Host a Free Minecraft Bedrock Server (Step-by-Step)
Launch a Bedrock server free in 2 minutes. Cross-play with Geyser, friends-only mode, console join.
Why a hosted Bedrock server
Bedrock realms are great if everyone has a Microsoft subscription, but they're capped, paid, and limited in plugin support. A hosted Bedrock server is free, has no slot cap, and supports add-ons / behavior packs.
Step 1 — Create the server
On [FreeMCHost](https://new.freemchost.com), pick Bedrock as the server type. You'll get an address like bedrock.freemchost.com:19132 (Bedrock uses port 19132, not 25565).
Step 2 — Connect from any device
In Minecraft Bedrock → Servers → Add Server:
- Server Name: anything
- Server Address: the IP from your panel
- Port: 19132
Works on Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS, Android. Console players don't need any extra setup once the server is in their list.
Step 3 — Friends-only mode
In server.properties (panel):
white-list=true
Then in console: whitelist add Gamertag. Only listed players can join.
Cross-play with Java players (Geyser)
If half your friends are on Java, install Geyser on a Paper server instead of using Bedrock directly. Bedrock players connect to a Java server transparently. See our [Geyser cross-play guide](/blog/geyser-cross-play-java-bedrock).
Console-player gotchas
- Xbox — needs the server added via the Bedrock client. Some players need to sign out / back in.
- PlayStation — featured servers list shows only Microsoft's partners; use the "Add Server" tab.
- Switch — same as PS, "Add Server" tab works.
Backups
Bedrock world files live in worlds/. Download regularly via the file manager — the free tier doesn't take automatic snapshots.
Related
- [Bedrock hosting plan](/bedrock-minecraft-server)
- [Geyser cross-play](/blog/geyser-cross-play-java-bedrock)
- [Free Minecraft hosting](/free-minecraft-server-hosting)