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Minecraft Java and Bedrock Server: How to Play Together in Cross-Play
You play on PC with Java Edition, but your friend is on Xbox, another on Switch, and a third on their phone with Bedrock Edition. How can you all play together on the same server? This is a question thousands of players ask, and the good news is that Minecraft cross-play is indeed possible.
This guide explains how to set up a unified Java and Bedrock server, how your Bedrock friends can join your server from mobile, console, or Windows, and how to solve the most common issues.
Is Minecraft Cross-Play Possible?
Officially, Mojang does not offer cross-play between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. These are two distinct versions of the game with different codebases, separate account systems, and features that are not always identical. Java runs on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux) while Bedrock runs on mobile (iOS, Android), consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch), and Windows 10/11 via the Microsoft Store.
However, the community has developed a reliable and widely adopted solution: GeyserMC. This open-source project acts as a translator between Java and Bedrock protocols, allowing Bedrock players to connect to a standard Java server. In practice, your server remains a classic Java server (Paper, Spigot, Purpur), and GeyserMC translates the data in real-time so that Bedrock players can interact normally.
This is the method used by the vast majority of Minecraft cross-play servers in 2026.
GeyserMC: The Solution
GeyserMC is installed as a plugin or mod on your Java server. Once configured, it opens a Bedrock port (default 19132) in addition to the classic Java port (25565). Java players connect normally, and Bedrock players connect via the Bedrock port. Everyone meets in the same world, can build together, fight, trade, and chat.
The technical installation of GeyserMC (download, port configuration, config.yml file) is detailed in our complete tutorial for configuring GeyserMC. This guide focuses on the player experience: how to join, which platforms are supported, and how to solve connection issues.
Floodgate: Connection Without a Java Account
By default, GeyserMC requires Bedrock players to log in with a valid Microsoft account. If you add Floodgate (a companion plugin to GeyserMC), Bedrock players can join the server without owning a Java Edition account. Floodgate automatically creates a server profile for each Bedrock player, with a prefix (by default a dot .) before the username to distinguish them from Java players.
This is essential for an open Minecraft cross-play server: your friends on console or mobile only need their Microsoft Bedrock account, not a second Java account. Floodgate can be downloaded from the GeyserMC site and placed in the same folder as GeyserMC (plugins or mods depending on your server type).
How to Join a Server from Bedrock
The method to join a Minecraft Bedrock server varies by platform. Here's how to do it on each device.
From Mobile (iOS / Android)
Open Minecraft, tap "Play," then the "Servers" tab at the top of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Add Server." Enter the server name (free choice), your server's IP address, and the Bedrock port configured in GeyserMC (default 19132). Tap "Save" then "Join Server."
The connection is direct on mobile: no additional manipulation is necessary.
From Console (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch)
On console, Minecraft Bedrock Edition does not allow adding custom servers directly in the interface. Only "partner servers" (Hive, CubeCraft, etc.) appear. To bypass this limitation, several methods exist.
The simplest: use the BedrockConnect app or a custom DNS server. The principle is to modify your console's DNS settings to redirect connections to a service that allows you to enter your custom server's IP. On Xbox, go to Settings > Network > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings and enter the BedrockConnect DNS. Restart Minecraft, click on any partner server, and a menu will appear to enter your own server's IP.
On PlayStation and Switch, the procedure is similar: modify the DNS in the console's network settings.
From Windows 10/11 (Bedrock Edition)
On the Bedrock version for Windows (Microsoft Store), you can add a server directly like on mobile. Go to "Play" > "Servers" > "Add Server," enter the IP and Bedrock port, then connect.
If your server is running locally on the same machine, use localhost or 127.0.0.1 as the IP address.
Common Issues and Solutions
"Unable to Connect to Server"
This is the most reported issue. First, check that the Bedrock port is open on your server. At OuiHeberg, you need to assign an additional port in OuiPanel (Port Management section), then enter this port in the config.yml file of GeyserMC. The detailed GeyserMC tutorial explains this step.
Also, check that the GeyserMC version is compatible with the Minecraft Bedrock version installed on the player's device. GeyserMC generally supports the latest stable version of Bedrock, but an update lag can prevent connection for a few days after a new version.
Skins and Missing Features
Bedrock players will see Java players' skins, but custom Bedrock skins (those purchased in the Marketplace) do not display on the Java side. Bedrock players appear with a default skin for Java players unless the server uses a compatible skin management plugin.
Some Java features do not exist on Bedrock: shields work differently, PvP combat has slightly different timing, and command blocks have distinct syntaxes. For more on command differences, see our Minecraft Bedrock command guide.
Performance
GeyserMC adds a real-time translation layer that consumes a bit of extra RAM and CPU. For a server with 5 to 10 Bedrock players simultaneously, plan for about 500 MB to 1 GB of RAM in addition to what your Java server usually consumes. On a properly sized server, the impact on performance is negligible.
Minecraft Cross-Play FAQ
Can Bedrock and Java players see the same blocks and items? Yes, in the vast majority of cases. GeyserMC translates blocks and items between the two versions. Some very specific Java items (like certain technical blocks) may not display correctly, but this is rare and does not affect normal gameplay.
Do you need to buy Minecraft twice (Java + Bedrock)? No. Each player only needs their own version. Java players connect with their Java account, Bedrock players with their Microsoft account. Floodgate eliminates the need for a Java account for Bedrock players.
Do Java plugins work for Bedrock players? Yes. Since the server remains a Java server, all plugins (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldGuard, etc.) work normally. Bedrock players benefit from the same protections, permissions, and features as Java players.
Is GeyserMC free? Yes, GeyserMC and Floodgate are completely free and open-source.
Which server version do you recommend for cross-play? Paper is the best choice: performant, compatible with all plugins, and GeyserMC works perfectly as a Paper plugin. Avoid pure Vanilla servers (which do not support plugins): in this case, use GeyserMC in standalone mode (proxy).