How to Make a Bedrock Server

Setting up your own Minecraft Bedrock dedicated server can be a challenging process, as it involves specialized software and router configuration. When you’re all done, friends and family can join the server hosted on your own computer! The whole setup can take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours, depending on various factors.
 
The downside to hosting your own Bedrock server is that the computer must always remain online so players can join. This puts added stress on your hardware, along with resource consumption. You will have access to all the server files and parameters, but without any streamlined interface.
 
Regardless, it’s completely free to do and is a great way to play with friends. With all of this in mind, we’ve created this Apex Hosting guide to show you how to make a Bedrock server in Minecraft 👏
 

Getting Started

The first step to making your own server is to download the Bedrock Dedicated Server Software for your version (Release or Preview). When it’s finished, create a new folder somewhere on your computer and move the downloaded file inside of it. Extract the zip file so all the necessary files are accessible. We recommend using WinRAR or 7-Zip to manage these types of files.
 
Once extracted, run the bedrock_server.exe file to generate the server files. In the terminal, you need to allow your account to join by using the allowlist add [username] command. Replace “[username]” with your own account’s username. Alternatively, type allowlist off in the same terminal to disable it.
 
Additionally, make sure you have updated your Minecraft Bedrock client to the Latest Release or Preview in preparation for connection testing. Otherwise, you will be unable to connect.

Quick Summary:

1. Download the Bedrock Dedicated Server Software.
2. Create a new folder, move the downloaded zip file inside.
3. Extract the zip file, run the bedrock_server.exe file.
4. In the terminal, add yourself to the whitelist.
5. Enter: allowlist add [username]
6. Replace “[username]” with your own username.
7. (Optional): Enter allowlist off to disable the whitelist.
8. Update your Bedrock client, if it’s not already updated.

 
When you’re finished getting started, continue with the next section 👍
 

Connection Testing

With the Minecraft Bedrock server online, it’s time to confirm it actually works on your computer. You will need to test it out before doing anything else. The following steps will help you do that:

1. Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your computer.
2. Go to Play > Servers > Add Server from the menus.
3. Enter the following details:
   1. Server Name: (Anything you want)
   2. Server Address: 127.0.0.1
   3. Port: 19132
4. Afterwards, click “Add and Play” at the bottom.
5. Select Proceed if prompted with a caution.
6. Click “Trust and Join” when it asks you to confirm.
7. If successful, you will be connected to the dedicated server.

 
⚠️ You might have to connect twice – the first time can run into issues.
 

Adjust Settings

In the folder you created for the server files, you can edit server.properties with a text editor to adjust the settings. However, you must stop the server by closing the terminal before making changes. Some of the settings include gamemode, difficulty, view distance, allow cheats, etc.. You may begin customizing the server to your preferences.
 

Port Forwarding

1. Open Command Prompt on your computer, type ipconfig, and press Enter.
2. Note down your IPv4 Address and Default Gateway IP.
3. Enter your Default Gateway IP into a web browser address bar.
4. Log in to your router’s administrative settings.
5. Navigate to the Port Forwarding, Port Mapping, or Virtual Server section.
6. Create a new rule using the following details:
   1. Service Name: Bedrock Server
   2. Protocol: UDP (or BOTH)
   3. Internal & External Port: 19132
   4. Device IP: (Your computer’s IPv4 Address)
7. Save or apply the settings to update your router.

Invite Your Friends to Play

Before you invite others to join your Bedrock dedicated server, you first need to search your Public IP Address. This is what they’ll use to connect, along with the 19132 port. You can do that by searching “what is my IP” in your browser, then copying it. Send that to anyone you want to join the server, with the port (67.123.321.24:19132).

Host Your Own Bedrock Server

When you’ve finished all the steps, your Minecraft Bedrock dedicated server is now ready. Simply share the address with friends and have them connect to play together. Make sure to keep your computer running with the terminal online so the server remains operational.
 
If you’re concerned about exposing your Public IP Address or worried about always having your device running, we strongly recommend renting a Bedrock server with Apex Hosting. We take care of all the backend work and keep your information secure, while giving you complete access to the game files. We also have resources to help you install addons, datapacks, and more on the server. No headache, no trouble – rent your own Bedrock server today!