Setting Up Your Own Minecraft Bedrock Server: A Simple Guide

Want to enjoy Minecraft with your friends in your own world? Minecraft servers offer a fun way to play together. While Java Edition often gets more attention, setting up a server for Minecraft Bedrock Edition is totally doable. This guide breaks down the steps to create your own Bedrock server and even shows you how to customize it. Whether you want to speedrun seeds, explore custom maps, or just chill with friends, this guide is for you. So, let's get started!

What You Need to Get Started

To host a Minecraft Bedrock server, your computer needs to meet these requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 version 1703 or newer, or Ubuntu 18 or newer.
  • Processor: A 64-bit Intel or AMD processor with at least 2 cores.
  • Memory: 1 GB of RAM.
  • Graphics Card: Since Bedrock doesn't support shaders, the server doesn't need a powerful graphics card. If your computer can run the regular game, it should handle the server fine.
  • Platform Note: Minecraft only allows users on Ubuntu and Windows to host dedicated servers. However, players on any device running Bedrock Edition can join these servers.

How to Set Up Your Minecraft Bedrock Server

Setting up a Minecraft Bedrock server involves a few steps. To keep things simple, we've broken it down into sections.

Step 1: Get the Server Software

First, you'll need the Minecraft server software. Download the zip file directly from the official Minecraft website. They offer separate files for Windows and Ubuntu. Once the download is complete, extract the zip file using your computer's built-in file explorer or a program like WinZip or WinRAR.

Step 2: Run the Server

Unlike Java servers, Bedrock servers don't require installation. After extracting the files, you can start the server right away.

On Ubuntu:

Every Linux system comes with a terminal app for running commands. Make sure your system runs Ubuntu 18 or newer (or an equivalent version). Enter the following command to start the server:

LD_LIBRARY_PATH=. ./bedrock_server

If the command fails, try replacing bedrock_server with the name of the folder you unzipped. After successfully running the command, the server should be up and running!

On Windows:

  1. First, you need to allow Minecraft to connect to a local server. Windows sometimes blocks this for apps like Minecraft Bedrock.
  2. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on it in the Start menu and selecting Run as administrator.
  3. Paste the following command and press Enter:
CheckNetIsolation.exe LoopbackExempt -a -p=S-1-15-2-1958404141-86561845-1752920682-3514627264-368642714-62675701-733520436
  1. Close the Command Prompt after the command runs.
  2. Go to the folder where you extracted the server files, find bedrock_server.exe, and double-click it to run it.
  3. When Windows Firewall appears, make sure both Private networks and Public networks are checked. Then click Allow access.
  4. After the firewall accepts the exception, the server will start running in the Command Prompt window.

Step 3: Open the System Port

Now that your computer and firewall are ready, you need to set up your router so other players can connect.

Find Your IP Addresses

Open the Command Prompt and enter the following command:

ipconfig /all

This will display your IPv4 address, IPv6 address, and Default Gateway. Write these down or leave the window open — you'll need them shortly. Some routers use the Default Gateway address instead of IPv6.

Access Your Router's Port Forwarding Settings

Since every router is a bit different, visit SetupRouter.com to find out how to access your specific router's port forwarding settings.

Enter Your Server Details

Once you're in the port forwarding settings, look for a button like Add Service or Create New and enter the following:

  • Service Name: Minecraft Server
  • Start Port: 19132
  • End Port: 19132
  • Service Type: TCP/UDP

The default port for Minecraft Bedrock is 19132. If there are additional port fields, enter the same number. When the router asks for an IP address, enter the IPv4 address you found earlier. Use the IPv6 address and Default Gateway for their corresponding fields.

Step 4: Invite Your Friends

To join your Minecraft Bedrock server, players need your public IP address. Thanks to port forwarding, your public IP won't reveal any personal information. To find it, go to Google and search what is my IP. Copy the address shown and share it with your friends. You'll also need it to join the server yourself.

How to Join Your Minecraft Bedrock Server

Your server is running — time to test it out! These steps work for both you and your friends:

  1. Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
  2. On the main screen, click Play.
  3. Click the Servers tab at the top.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the server list and click Add Server.
  5. Enter the following server details:
    • Server Name: Anything you like.
    • Port: 19132 (unless you changed it).
    • Server Address: Your public IP address.

How to Customize Your Minecraft Bedrock Server

Now that your server is live, you can customize it! By default, it loads a basic survival world — great for exploring seeds. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Server Properties

Edit the server.properties file located in your server folder. Open it with Notepad to change settings like:

  • Game mode (Survival, Creative, or Adventure) and related settings
  • Difficulty and cheats
  • Maximum number of players and who can join
  • Server settings
  • World properties
  • Player abilities

Resource Packs and Custom Worlds

Change the look of your server by downloading and adding texture or resource packs. Place them in the resource_packs folder of your server. You can also add custom maps by placing them in the worlds folder.

Server Commands

Think of commands like cheats that give you the power to change the world without leaving the game. You can even edit server properties using commands directly.

How to Shut Down Your Minecraft Bedrock Server

When you and your friends are done playing, simply closing the game won't save your progress. To properly shut down the server, open the Command Prompt window where the server is running, type stop, and press Enter. The server will close and save all progress and changes to the world. Always do this when shutting down to avoid losing your work.

That's it! You now have everything you need to start your own Minecraft Bedrock server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Dedicated Minecraft Bedrock Server Free?

Yes, unless you use paid server hosting services.

Does a Minecraft Bedrock Server Support Cross-Play?

Yes! Anyone on Bedrock Edition can join, no matter what device they're using.

Can I Run a Server with Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, it works fine.

Is There an Easier Way to Make a Minecraft Bedrock Server?

This is a reliable free method. There are easier options available, but dedicated servers offer better performance and more control.

Comments

Post a Comment