---
title: "How to Make a Minecraft Bedrock Server (BDS and Geyser)"
description: "Make a Minecraft Bedrock server: the official Bedrock Dedicated Server, hosting options, Geyser crossplay, ports, allowlist and common problems."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-bedrock-server-setup-bds-geyser"
updated: "2026-11-12T03:39:11.005822+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---

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# How to Make a Minecraft Bedrock Server (BDS and Geyser)

ZCraft StudiosNov 12, 2026

Make a Minecraft Bedrock server: the official Bedrock Dedicated Server, hosting options, Geyser crossplay, ports, allowlist and common problems.

## In this guide

- [Pick your approach](#pick-your-approach)
- [Option 1: Bedrock Dedicated Server](#option-1-bedrock-dedicated-server)
- [Bedrock server.properties](#bedrock-serverproperties)
- [Allowlist and operators](#allowlist-and-operators)
- [Add-ons instead of plugins](#add-ons-instead-of-plugins)
- [Option 2: Bedrock hosting](#option-2-bedrock-hosting)
- [Option 3: Java server with Geyser and Floodgate](#option-3-java-server-with-geyser-and-floodgate)
- [Security](#security)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)

**Quick answer:** you can make a Bedrock server in three ways: run Mojang's official **Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS)**, use a **hosting company** that supports Bedrock, or run a **Java server with Geyser and Floodgate** so Bedrock players can join it. Bedrock uses **UDP port 19132** by default, not Java's TCP 25565.

_Details change by version, so check Mojang's Bedrock server page and each plugin's docs. Last checked November 2026._

## Pick your approach

| Approach                              | Best for                          | Notes                                                                                                          |
| ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS)        | A pure Bedrock community          | Official, uses add-ons, no Java plugins                                                                        |
| Hosting company with Bedrock          | The easiest way                   | The host runs it for you. See [Best Minecraft Server Hosting](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-server-hosting-2026)        |
| Java server plus Geyser and Floodgate | Java and Bedrock players together | Keeps the Java plugin ecosystem. See [Bedrock Crossplay Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/geyser-floodgate-bedrock-crossplay-setup) |
| Realms                                | A small private world             | Not a real server. See [Minecraft Server vs Realms](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-vs-realms)                          |

## Option 1: Bedrock Dedicated Server

1. Download the Bedrock Dedicated Server for your operating system from Mojang's official site.
2. Unzip it into a folder, for example `bedrock-server`.
3. Edit `server.properties` before the first start.
4. Start the server. On Linux, from the folder:

```
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=. ./bedrock_server
```

On Windows, run `bedrock_server.exe`.

1. Open **UDP port 19132** (and the IPv6 port the server uses) in your firewall and router.
2. Join with a Bedrock device using your server address and port.

For router and firewall steps, see [How to Make a Minecraft Server Public](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/make-minecraft-server-public-port-forwarding), and remember that Bedrock needs UDP and not TCP.

## Bedrock server.properties

The file differs from the Java one. Common settings:

| Setting                         | What it does                                |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| server-name                     | Name in the server list                     |
| gamemode                        | Default game mode                           |
| difficulty                      | Difficulty                                  |
| max-players                     | Player limit                                |
| allow-cheats                    | Whether cheats are allowed                  |
| online-mode                     | Verifies players with Xbox Live             |
| allow-list                      | Only listed players can join                |
| level-name and level-seed       | World name and seed                         |
| default-player-permission-level | Visitor, member or operator for new players |
| server-port                     | Default 19132                               |

Java settings such as `view-distance` have Bedrock equivalents with their own names, so read the file's comments. See [server.properties Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/server-properties-explained-every-setting) for the Java file.

## Allowlist and operators

Bedrock keeps an allowlist and a permissions file in the server folder. Use the allowlist commands in the console, such as adding a player by gamertag, and set permission levels carefully. Command names have changed between versions, so check the server's help output. See [How to Whitelist Players](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server) for the Java equivalent.

## Add-ons instead of plugins

BDS does not run Bukkit or Paper plugins. It uses **behavior packs and resource packs** (add-ons). Some third-party Bedrock server software exists with its own plugin systems, but compatibility and support vary, so test before building a community on it.

## Option 2: Bedrock hosting

A host that supports Bedrock runs the server software for you, handles ports and updates, and often offers add-on installers. Compare plans on CPU, location, backups and refunds. See [Cheap Minecraft Server Hosting](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/cheap-minecraft-server-hosting-guide) and [How to Host a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-host-a-minecraft-server).

_Need a server to run it? Check out our hosting partner [RealisticNode](https://realisticnode.com/zcs), which lists Bedrock addon support and 10% off through our link, or compare other hosts in [Best Minecraft Server Hosting](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-server-hosting-2026). Partner link: we may earn a commission._

## Option 3: Java server with Geyser and Floodgate

This lets Bedrock and Java players play together on a Paper server with all your plugins:

1. Set up a Paper server. See [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server).
2. Install Geyser and Floodgate, and open the Bedrock UDP port.
3. Test with a Bedrock device. Some menus and features behave differently. See [Bedrock Crossplay Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/geyser-floodgate-bedrock-crossplay-setup).
4. Whitelist Bedrock players using their Floodgate identity. See [How to Whitelist Players](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-whitelist-players-minecraft-server).

## Security

- Keep the server updated.
- Use the allowlist for private servers.
- Do not give operator permission to everyone.
- Back up the world folder regularly. See [Backup Strategy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-strategy).
- Protect against bots. See [Join Spam Defense](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-antibot-join-spam-defense).

## Troubleshooting

| Problem                            | Likely cause                                                                                    |
| ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Players cannot connect             | UDP port 19132 is blocked, or the wrong port is forwarded                                       |
| Works on LAN, not online           | Router or CGNAT. See [Make a Server Public](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/make-minecraft-server-public-port-forwarding) |
| Wrong version message              | The client and server versions differ                                                           |
| Server will not start              | Missing libraries on Linux, or a wrong path                                                     |
| Cannot find the server in the list | Add it manually with its address and port                                                       |
| Add-on does not load               | Wrong version or pack format                                                                    |

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I make a Minecraft Bedrock server?** Run Bedrock Dedicated Server, use a Bedrock host, or add Geyser to a Java server.

**What port does a Bedrock server use?** UDP 19132 by default.

**Can Java and Bedrock players play together?** Yes, with Geyser and Floodgate on a Java server.

**Can I use plugins on Bedrock?** Not Bukkit plugins. Use add-ons.

**Is a Bedrock server free?** Running BDS on your own machine is free, and hosts charge for hosting.

**Can I use Realms instead?** For a few friends, yes. See [Server vs Realms](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-vs-realms).

## Related reading

- [Bedrock Crossplay Setup With Geyser and Floodgate](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/geyser-floodgate-bedrock-crossplay-setup)
- [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server)
- [Minecraft Server Won't Start](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-wont-start-errors-fixes)

## Continue reading

- [Setting Up Geyser and Floodgate for Bedrock Cross-Play](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/geyser-floodgate-bedrock-crossplay-setup)
- [How to Make a Prison Server: Mines, Ranks and Economy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-make-a-prison-server)
- [How to Make a Minecraft Server Public: Port Forwarding Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/make-minecraft-server-public-port-forwarding)
- [How to Make a Modded Minecraft Server: Fabric and NeoForge](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-make-a-modded-minecraft-server)

[ Previous guide Evidence Bot: Discord Case Management for Minecraft Staff](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/evidence-bot-discord-case-management-setup)[ Next guide Z-Auth vs AuthMe: Minecraft Login Plugins Compared](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/z-auth-vs-authme-minecraft-login-plugins)

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