Minecraft server on Switch, Xbox or PlayStation: how friends join (2026)

Updated 4 November 2026

Yes, friends on a Nintendo Switch, Xbox or PlayStation can play on your own Minecraft server, but the console version of Minecraft has no "Add Server" button, so they need one extra step: changing the console's DNS setting to the free BedrockConnect service, which opens a server list where they type your address. Players on phones, tablets and Windows join directly through Play → Servers → Add Server.

This guide was checked on 28 October 2026 against the official BedrockConnect instructions. It covers which server to choose, the steps per console, and what to do when it doesn't work.

Which server do you need?

• Only Bedrock players (Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, phones, tablets, Windows app), no mods: a Bedrock server. Bedrock 1 GB handles up to about 10 players for €0.99 per month paid per quarter (€1.29 with monthly billing); Bedrock 2 GB, for up to about 20 players and bigger worlds, is €1.89 (€2.19).
• Console players together with PC players on Java, or you want plugins and mods: a Java server with the free Geyser plugin. 2 GB (€1.89 per month paid per quarter) is enough for a few friends; with Geyser and several plugins, 4 GB (€4.19) is more comfortable. See Let Bedrock players join with Geyser.

Not sure which edition your friends play? Read Minecraft Java or Bedrock. Every console is Bedrock.

Before you start

• Each console player needs a Microsoft account signed in to Minecraft and, on most consoles, the console's online subscription (Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus or the Xbox Game Pass tier with online play). That is a rule of the console makers, not of your server.
• Find your server's address and port in SparkPanel under Network. For a Java server with Geyser, Bedrock players use the same port number as Java players.
• Turn on the allow list (Bedrock) or whitelist (Java) and add your friends' Xbox gamertags, so only they can join. See Set up your Minecraft Bedrock server.

Join from a Nintendo Switch or Xbox

1. Open the console's network settings. On a Switch: System Settings → Internet → Internet Settings → your network → Change Settings → DNS Settings → Manual. On an Xbox: Settings → General → Network settings → Advanced settings → DNS settings → Manual.
2. Set the primary DNS to 104.238.130.180 and the secondary DNS to 8.8.8.8, then save.
3. Start Minecraft and open the Servers tab. Join one of the featured servers that BedrockConnect redirects (Mineville, Lifeboat, Enchanted, Galaxite or The Hive).
4. Instead of that featured server, the BedrockConnect server list opens. Choose Connect to a Server, enter your server address and port, and tick the option to add it to the list so it is there next time.
5. You are transferred to your own server. From then on you play directly on it.

Join from a PlayStation 4 or 5

1. Go to Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection, pick your network and open Advanced Settings (on a PS4: Set Up Internet Connection → Custom).
2. Set DNS Settings to Manual, primary DNS 45.55.68.52, secondary DNS 8.8.8.8.
3. Start Minecraft, open the Servers tab and join one of the featured servers listed above. Then follow steps 4 and 5 from the Switch and Xbox section.

BedrockConnect is a free, open-source project run by volunteers; ServerSpark and Mojang are not part of it. The DNS addresses come from its official page on GitHub (github.com/Pugmatt/BedrockConnect) and can change, so check there if the steps stop working. Want to undo it? Set DNS back to Automatic.

Another option for Java servers: join as an Xbox friend

On a Java server with Geyser you can add the MCXboxBroadcast extension. It shows your server as a joinable game of an Xbox account; console players add that account as a friend and join from the Friends tab, without changing DNS. It needs a separate Microsoft account, and the project itself warns that it emulates client features that "may or may not be against" Microsoft's terms, so use a spare account and decide for yourself. For most groups the DNS method above is simpler.

Not working?

• The featured server opens as normal. The DNS change did not apply. Check the numbers, save, and restart the console.
• "Unable to connect to world." Check the address and port in SparkPanel (Network) and that the server is running. Our free Minecraft server status check shows whether it is reachable.
• Java server: Bedrock players can't join at all. Geyser is usually outdated after a Minecraft update; update it and restart. Type geyser version in the console to check.
• "You are not invited to this server." Add the player's gamertag to the allow list or whitelist.

Frequently asked questions