How to join a Minecraft server on Xbox

On Xbox, it's the same problem as on other consoles: Minecraft's Servers tab only shows the partner servers, and you can't type an address. The good news is that Xbox is the easiest console to work around, because your Minecraft friends are your Xbox friends.

Before you start

• You need a Game Pass subscription to play online. All three tiers (Essential, Premium and Ultimate) include multiplayer.
• Your account must be allowed to join multiplayer games. That's a privacy setting, explained below.

1. Add the server's account as a friend

Lots of Bedrock servers have an Xbox account that hosts a game all the time. You follow it, join its game, and the server sends you over.

With Linesia, the account is called JoinLinesia:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller, go to People, then Find someone.
2. Type JoinLinesia and add it as a friend.
3. Open Minecraft, go to Play, Friends tab.
4. JoinLinesia's game appears. Join it.

You can also add it right in Minecraft, Friends tab, Add Friend button. If the game doesn't show up right away, give the account a minute to add you back.

2. Change the Xbox DNS

For a server without an account to add, there's BedrockConnect: a free community tool that replaces the partner server list with a menu where you type an address.

1. Settings, then General and Network settings.
2. Advanced settings, then DNS settings and Manual.
3. Primary DNS: 104.238.130.180. Secondary DNS: 8.8.8.8.
4. Open Minecraft, Servers tab, and pick a partner server like The Hive.
5. A menu opens instead. Add your server with its address and port, then join it.

Set the DNS back to automatic when you're done. If BedrockConnect is down, the method stops working until it's back.

3. Use an app on your phone

BedrockTogether (Android and iPhone) makes the server look like a local game on your Wi-Fi. You type the address in the app, hit start, and the game appears in the Friends tab on the Xbox. The phone and the console need to be on the same network.

The setting that blocks the most

If Minecraft says "You cannot play online multiplayer because of how your Microsoft account is set up", it's a privacy setting. On the console:

1. Settings, then Account and Privacy & online safety.
2. Xbox privacy, then View details & customize.
3. In Communication & multiplayer, allow join multiplayer games and play with people outside of Xbox.

On a child account, the parent changes these settings from the Xbox Family Settings app or Microsoft's website. More details in our guide to connection errors.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need Game Pass to play on a Minecraft server on Xbox?

Yes, you need a Game Pass tier that includes online play. Essential, Premium and Ultimate all do.

Does it work on Xbox One and Xbox Series?

Yes, the same way. Both consoles join the same servers.

Why can't I see my friend's game in the Friends tab?

Most of the time, the "join multiplayer games" setting is blocked, or your friend hasn't added you back yet. Wait a minute and check your privacy settings.