Setting up a Minecraft Bedrock server isn\u2019t as simple as clicking \u201cCreate World\u201d and inviting friends. Unlike Java Edition, Bedrock requires some specific steps to get cross-platform multiplayer working properly across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, and Windows 10\/11.<\/p>\n
Bedrock Edition uses a completely different codebase than Java Edition, which means the server software works differently too. The official Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) doesn\u2019t have a GUI\u2014it\u2019s command-line only. You\u2019re also limited in terms of plugins and mods compared to Java, but you get something Java can\u2019t match: true cross-platform compatibility<\/strong> across consoles and mobile devices.<\/p>\n The Bedrock server software runs on Windows and Linux, requires port forwarding (usually port 19132 UDP), and needs consistent uptime if you want friends to access it reliably. That\u2019s why many players opt for managed hosting instead of running it from their home PC.<\/p>\n Creating a Bedrock server involves downloading the dedicated server software, configuring your network, and managing the server through command-line tools. Here\u2019s the complete process:<\/p>\n Head to the official Minecraft website and download the Bedrock Dedicated Server for your operating system. Microsoft provides free downloads for both Windows and Ubuntu Linux. The file comes as a ZIP archive\u2014extract it to a dedicated folder where you want to run your server.<\/p>\n Inside the extracted folder, you\u2019ll find the server executable (bedrock_server.exe on Windows), configuration files, and permission lists. Don\u2019t run it yet\u2014you need to configure a few things first.<\/p>\n Open the server.properties<\/strong> file in a text editor. This is where you control everything about your Bedrock server:<\/p>\n The most important setting is online-mode<\/strong>. Keep this set to true unless you specifically need offline mode for testing. It prevents unauthorized players from joining and ensures proper Xbox Live integration.<\/p>\n This is where most people hit a wall. Your Bedrock server needs incoming connections on port 19132 UDP. Log into your router\u2019s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and create a port forwarding rule:<\/p>\n Every router interface looks different, so you might need to search for your specific router model\u2019s instructions. If you\u2019re behind a double NAT or using carrier-grade NAT (common with mobile hotspots), port forwarding won\u2019t work\u2014you\u2019ll need a VPN solution or hosted server instead.<\/p>\n Run the bedrock_server executable. On Windows, just double-click it. On Linux, use You\u2019ll see a command prompt window showing server activity. Keep this window open\u2014closing it shuts down the server. To stop the server properly, type \u201cstop\u201d in the command window rather than just closing it. This ensures your world saves correctly.<\/p>\n Players on the same local network can connect using your local IP address. For external players, they\u2019ll need your public IP address (find it by searching \u201cwhat\u2019s my IP\u201d on Google). In Minecraft Bedrock Edition, go to the Servers tab, scroll down, and click \u201cAdd Server.\u201d Enter your server name and IP address with port (like 123.45.67.89:19132).<\/p>\n If players can\u2019t connect, double-check your port forwarding, firewall settings, and make sure the server is actually running. Windows Firewall often blocks the server by default\u2014you\u2019ll need to create an exception for bedrock_server.exe.<\/p>\n Edit the allowlist.json<\/strong> file (formerly whitelist.json) to control who can join. Add player Xbox gamertags or UUIDs to the list. You can also use the command For operator permissions, edit permissions.json<\/strong> or use the command Your world data lives in the \u201cworlds\u201d folder inside your server directory. Stop the server before copying this folder to back up your world. Running backups while the server is active can corrupt your save files.<\/p>\n Set up automatic backups using Task Scheduler on Windows or cron jobs on Linux. A simple batch script can stop the server, copy the worlds folder, and restart the server on a schedule.<\/p>\n The Bedrock server console accepts standard Minecraft commands without the forward slash. Common ones include:<\/p>\n Server crashes on startup:<\/strong> Usually caused by corrupted world files or incompatible add-ons. Try creating a fresh world or removing all behavior and resource packs from the world folder.<\/p>\n Players can\u2019t connect from outside your network:<\/strong> Port forwarding is the most common culprit. Verify your router settings, check that your ISP doesn\u2019t block hosting, and confirm your firewall allows UDP traffic on port 19132.