Featured servers are handy, but the real variety of Bedrock multiplayer lives outside that list: community survival worlds, small friend servers, new minigame projects. To reach them you need to add an external server on Bedrock by typing in its address and port. This tutorial shows the process on phones, tablets and Windows, explains what the fields mean, and covers the restrictions that apply on consoles.
What “external server” means
An external server is any Bedrock server that is not on the built-in featured list. It could be a public community server, a private server run by a friend, or one you host yourself. You connect to it using two pieces of information:
- Address: a domain name (like play.example.com) or an IP address made of numbers.
- Port: the numbered channel the server listens on. Bedrock normally uses 19132.
Every legitimate server publishes both on its website, community page or announcement channel.
Step-by-step: add a server on mobile or Windows
- Open Minecraft and make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account.
- Tap Play.
- Open the Servers tab.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list and select Add Server.
- Enter the Server Name. This is only for you; choose something recognisable.
- Enter the Server Address exactly as given.
- Enter the Port. If the server did not specify a port, leave 19132.
- Tap Save.
- Select the new entry from the list and tap to connect.
If everything is correct, you will see a loading screen, then the server’s lobby or spawn.
What each field means (and common mistakes)
| Field | What to type | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Server Name | Any label you like | Leaving it blank |
| Server Address | Domain or IP only | Adding “http://”, spaces or the port after a colon |
| Port | Number, usually 19132 | Using the Java port 25565 |
Some servers publish the address as “ip:port”, for example “123.123.123.123:19132”. In the Bedrock menu these must be entered in two separate boxes, never together.
Another frequent error is mixing editions. If a website lists a “Java IP” and a “Bedrock IP” separately, use the Bedrock one.
Minecraft PE Servers FAQ: Ports, IPs and Cross-Play
Consoles: what you can and cannot do
Console platforms behave differently:
- Featured servers are available on every Bedrock platform, including Xbox, PlayStation and Switch.
- Adding external servers directly has historically been limited on some consoles. Whether your console supports it depends on the platform and update, so check the current options in your game’s Servers tab.
- Some tutorials suggest changing DNS settings or using third-party tools. These can expose you to risks and may break platform rules, so we do not recommend them for younger players or anyone unfamiliar with networking.
If you mainly play on console, consider joining a featured server or playing a friend-hosted world.
Check the server before you add it
Anyone can publish an address, so verify it first:
- Find the server’s official website or community channel.
- Read the rules and check how recent the updates are.
- Confirm the supported game version.
- Look for a way to contact staff.
- Be wary of servers that ask for passwords outside the game or promise unrealistic rewards.
Children should ask a parent or guardian before adding any server, and parents may want to review multiplayer settings.
How to Pick a Safe Server for Kids
Tips for managing your server list
Once you have more than two or three entries, a little organisation helps:
- Use clear names that include the type, such as “Survival – weekends” or “Minigames – lobby”.
- Keep a note of each address and port outside the game, in case an update clears the list.
- Delete entries you no longer use, so you do not join old or abandoned servers by mistake.
- Re-check the address on the server’s website after major game updates, because owners sometimes change domains.
Troubleshooting after you add the server
The server shows as offline
- The server may be down. Check its community page.
- The address or port may be wrong. Re-open the entry and compare each character.
- Your network may block the connection (see below).
“Unable to connect to world”
This is a broad error caused by version mismatch, network blocks or account permissions. Our troubleshooting guide covers it.
How to Fix ‘Unable to Connect to World’ Errors
The entry disappears or will not save
- Update the game and try again.
- Check you did not leave a required field empty.
- Restart the app. If the problem persists, reinstall only after making sure your worlds are backed up.
Works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data (or the reverse)
Some networks block the game’s UDP traffic. Try switching networks, turn off any VPN, and avoid school or workplace Wi-Fi if it is restricted.
Adding a server you host yourself
If you run a Bedrock server at home, friends outside your home network need your public IP or a domain name, and your router must forward the UDP port to the computer running the server. That involves security risks, so follow your host software’s instructions carefully, and consider a hosting service instead. For local-network play, other devices on the same Wi-Fi can use the server computer’s local IP address.
Free vs Paid Minecraft Server Hosting for Bedrock
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay to add a server?
No. Adding a server entry is free. Some servers charge for ranks or perks, and consoles may require their own online subscriptions.
Can I add more than one server?
Yes. You can keep several entries in your list. Name them clearly so you know which is which.
Is it safe to add any server I find online?
Not necessarily. Stick to servers with clear rules and active staff, and never share personal information or passwords.
What if the server uses a different port?
Enter that port in the Port box. Only use 19132 when the server does not specify one.
Conclusion
To add an external server on Bedrock, open Play, go to the Servers tab, choose Add Server, then enter a name, the address and the port. Double-check each character, check the server is trustworthy and be aware of console restrictions. With a clear list of saved servers, you can switch between worlds in a few taps.