How to join a Minecraft server on Bedrock

Last reviewed: June 2026

To join a Minecraft Bedrock server, open Minecraft, select Play, go to the Servers tab, scroll down to Add Server, then enter the server name, address, and port. Choose Play to join once or Save to keep the server in your list. Minecraft's own server guide gives the same basic path for unlisted Bedrock servers: use the Servers tab, choose Add Server, enter the address, add the port if needed, then play or save.

This guide is for Minecraft Bedrock on Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad, Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation. Custom server entry is simplest on Windows and mobile. Consoles can be more limited, so there is a separate section for Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation below.

Quick steps

The name field is just a label for your own server list. The address and port are the parts that have to be correct.

What you need before you join

You need three things before joining a Bedrock server:

You also need to make sure the server is actually a Bedrock server. Java server addresses usually will not work in Bedrock unless the server specifically supports crossplay through extra software. ServerBuddy's Bedrock server list is useful here because it only shows Bedrock listings and includes the address, port, player count, uptime, and activity signals for each listing.

How to find a Bedrock server address on ServerBuddy

Open the live Minecraft Bedrock servers list. ServerBuddy tracks Bedrock listings for consoles, mobile, and Windows Bedrock, and ranks them using live player count, uptime, and recent activity.

A server with 0 players is not always dead. It may be quiet right now. A server with a good weekly peak and strong uptime may still be worth trying.

Windows and mobile Bedrock steps

1. Open Minecraft.
2. Select Play.
3. Go to the Servers tab.
4. Scroll below the featured servers.
5. Select Add Server.
6. Type a name in Server Name. This can be anything.
7. Paste the Bedrock server address in Server Address.
8. Enter the port shown on the listing.
9. Select Play to connect now, or Save to keep it for later.

If Minecraft asks you to download a resource pack, read the prompt before accepting. Some servers use packs for custom menus, textures, or minigames. If the download fails, try leaving the server, restarting Minecraft, and joining again.

Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation

Bedrock on consoles uses the same Bedrock edition, but custom public server entry can be more restricted than it is on Windows and mobile.

1. Open Minecraft.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Select Play.
4. Check the Servers tab for featured servers.
5. Check Friends for friend-hosted worlds.
6. Use Realms if you were invited to a Realm.

Minecraft says multiplayer requires being signed in with a Microsoft account. If your account is a child account, family safety or multiplayer settings may also block online play.

Some public servers provide console-specific instructions for joining with custom addresses. Be careful with third-party workarounds. Do not enter your Microsoft password into an unofficial app or website. If a method asks you to change DNS settings, only use instructions from a source you trust and understand.

Bedrock vs Java: do not mix editions

A common mistake is trying to paste a Java server address into Bedrock. Java and Bedrock are different editions with different server systems. ServerBuddy's Bedrock list also notes that Java and Bedrock servers are not cross-compatible by default.

Some servers support both editions through crossplay plugins or proxies, but you should not assume that. If a listing says Bedrock, use Bedrock. If it says Java, use Java.

What to check before joining

Minecraft also warns that your game version needs to match the server version. If you are using a Preview or beta version, you may need to switch back to the regular release before joining public servers.

Common Bedrock join errors

How to check if a Bedrock server is online

Use the Minecraft server status checker before trying the same address over and over. Enter the server address and port, then run the check.

ServerBuddy's checker can test Java and Bedrock addresses, auto-detect the edition, resolve DNS and SRV records, and show latency, version, protocol, players, MOTD, icon, and failure reasons. It can also show whether the problem looks like DNS failure, timeout, connection refused, or an invalid response.

This is useful when a friend says the server is online but Minecraft still refuses to connect. If the checker cannot reach the server either, the issue is probably not your device. If the checker sees the server, recheck your edition, port, version, and account settings.

Safe joining tips

Public Minecraft servers can include chat, user-made builds, links, and community rules. Before settling into a server, read the rules, avoid sharing personal information, and do not click random links from chat. Use your Microsoft account only inside official Minecraft or Microsoft sign-in screens.

For younger players, check multiplayer and communication settings before joining public servers. A connection problem may be an account setting, not a server problem.

Where to go next

To find a server now, use the live Bedrock Minecraft server list. Look for a server with the Bedrock edition label, a copied address and port, recent activity, and good uptime.

To test a server before joining, use the Minecraft server status checker.

To compare Bedrock with Java or learn the broader joining process, read the general guide: How to join a Minecraft server. You can also browse the broader Minecraft server list.