Bedrock vs Java
Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Java Edition are two separate games with separate server ecosystems. Bedrock servers cannot be joined by Java clients and vice versa — they use completely different networking protocols and feature sets. If you are unsure which version you have, check the launcher or your game library. Bedrock Edition is sold as "Minecraft" on consoles and mobile, while the Java version is labelled "Minecraft Java Edition."
The biggest advantage of Bedrock for multiplayer is cross-play. A Bedrock server can simultaneously host players on PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, iPhone, and Android. This makes Bedrock communities much larger and more accessible. The trade-off is that Bedrock uses a different mod and plugin system — Add-Ons (Behaviour Packs and Resource Packs) rather than Forge or Fabric mods.
LobbyLink lists Bedrock and Java servers separately so you always know you are looking at the right type. When you browse the Minecraft Bedrock section, every server in the list accepts Bedrock clients.
How to Add a Server in Bedrock
Adding a custom server in Minecraft Bedrock is slightly different depending on your platform. On PC (Windows 10/11), open Minecraft, go to the Play screen, click the Servers tab, scroll past the featured servers, and click Add Server. Enter the server name, address, and port (default 19132), then click Save.
On Xbox and PlayStation, Microsoft's network restrictions prevent you from directly typing in a server IP through the normal UI. The most common workaround is BedrockConnect, a free DNS service that redirects the featured server slots to a custom server proxy. Your LobbyLink listing or the server's Discord will often have setup instructions. Nintendo Switch has similar restrictions, and many communities maintain guides on their Discord for console players.
On iOS and Android, the process mirrors the PC method. Open Minecraft, go to Play, tap Servers, scroll down, and tap Add Server. Paste the IP and port from the LobbyLink listing. Most mobile-friendly servers use the default port 19132, but always check the listing for the exact connection details.
Understanding Server Types
Bedrock servers run on different software depending on what the owner wants to offer. Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) is the official option from Mojang and offers the most stable and compatible experience. PocketMine-MP is a popular community server platform that supports PHP-based plugins, enabling economy systems, custom game modes, and anti-cheat features without requiring Add-Ons.
Popular Bedrock server types include Survival, Creative, Mini-Games, Factions, and Roleplay. Many Bedrock networks — similar to Hypixel on Java — offer a central hub with dozens of mini-game modes accessible from a single IP. Servers like these are great if you want variety; smaller community survival servers are better if you want a tighter-knit group.
Add-Ons (Behaviour Packs and Resource Packs) can significantly change a server's look and feel. A server running custom Add-Ons will prompt you to download them when you connect. This is normal and safe on servers listed on LobbyLink — all listed servers go through a review before approval.
Cross-Platform Play
One of Bedrock's biggest selling points is that friends on different devices can play together on the same server. When you find a Bedrock server on LobbyLink, you can share the IP with friends regardless of whether they are on PC, console, or mobile. They all connect to the same world using the same IP and port.
Keep in mind that some features behave slightly differently across platforms. Controller input on console means some servers with keyboard-heavy interfaces may be harder to navigate from Xbox or PlayStation. The server's Discord community is usually the best place to find platform-specific tips and workarounds.
If you are playing on a platform that restricts custom server IPs, check the LobbyLink listing for platform-specific connection instructions. Many server owners include step-by-step console setup guides directly in their listing description or link to them from their Discord.
Ready to find your server?
Browse the full Minecraft Bedrock Edition server list on LobbyLink with live player counts and uptime.