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.
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 Copy

   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.