Joining a Minecraft Bedrock server is refreshingly straightforward—no launcher modifications, no port forwarding confusion, just a few taps or clicks and you’re in. Whether you’re on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, mobile, or Windows 10/11, Bedrock’s cross-platform magic lets you connect with friends regardless of their device.
Quick Answer: How to Join a Minecraft Bedrock Server
To join a Minecraft Bedrock server, open Minecraft, select “Play,” then “Servers.” Click “Add Server” and enter the server name, IP address, and port number. Save it and click the server to join. For featured servers like The Hive or Mineplex, they’re already listed—just click and play. Mobile and console players follow the same steps through their respective interfaces.
Adding a Custom Server to Your List
Most players want to join specific communities or private servers, which means adding custom server information manually. Here’s the exact process:
On Windows 10/11 and Mobile Devices
Launch Minecraft and tap or click the Play button on the main menu. Navigate to the Servers tab at the top of the screen. Scroll down past the featured servers until you see the “Additional Servers” section with an Add Server button.
Click “Add Server” and you’ll see three fields to fill out:
- Server Name: Whatever you want to call it (this is just for you)
- Server Address: The IP address provided by the server host
- Port: Usually 19132 for Bedrock servers, but check with your server admin
Hit Save and the server appears in your list. Click it to connect. If the server is online and you entered the information correctly, you’ll join within seconds.
On Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch
Console players face a slightly trickier situation. Microsoft restricts custom server access on consoles to push players toward Realms and featured servers. However, there’s a workaround using the Friends tab.
You’ll need a friend already on the server you want to join. Navigate to the Friends tab, find your friend who’s currently playing on that server, and select “Join Game.” This bypasses the custom server restriction entirely.
Alternatively, some players use third-party DNS services or apps like BedrockConnect to access custom servers on consoles, though these methods require additional setup and may violate platform terms of service.
Understanding Server Addresses and Ports
Every Minecraft Bedrock server has two critical pieces of information: the IP address and the port number. The IP address is like a street address—it tells your game where to find the server. The port is like an apartment number—it specifies exactly which door to knock on.
Most Bedrock servers use port 19132 by default, which is different from Java Edition’s standard port 25565. If a server admin gives you just an IP address without a port, try 19132 first. If that doesn’t work, ask for the specific port number.
Some server addresses look like “play.example.com” instead of a numeric IP like “123.45.67.89.” Both work fine—domain names are just easier to remember than raw IP addresses.
Common Connection Problems and Fixes
Even with correct information, connection issues happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most frequent problems:
Cannot Connect to Server
This generic error usually means one of three things. First, double-check the IP address and port for typos—one wrong digit breaks everything. Second, the server might be offline for maintenance or crashed. Third, your network might be blocking the connection.
Try connecting to a known working server like one of the featured ones. If those work but your custom server doesn’t, the problem is with that specific server. If nothing connects, check your internet connection or firewall settings.
Outdated Client or Server
Minecraft Bedrock updates frequently, and servers must match your client version. If you see an “Outdated Client” message, update your game. If it says “Outdated Server,” the server admin needs to update their software. Unlike Java Edition servers, Bedrock doesn’t support version compatibility plugins.
Authentication Failed
This typically happens when you’re not signed into your Microsoft account properly. Sign out completely and sign back in. On mobile devices, check that Minecraft has permission to access your account in your device settings.
Featured Servers vs Custom Servers
Minecraft Bedrock comes with featured servers pre-loaded: The Hive, Mineplex, Lifeboat, CubeCraft, and others. These are verified partners with high player counts and polished minigames. You can join them instantly without adding any server information.
Custom servers offer more variety—everything from survival communities to roleplay servers to unique minigames you won’t find elsewhere. Setting up your own server gives you complete control over the experience, and with proper Bedrock server hosting, you can create a cross-platform community where mobile, console, and PC players all connect seamlessly.
Looking to host your own server? GameTeam.io offers Minecraft Bedrock hosting starting at $1/GB with 20% off for new customers—perfect for creating your own cross-platform community.
LAN Games and Local Multiplayer
If you’re playing with people on the same WiFi network, you don’t need a dedicated server. One player creates a world, opens it to LAN in the pause menu, and others on the network see it in the Friends tab under “LAN Games.”
This works great for small groups but has limitations. The host must stay online for others to play, and you can’t connect from outside your local network without port forwarding—which gets complicated fast. For anything beyond casual play with household members, a dedicated server setup makes more sense.
Realms vs Self-Hosted Servers
Mojang’s official Realms service offers dead-simple server hosting with automatic backups and guaranteed uptime. You pay monthly, invite up to 10 friends, and everything just works. No technical knowledge required.
Self-hosted servers through providers like GameTeam.io give you more flexibility: unlimited players, custom plugins, full control over settings, and typically better performance per dollar. You’ll need to handle basic server management, but most hosting providers offer one-click setup and support.
For serious communities or players who want customization, self-hosting wins. For casual groups who want zero hassle, Realms works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join Java servers from Bedrock?
Not directly. Java and Bedrock are fundamentally different versions. However, some servers run GeyserMC, a plugin that allows Bedrock players to connect to Java servers. You’ll need the server’s Bedrock-specific address and port to connect.
Why can’t I see my friend’s world?
Both players must be signed into Xbox Live/Microsoft accounts and have each other added as friends. The world host must have multiplayer enabled in world settings and “Visible to LAN Players” turned on. If you still can’t see it, try restarting your game.
Do Bedrock servers support mods?
Bedrock uses add-ons and behavior packs instead of traditional mods. They’re less powerful than Java mods but easier to install. Servers can require specific add-ons, which usually download automatically when you connect.
Can I save favorite servers?
Yes. Any server you add to your list stays there permanently until you remove it. This makes rejoining your favorite communities quick—just click the server name and you’re in.
What’s the player limit for Bedrock servers?
Technically, Bedrock servers can support hundreds of players, but performance depends on server hardware and network quality. Most community servers cap at 50-100 players for stability. Realms limit you to 10 concurrent players.
Getting the Most from Multiplayer
Once you’re connected, take a moment to read server rules—usually posted at spawn or in a Discord. Most servers have specific guidelines about griefing, chat behavior, and gameplay. Following them keeps you from getting banned and makes the community better for everyone.
Join the server’s Discord or community platform if they have one. That’s where you’ll find event announcements, support channels, and the active player base. Many servers feel more alive when you’re part of the wider community beyond just the game.
Bedrock’s cross-platform capability is its superpower. You can play on your phone during lunch, switch to your Xbox at home, and join the same server with the same character. That flexibility makes Bedrock multiplayer uniquely accessible—once you know how to connect, you’re never far from your favorite servers.
