Minecraft servers for Java and Bedrock players

Minecraft servers for Java and Bedrock are almost always Java servers running a translation layer called GeyserMC, which lets Bedrock players on phones, consoles and Windows join alongside Java players on PC. Each edition connects on its own address and port, and once inside, everyone shares the same world, chat and games.

That one sentence hides a lot of small details that decide whether your friend on Xbox can actually get in, so here's how it works, which address goes where, what doesn't carry across, and how to find servers where crossplay has really been tested.

Why Java and Bedrock can't normally play together

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition look alike but are separate games under the hood. They speak different network protocols, run on different ports (Java on TCP 25565, Bedrock on UDP 19132), and even number their versions differently: this month's content drop is Java 26.3 and Bedrock 26.50. Out of the box, a Java server has no idea what a Bedrock client is saying.

Mojang doesn't offer official crossplay between the two. The community's answer is Geyser.

How Java and Bedrock crossplay works

Here's what happens when a Bedrock player joins a crossplay server:

1. The Bedrock player connects to the server's Bedrock address. That port is answered by GeyserMC, not by Minecraft itself.
2. Geyser translates. It turns every Bedrock message into the Java equivalent and back again, so the Java server just sees another player.
3. Floodgate handles accounts. With the Floodgate plugin, Bedrock players sign in with their Microsoft account and don't need to own Java Edition. Without Floodgate, a Bedrock player would need a Java account too.
4. Everyone plays together. Same world, same chat, same minigame lobbies.

Geyser runs as a plugin on Paper or Spigot, on Velocity and BungeeCord proxies, as a Fabric or NeoForge mod, or as a standalone program. That's why you'll find it on everything from small SMPs to big networks.

Playing on both editions? Link your accounts

If you own Java and Bedrock and switch between them, Floodgate servers can treat you as two different players, each with their own inventory. GeyserMC runs a Global Linking service at link.geysermc.org that ties a Bedrock account to a Java account, so on servers that use it you keep one profile whichever device you pick up. Some servers run their own local linking instead; their Discord or /help will say.

Two editions, two addresses: which one do you type?

Often the host name is the same for both, and only the port differs. Some servers use a separate Bedrock host name, or a non-default Bedrock port because their host shares one machine between many servers. Always copy the Bedrock address exactly as the server lists it.

Is a crossplay server the same as a Bedrock server?

No, and the difference matters when you're picking where to play. A crossplay server is a Java server with Geyser on top: Java players join natively, Bedrock players join through translation. A Bedrock-only server, like the featured servers in the Bedrock Servers tab, runs Bedrock server software and only Bedrock players can get in; Java players have no way to join. If your group is split between PC Java players and console or phone players, you want a crossplay server. If everyone is on Bedrock, a Bedrock server works fine, and you'll find those in our Bedrock list.

What works and what doesn't for Bedrock players

Geyser gets remarkably close, but it's a translation, and some things don't survive the trip. The Geyser team keeps a public list of current limitations. The ones players notice most:

• Survival, building, mining and farming all play normally.
• Chat, most commands and plugin menus work, including chest-style GUI menus.
• Minigames like Bedwars and SkyWars generally work, which is why crossplay minigame servers are common.
• Custom resource packs can work if the server also provides a Bedrock version of its pack.

• Clickable links in chat don't work for Bedrock players.
• Left vs right click in inventories can't be told apart, which matters on servers with click-based menus.
• Custom enchantments and some enchantment level displays don't show properly.
• The glowing effect and some other visual effects are missing.
• Modded servers that need client-side mods can't be joined from Bedrock. Geyser's FAQ puts it simply: if a vanilla Java client can join, so can Geyser; if you need mods, it can't.

Combat is the other thing to know about. Java and Bedrock feel different in a fight, so on competitive PvP servers, check whether Bedrock players get their own queue or rules.

Best Minecraft servers for Bedrock and Java right now

Lots of servers say "Bedrock supported." We check. Once a day our Bedrock probe tries to connect to Java servers on their Bedrock address, and a server only gets a Bedrock address on its page if the probe got a real answer. Right now we see 221 crossplay servers online.

Looking for a Bedwars server for Java and Bedrock? Bedwars is one of the modes where crossplay is most common, so start with the Bedwars list and look for servers with a Bedrock address.

You can also browse the full crossplay list. Crossplay is especially common on SMP, Skyblock and minigame servers.

Checks before you invite your Bedrock friends

• Is there a Bedrock address on the page? If not, assume Java only, whatever the description says.
• Is the version range current? Geyser usually supports the latest Bedrock release soon after it ships, but a server running an old Geyser can reject a freshly updated phone or console with "Outdated server."
• Does it need a Java account? Our pages show whether a server requires an official account. Servers without Floodgate may ask Bedrock players to link or own a Java account.
• Are there Bedrock-specific rules? Some servers prefix Bedrock usernames or keep separate PvP queues. The rules page will say.

How to make a Minecraft server crossplay (the short version)

If you'd rather host one for your group, the usual setup is a Paper server with the Geyser and Floodgate plugins, a second port opened for Bedrock (UDP 19132 by default), and Geyser's auth-type set to floodgate. Behind a proxy, Floodgate's key.pem gets copied to every backend server, and the Geyser docs are firm that you never share that key with anyone. Many hosting companies offer Geyser as a one-click install; a "free crossplay hosting" plan is fine for a few friends, but it's usually limited in RAM and uptime.

Our full owner walkthrough is in how to make a crossplay Minecraft server, and GeyserMC's own setup guide is the reference for every platform.

Quick questions