Minecraft Crossplay Server: Let Java, Phone and Console Players Join Together
How to run one Minecraft world that Java PC players and Bedrock players on phones, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch can all join: your options, what works and what doesn't, how each device connects, and how to set it up on a host.
In this guide
- The problem: two editions that don't talk to each other
- Your options
- Crossplay server or Bedrock server?
- How Java + Geyser crossplay works
- What works well, and what doesn't
- Versions: keeping everyone compatible
- How each device joins
- Setting up a crossplay server on Enzonic
- Moving an existing world
- Running a crossplay community
The problem: two editions that don't talk to each other
Minecraft Java Edition (PC) and Minecraft Bedrock Edition (phones, tablets, consoles and the Windows Store version) use different network protocols. A Bedrock player can't join a Java server, and a Java player can't join a Bedrock server, even on the same Minecraft version number.
That is a problem for most friend groups and communities, because someone always plays on a phone or a console. The good news: one server can accept both, and it is a common setup.
Your options
• Java server with GeyserMC and Floodgate: both editions join one world. This is the usual answer for a mixed group. • Bedrock Dedicated Server: Bedrock players only. Simple, but Java players can't join. • Realms: Bedrock Realms are crossplay between Bedrock devices only, and Java Realms are Java only. Realms don't connect the two editions.
So if your group has both Java and Bedrock players, you want a Java server with Geyser. If nobody uses Java, a Bedrock server is simpler.
Crossplay server or Bedrock server?
A few questions settle it quickly:
• Does anyone in the group play Java Edition on PC? If yes, run Java with Geyser. A Bedrock server would leave them out. • Do you want Java plugins such as land claims, economies or minigames? Those exist only for Java servers, so Java with Geyser is the way to get them for Bedrock players too. • Is everyone on phones and consoles, and do you want Bedrock add-ons? Then a Bedrock Dedicated Server is the simpler fit, with no translation layer at all. • Are you planning a modpack? Then crossplay isn't realistic. Run a modded Java server for PC players only.
If you're unsure, start with Java and Geyser. It covers the most devices, and you can always add or remove the Bedrock side later without touching the world.
How Java + Geyser crossplay works
The server runs Java Edition, so the world, rules and plugins are Java. GeyserMC sits on the server and translates Bedrock connections into Java ones as they arrive. Java players connect over TCP (port 25565 by default) and Bedrock players over UDP (port 19132 by default), but they end up in the same world.
Floodgate is the second piece. It lets Bedrock players join with only their Microsoft account. Without it, every Bedrock player would also need a Java account.
Our GeyserMC and Floodgate setup guide covers the configuration in detail: config files, ports, proxies and fixes for connection errors. This guide covers the bigger picture.
What works well, and what doesn't
For a survival world with plugins, crossplay works very well. Building, mining, farming, chat, claims, shops and most plugin features behave the same for everyone.
Things to expect:
• Some menus look different on Bedrock, because Bedrock has its own inventory screens. • Combat timing differs a little between the editions. • Java resource packs don't apply to Bedrock players automatically. Bedrock needs its own version of a pack. • Mods are a poor fit. Blocks and items added by Fabric, Forge or NeoForge mods generally can't be shown on Bedrock, so crossplay servers are best built with plugins on Paper or Purpur. • Bedrock players' names get a prefix, a dot by default, to avoid clashes with Java names.
Versions: keeping everyone compatible
Bedrock players update automatically on most devices, so they are usually on the latest Bedrock version. Geyser supports current Bedrock releases, which means you need to keep Geyser up to date. After a big Bedrock update, Bedrock players may not be able to join until a new Geyser build is out and installed.
Geyser translates to the latest Java version. If you want to run an older Java version for a specific plugin or world, add ViaVersion so connections still work.
How each device joins
• Java (PC): Multiplayer, Add Server, enter the address. • Bedrock on phones, tablets and Windows: Play, then Servers, scroll down to Add Server, and enter the address and the Bedrock port. • Xbox, PlayStation and Switch: consoles only list featured servers and have no Add Server button. Players use a workaround, most often BedrockConnect (a DNS change that shows a server list where they can enter your address) or joining through the Friends tab from an account that broadcasts the server.
Give Bedrock players the address and port as two separate pieces of information. That is how the Bedrock screen asks for them.
Setting up a crossplay server on Enzonic
1. Create a server at https://panel.enzonic.com/create-server with Paper, the region closest to your group (Europe, North America or Asia), and the free tier or a plan. 2. Start it once so it generates the world, then open the plugin installer in the panel. 3. Search for Geyser and Floodgate and install both. Dependencies are resolved for you. 4. Restart the server. 5. Copy the Java address and the Bedrock address and port from the panel. The panel shows the actual address and port Bedrock players should use, which may not be 19132. 6. Share them with your group.
Every Enzonic server address is behind Cloudflare Spectrum DDoS protection. You can attach your own domain with an SRV record for Java players; Bedrock doesn't read SRV records, so Bedrock players still enter the port.
On the free tier the server sleeps after 15 minutes with nobody online and starts again when a player connects. Paid plans start at $3.79/mo for 4 GB and stay on all the time, which suits groups that play at different times of day.
Moving an existing world
If your group already has a world, you can usually keep it:
• A Java world: upload it to the Java server. Geyser doesn't change the world. • A Bedrock world (for example from a Realm or a phone): it has to be converted to Java format before it can run on a Java server.
On Enzonic, switching server software between Java and Bedrock offers a world conversion (using Chunker). Make a backup first, because conversions between editions aren't perfect: some blocks, entities and redstone behave differently afterwards. Walk around the converted world before inviting everyone back.
Running a crossplay community
• Whitelist: Bedrock players can't be added with the normal /whitelist add because Mojang's name lookup doesn't know them. Floodgate's /fwhitelist add Name handles them. On Enzonic, the whitelist is currently not available on the free tier.
• Plugins: check that your key plugins accept names with the Bedrock prefix. Most popular ones do.
• Account linking: players who own both editions can link them through Floodgate to keep one inventory.
• Updates: subscribe to Geyser's releases or check for updates after each Bedrock update, so Bedrock players aren't locked out for long.
Set up a Java server that Bedrock players can join: step by step
- Create a Paper server Create a Java server running Paper in the region closest to your group, and start it once.
- Install Geyser and Floodgate Install both plugins with the panel's plugin installer, or upload the jars to the plugins folder.
- Restart the server Restart so Geyser starts listening for Bedrock connections on its UDP port.
- Share both addresses Give Java players the Java address and Bedrock players the address and Bedrock port shown in the panel.
- Help console players connect Xbox, PlayStation and Switch players use a workaround such as BedrockConnect, because consoles can't add custom servers directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can Java and Bedrock players play on the same server?
Yes. Run a Java server with GeyserMC and Floodgate. Bedrock players on phones, consoles and Windows can then join the same world.
Do Bedrock players need to buy Java Edition?
No. With Floodgate installed, they join with their Microsoft account.
Can PlayStation and Switch players join a crossplay server?
Yes, but consoles can't add custom servers directly, so players use a workaround such as BedrockConnect or joining through the Friends tab.
Does crossplay work with mods?
Not well. Blocks and items from mods generally can't be shown to Bedrock players. Use Paper or Purpur with plugins for crossplay.
Why can't Bedrock players join after an update?
Bedrock updated and Geyser needs a matching build. Update Geyser on the server.
Does a Bedrock Realm work with Java players?
No. Realms don't connect the two editions. For crossplay you need a Java server with Geyser.