<\/p>\n Poor performance with multiple players:<\/strong> Bedrock servers are CPU-intensive. Reduce render distance in server.properties, limit max players, and consider upgrading your hardware or moving to a dedicated Bedrock server host<\/a>.<\/p>\n World not saving:<\/strong> Make sure you\u2019re stopping the server properly using the \u201cstop\u201d command rather than force-closing the window. Enable autosave in server.properties if it\u2019s disabled.<\/p>\n Running a Bedrock server from home works fine for small groups, but it comes with headaches. Your server goes down when your PC is off or restarts. Your home IP address might change. Port forwarding can be a nightmare with certain ISPs. And if you want good performance for more than a handful of players, you\u2019ll need to leave a decent computer running 24\/7.<\/p>\n Managed hosting solves these problems. Services like GameTeam.io provide optimized Bedrock servers with automatic backups, DDoS protection, and one-click setup\u2014no port forwarding or command-line configuration required. Starting at $1 per GB with 20% off for new customers<\/strong>, it\u2019s often cheaper than the electricity costs of running your own hardware continuously.<\/p>\n The choice depends on your technical comfort level and how serious you are about uptime. For testing or playing with a couple friends occasionally, self-hosting works. For a persistent world where players expect reliable access, hosted servers make more sense.<\/p>\n Bedrock doesn\u2019t support plugins like Java\u2019s Bukkit or Spigot, but you can add behavior packs and resource packs. Place them in the behavior_packs and resource_packs folders inside your world directory, then reference them in the world\u2019s world_behavior_packs.json and world_resource_packs.json files.<\/p>\n Add-ons from the Minecraft Marketplace or community sites work on Bedrock servers, but all players need compatible versions installed. Test add-ons in single-player before adding them to your server\u2014some can cause crashes or conflicts.<\/p>\n Not directly. The world formats are incompatible. Third-party tools like MCC Tool Chest can convert worlds, but complex redstone and some blocks won\u2019t transfer correctly. It\u2019s easier to start fresh or use a conversion service.<\/p>\n If online-mode is set to true (recommended), yes. Players need a free Xbox Live account to authenticate. This works across all platforms including PlayStation and Switch. Setting online-mode to false removes this requirement but also removes authentication security.<\/p>\n Minimum 1GB, but 2-4GB is better for stable performance with multiple players. Bedrock is more CPU-dependent than RAM-heavy compared to Java Edition. A modern quad-core processor matters more than massive amounts of memory.<\/p>\n Yes, that\u2019s the whole point of Bedrock. Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, mobile, and Windows 10\/11 players can all connect to the same server. Just make sure online-mode is enabled for proper Xbox Live authentication across platforms. Check out our guide on how to join a Minecraft server on Bedrock<\/a> for platform-specific instructions.<\/p>\n Download the latest Bedrock Dedicated Server from Minecraft\u2019s website. Stop your server, backup your worlds folder, then replace the old server files with the new ones (keeping your worlds, server.properties, and permission files). Start the server with the new executable.<\/p>\nHow to Make a Minecraft Server Bedrock: Step-by-Step<\/h2>\n
Download the Bedrock Dedicated Server Software<\/h3>\n
Configure Server Properties<\/h3>\n
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Set Up Port Forwarding<\/h3>\n
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Launch Your Server<\/h3>\n
.\/bedrock_server<\/code> in terminal. The server will generate your world and start listening for connections.<\/p>\nConnect to Your Server<\/h3>\n
Managing Your Bedrock Server<\/h2>\n
Whitelist and Permissions<\/h3>\n
allowlist add playername<\/code> while the server is running.<\/p>\nop playername<\/code>. Operators can use all commands and manage the server in-game.<\/p>\nBackup Your World<\/h3>\n
Server Commands<\/h3>\n
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stop<\/code> \u2013 Safely shut down the server<\/li>\nsave hold<\/code> and save resume<\/code> \u2013 Pause world saving for backups<\/li>\nallowlist on\/off<\/code> \u2013 Enable or disable the allowlist<\/li>\nkick playername<\/code> \u2013 Remove a player<\/li>\nchangesetting difficulty hard<\/code> \u2013 Change server settings on the fly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nCommon Problems and Solutions<\/h2>\n
Self-Hosting vs. Managed Hosting<\/h2>\n
Adding Content to Your Server<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Can I convert my Java server to Bedrock?<\/h3>\n
Do players need Xbox Live to join?<\/h3>\n
How much RAM does a Bedrock server need?<\/h3>\n
Can console players join my server?<\/h3>\n
How do I update my server?<\/h3>\n
Getting Your Server Running<\/h2>\n