How to Set Up a Minecraft Server on Your Android Device (2026)

Minecraft's multiplayer experience shines brightest on custom servers. While traditionally limited to computers, with some technical work, you can host a portable server right from your Android device. This guide walks you through the complete process.

Understanding the Challenge

Android isn't natively built to run Minecraft server software. Our solution involves creating a Linux environment (Ubuntu) within Android using specialized tools. This gives us a compatible foundation to install and run the server.

Requirements:

An Android device with a capable processor and at least 4GB of RAM recommended.
A stable internet connection.
Comfort with command-line interfaces.
Patience for a multi-step setup.

Note: This guide was tested on a OnePlus 7 Pro. Results may vary by device.

Phase 1: Setting Up the Linux Environment

We'll use Termux (a terminal emulator) and AnLinux to install Ubuntu.

Step 1: Install Required Apps

From the Google Play Store, install Termux and AnLinux (both free).

Step 2: Install Ubuntu via Termux

Open AnLinux.
Tap Choose, select Ubuntu, then tap Copy.
Open Termux.
Paste the copied command and press Enter. Wait 2-3 minutes for the installation.
Once complete, start Ubuntu with:
bash ./start-ubuntu.sh
A prompt like root@localhost confirms Ubuntu is running.

Phase 2: Installing Java

The Minecraft server requires Java to run.

Install necessary software packages:
bash apt-get install software-properties-common
Add the Java repository and install:
bash add-apt-repository ppa:openjdk-r/ppa apt-get update apt-get install openjdk-8-jre
Confirm any prompts during installation.

Phase 3: Installing the Minecraft Server

On your Android device, visit the Minecraft Server download page.
Find the minecraft_server.jar link, tap and hold, and Copy link address.
Back in Termux, download the server file (replace the URL with your copied link):
bash wget -O minecraft_server.jar https://launcher.mojang.com/.../server.jar
Set the correct permissions:
bash chmod +x minecraft_server.jar

Phase 4: Configuring & Starting the Server

Step 1: First Run & EULA

Start the server (it will fail initially):
bash java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Install the Nano text editor and open the EULA:
bash apt-get install nano nano eula.txt
Change eula=false to eula=true.
Use arrow keys to navigate, backspace to delete, and type the change.
Save and exit:
- Press CTRL + X
- Press Y to confirm
- Press Enter

Step 2: Final Start

Run the start command again:
bash java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Wait for "Done!"—your local server is now running.

Phase 5: Making Your Server Public (Using Ngrok)

To let friends join, we'll create a secure public tunnel.

Step 1: Install Ngrok

Visit the Ngrok download page.
Copy the link for Linux (ARM64).
In Termux, download Ngrok (replace the URL):
bash wget -O ngrok.zip https://bin.equinox.io/.../ngrok-...-linux-arm64.zip
Install zip tools and extract Ngrok:
bash apt-get install zip unzip unzip ngrok.zip

Step 2: Configure Ngrok

Create a free account at ngrok.com.
From your dashboard, copy your authtoken.
In Termux, authenticate:
bash ./ngrok authtoken YOUR_AUTH_TOKEN_HERE

Step 3: Create the Public Tunnel

Start the tunnel for Minecraft's default port (25565):
bash ./ngrok tcp 25565
Look for the Forwarding line (e.g., tcp://0.tcp.ngrok.io:12345).
Copy the address and port (e.g., 0.tcp.ngrok.io:12345).

To stop the tunnel: Press CTRL + C in Termux.

Joining Your Server

In Minecraft, go to Multiplayer > Direct Connect.
Paste the Ngrok address (e.g., 0.tcp.ngrok.io:12345).
Click Join Server.

Share this address with friends so they can join your portable Android-hosted world!

Important Notes & Tips

Performance: Server performance depends on your device's specs and internet upload speed.
Battery & Heat: Running a server consumes significant power and may cause heating.
Persistence: The server runs only while Termux and Ngrok are active. Closing them stops the server.
Backups: Regularly backup your world folder from within Termux.

While technical, this method unlocks a truly portable Minecraft server. If you succeed, consider sharing your experience and server address with the community!