How to Make a Minecraft Crossplay Server (Java & Bedrock) in 2026

# How to Make a Minecraft Crossplay Server (Java & Bedrock)

Minecraft has two main editions: **Java Edition** (the original PC version with extensive modding support) and **Bedrock Edition** (the version found on consoles, mobile devices, and the Windows Store). By default, these two versions speak completely different networking languages and cannot play together.

However, using a revolutionary proxy system called **GeyserMC** (and an authentication plugin called **Floodgate**), you can bridge this gap. This guide will teach you exactly how to set up a Minecraft crossplay server so your friends on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile, and PC can finally all play together on the same server.

## Why Set Up Crossplay?

- **Unite Your Friends:** Stop splitting your friend groups between PC players and console players.
- **Access to Java Features:** Bedrock players can experience Java-exclusive mechanics, redstone behaviors, and server plugins (like economy systems, custom enchantments, and minigames).
- **One World, One Community:** Build massive multiplayer universes where the platform doesn't matter.

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## Step 1: Prepare Your Server

To get started, you'll need a server capable of running **plugins**. Pure Vanilla servers cannot run Geyser natively as a plugin. You will need a server running **Paper, Purpur, or Spigot** (we highly recommend Paper or Purpur for dramatically better performance).

1. Ensure your server is installed with the **Paper** server software. (On HostedGG, simply change your game type to Paper in the control panel).
2. Ensure you are running a supported version (Geyser updates frequently, so running the latest 1.20+ releases is ideal).
3. **Important for Hosting:** Make sure you have at least 1 Additional Port allocated to your server. This port is required for Bedrock players to connect. (HostedGG provides this out-of-the-box).

## Step 2: Download Geyser and Floodgate

Next, you need to download the plugins themselves. Both are maintained on the official GeyserMC website.

1. Go to the [GeyserMC Downloads Page](https://geysermc.org/download).
2. Download **Geyser-Spigot** (this is for Paper/Spigot/Purpur servers).
3. Download **Floodgate-Spigot**. _What is Floodgate?_ Bedrock users typically don't own Java accounts. Floodgate handles the authentication locally, allowing Bedrock accounts to connect natively without being required to buy the Java edition.

## Step 3: Install the Plugins

Now it's time to upload the files to your server.

1. Navigate to your server's **File Manager** in the HostedGG control panel.
2. Open the `/plugins/` folder.
3. Upload both `Geyser-Spigot.jar` and `Floodgate.jar` into this folder.
4. Go back to your console and click **Restart**. Wait for the server to fully load up.

## Step 4: Configure the Bedrock Port

This is the most critical step. Java Edition connects over port **25565** (TCP), but Bedrock Edition clients require connections over **19132** (UDP). If you are using shared hosting like HostedGG, you won't have standard ports; you'll have specific allocated ports.

1. Go to the **Network/Ports** tab on your HostedGG dashboard.
2. Note your primary Java Port (example: `25565` or `30129`).
3. Click "Create Allocation" or find your secondary allocated port (example: `30555`).
4. In the File Manager, go to `/plugins/Geyser-Spigot/config.yml`.
5. Find the `bedrock:` section:
   ```yaml
   bedrock:
     address: 0.0.0.0
     port: 19132 # <--- CHANGE THIS PORT TO YOUR ALLOCATED PORT (e.g., 30555)
     clone-remote-port: false
   ```
6. Change `port: 19132` to the your secondary port allocation.
7. Save the file, and **Restart** your server one more time.

## Step 5: How Players Connect

Your setup is entirely finished! Here is how your players will connect based on their platform.

### Java Edition Players

Java players will connect exactly the same way they always do:

- **IP:** `your-server-ip.hostedgg.app`
- **Port:** `25565` (or whatever the primary port is)

### Bedrock Edition Players (Mobile / Windows 10)

Bedrock players will connect using the new configuration:

- **Server Name:** Whatever they want!
- **IP:** `your-server-ip.hostedgg.app`
- **Port:** `30555` (The secondary port you set in the Geyser config).

### Console Players (Xbox, Switch, PlayStation)

Consoles by default block connecting to custom external IPs (they only allow featured marketplace servers). However, there is a widely used community workaround called **BedrockConnect** or DNS spoofing.

The easiest method for console players is to change their console's primary network DNS server to `104.238.130.180` and the secondary to `8.8.8.8`. By doing this, when they click on a "Featured Server" in their multiplayer browser, it redirects them to a server list where they can type in your custom HostedGG IP and port!

## Wrapping Up

By setting up GeyserMC and Floodgate, you open your server up to a massive new audience. HostedGG servers come fully equipped to handle crossplay networking, giving you and your community the easiest path to true cross-platform gaming.

Ready to start building? [Grab a powerful, crossplay-ready Minecraft Server today.](https://hostedgg.com/games/minecraft)