bedrock usernames. This prevents account conflicts just in case a Java player named "Steve" and a Bedrock player named "Steve" both try to join the server at the same time. You can change this prefix in the Floodgate config file.
Can Bedrock players see custom resource packs?
Geyser does an excellent job of translating vanilla blocks and items. However, if your Java server uses a custom server-side resource pack (like custom modeled hats or weapons), Bedrock players won't be able to see them by default without advanced configuration mapping.