How to join a Minecraft server on Switch

On Switch, the Servers tab in Minecraft only shows Mojang's partner servers, with no button to add another one. That's a console limitation, not a bug in your game. It doesn't mean it's impossible: there are three ways to join any server.

The first one is the easiest. If the server you want has an account you can add as a friend, you don't need anything else.

Before you start

Check two things, or none of the methods will work:

• your Nintendo Switch Online membership is active. Without it, there's no online play at all, servers included;
• you're signed in to a Microsoft account in Minecraft. The button is on the game's home screen. It's free, and it's what handles your friends list.

1. Add the server's account as a friend

Lots of servers have an account that "hosts" a game all the time. You add it as a friend, its game shows up in your list, you join it, and the server sends you straight over.

Example with Linesia, whose account is called JoinLinesia:

1. Open Minecraft and go to Play.
2. Open the Friends tab, then Add Friend.
3. Search for JoinLinesia and add it.
4. Stay in the Friends tab: JoinLinesia's game appears in the list of games you can join. Select it.

The list updates slowly. If the game doesn't show up, wait a minute, switch tabs and come back.

Is the Switch keyboard a pain? You can also add the friend from the Xbox app on your phone, signed in to the same Microsoft account. Same result.

2. Change the Switch DNS

This method works for every server, even those without an account to add. It uses BedrockConnect, a free tool made by the community: it replaces the partner server list with a menu where you can type an address.

1. On the Switch, open System Settings, then Internet and Internet Settings.
2. Pick your Wi-Fi network, then Change Settings.
3. In DNS Settings, choose Manual.
4. Primary DNS: 104.238.130.180. Secondary DNS: 8.8.8.8.
5. Save, open Minecraft, go to Servers and pick one of the partner servers, The Hive for example.
6. Instead of The Hive, a menu opens. Add a server with its address and port, then join it.

Two things to know. While this DNS is set, your Switch goes through a server that isn't yours to look up addresses. That doesn't bother Minecraft, but set the DNS back to automatic when you no longer need it. And if BedrockConnect goes down, the method stops working until it's back.

3. Use an app on your phone

Apps like BedrockTogether (Android and iPhone) make your Switch think a game is running on your Wi-Fi. You type the server address in the app, hit start, and a local game shows up in Minecraft's Friends tab.

Your phone and your Switch need to be on the same Wi-Fi, and the app has to stay open while you connect. Handy in a pinch, less so every day.

Still not working?

The most common causes, in order:

• The game isn't up to date. On the HOME Menu, select Minecraft, press +, then Software Update and Via the Internet.
• Your Microsoft account blocks multiplayer. This mostly happens with a child account. It's all explained in our guide to connection errors.
• The Wi-Fi is too weak. Move closer to the router, or play docked with a LAN adapter if you have one.

Frequently asked questions

Can you play on a Minecraft server on Switch without Nintendo Switch Online?

No. Nintendo requires the membership for all online play, servers included. Without it, you can only play locally, on the same console or with Switch consoles next to you.

What about Switch 2?

It works the same way. The three methods are the same, and the DNS settings are still in the console's Internet settings.

Do I play with people on PC and phone?

Yes. On a Bedrock server, everyone is together, whatever device they play on.

Why is there no "Add Server" button on Switch?

Because it doesn't exist on consoles. Only PC and phones can type in an address. On Switch, you have to use one of the three methods in this guide.