Updated 2026-10-16 · All guides
Let Bedrock, phone and console friends join your Java server
Minecraft comes in two editions that normally can't play together: Java Edition (PC, Mac, Linux) and Bedrock Edition (phones, tablets, Windows "Minecraft for Windows", Xbox, PlayStation and Switch). A free plugin called Geyser bridges the gap, letting Bedrock players join your Java server.
What you need
- Geyser: translates between Bedrock and Java while the server runs.
- Floodgate: lets Bedrock players join with their Xbox/Microsoft account, so they don't need to buy Java Edition. Without it, each Bedrock player would need a Java account too.
- A recent Minecraft version. Geyser follows the latest Minecraft releases, so it may not work on older versions. If your world is old, check Geyser's site for supported versions.
- Paper or Purpur, which run Geyser as a plugin. There are versions for Fabric too.
HostCraft installs Geyser and Floodgate for you when you tick Bedrock crossplay in the setup wizard.
The extra port
Bedrock uses a different port from Java, and a different protocol:
| Who | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Java players | 25565 (or yours) | TCP |
| Bedrock players | 19132 | UDP |
If friends join over the internet, forward UDP 19132 to your PC as well as your Java port. Many people forget the UDP part. Our port-forwarding guide shows where to add the rule.
How Bedrock players join
Phone, tablet and Windows Bedrock
- Open Minecraft and go to Play → Servers.
- Scroll down and tap Add Server.
- Enter your address, the same one Java players use but without the
:25565part, and port 19132.
Xbox, PlayStation and Switch
Consoles only show a fixed list of featured servers and have no "Add Server" button. Players commonly get around this with free tools such as the BedrockTogether phone app, which makes your server appear as a LAN game, or with community DNS methods. These are third-party workarounds, so they can change or stop working when consoles update. On phone, tablet and PC, joining is straightforward.
Things to know
- Not everything translates perfectly. A few Java-only blocks, items or plugin menus may look slightly different on Bedrock.
- Bedrock names get a prefix (Floodgate adds a
.by default) so they can't clash with Java names. Use that name for whitelists and ops. - Update Geyser when Bedrock updates. Phones auto-update Minecraft, and an old Geyser may then refuse to connect them.
Troubleshooting
- Java friends can join but Bedrock can't: check the UDP 19132 rule on your router and in Windows Firewall.
- "Outdated server" on Bedrock: update Geyser, or check your Minecraft version is supported.
- Works at home but not for friends outside: people on your Wi-Fi should use your local address. Outside friends use your public one, and need port forwarding.