---
title: "Bedrock server guide: setup, add-ons and players"
url: https://help.endercloud.in/docs/bedrock-server-guide
category: "Minecraft Hosting"
type: Guide
tags: ["bedrock", "minecraft", "plugins", "resource packs"]
keywords: "bedrock dedicated server, bds, mcpe server, pocket edition server, pe server, addons, behavior pack, resource pack, mcaddon, mcpack, allowlist, permissions.json, xbox, nukkit, pocketmine, outdated server bedrock, bedrock server, bedrock server setup, minecraft pe server, install bedrock addons, behaviour pack, bedrock port, bedrock udp, bedrock op, allowlist add, nukkit plugins, pocketmine plugins, bedrok server"
difficulty: intermediate
time: "10 minutes"
updated: 2026-11-14
source: Endercloud Knowledge Base (official)
---

# Bedrock server guide: setup, add-ons and players

> Run Vanilla Bedrock for the real Bedrock experience, or Nukkit/PocketMine-MP for plugins. Bedrock uses UDP, add-ons go in the world folder, and players join with address and port.

A Bedrock server is for players on Minecraft Bedrock Edition: Windows (the Microsoft Store / Xbox app version), Android, iPhone and consoles. On Endercloud you can run **Vanilla Bedrock** (Mojang's official server) or community software like **Nukkit** and **PocketMine-MP**. Bedrock software is chosen in **Settings → Change Egg**, not in the Versions tab (which is for Java software).

## Switch your server to Bedrock

1.  Make a backup in **Backups** (switching can remove your Java files).
    
2.  Go to **Settings**, find **Change Egg**, choose **Vanilla Bedrock**, **Nukkit** or **PocketmineMP** and click **Apply**.
    
3.  Keep **Reinstall Server** on. Turn on **Wipe Server Files** for a clean start (recommended when coming from Java). Confirm.
    
4.  Wait for **Running Installer** to finish, then click **Start** and watch the **Console**.
    

To go back to Java, use Change Egg again and pick **Paper** (or another Java egg), then choose the version in the **Versions** tab. Full details: [How to reinstall or change your server type](/docs/how-to-reinstall-or-change-your-server-type).

## Which Bedrock software?

-   **Vanilla Bedrock** (recommended): plays exactly like Bedrock single-player and Realms. Supports add-ons (behaviour and resource packs). No traditional plugins.
    
-   **Nukkit** (Java-based) and **PocketMine-MP** (PHP-based): support their own plugins and are popular for minigame servers. They can take time to support a new Bedrock version, and parts of vanilla gameplay (mob AI, redstone, world generation) are missing or different.
    

> **Tip:**
> Have both Java and Bedrock players? Run a Java server (Paper) with Geyser instead. Bedrock players can join it, and Java players too. A Bedrock server cannot accept Java players. See [Geyser and Floodgate crossplay](/docs/geyser-and-floodgate-java-bedrock-crossplay).

## Keep the version up to date

Bedrock clients update automatically, and a client can only join a server on the same version. If players see "Outdated server", the server needs updating. Make a backup and download it, then look in the **Startup** tab: if there is a version variable, set it to the version you need (or `latest`) and run **Settings → Reinstall Server**. Reinstalling can delete or change files, which is why the backup matters. If you are unsure, open a ticket and our team will update it with you.

## Ports and joining

-   Bedrock uses **UDP**, not TCP. Your server's port is set by the panel; do not change `server-port` in `server.properties`.
    
-   Players add the server in the **Servers** tab with the address and port in **separate fields**. SRV records do not work on Bedrock, so a free subdomain will not help Bedrock players.
    
-   Consoles cannot add custom servers directly. See [How to join a Minecraft server](/docs/how-to-join-a-minecraft-server) for workarounds.
    

## Important server.properties settings

| Setting | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `server-name` | The name shown in the server list. |
| `gamemode` / `difficulty` | Default game mode and difficulty. |
| `allow-cheats` | Must be `true` for commands like `/gamemode` and `/gamerule` to work in game. |
| `allow-list` | Only players on the allow list can join. |
| `online-mode` | Requires players to be signed in with a Microsoft (Xbox) account. Keep it on. |
| `default-player-permission-level` | `visitor`, `member` or `operator` for new players. Keep `member`. |
| `level-name` / `level-seed` | World folder name inside `worlds`, and seed for new worlds. |
| `texturepack-required` | Forces players to download the world's resource packs. |
| `view-distance` / `tick-distance` | Lower these if the server lags. |

Edit them in **Properties** or in `server.properties` with **Files**, then restart.

## Allow list and operators

Run these in the panel **Console** (Vanilla Bedrock):

```
allowlist on
allowlist add Steve
allowlist remove Steve
allowlist list
op Steve
deop Steve
kick Steve Please read the rules
```

Names are Xbox gamertags. The allow list is saved in `allowlist.json` and operator levels in `permissions.json`. There is no ban command on Vanilla Bedrock, so use the allow list to keep unwanted players out.

## Installing add-ons (behaviour and resource packs)

1.  Stop the server and make a backup.
    
2.  Rename the `.mcaddon` or `.mcpack` file to `.zip` and extract it on your computer. An `.mcaddon` usually contains two packs: a behaviour pack and a resource pack. Each pack is a folder with a `manifest.json`.
    
3.  In **Files**, open `worlds/<your world>`. Upload behaviour pack folders into `behavior_packs` and resource pack folders into `resource_packs` (create these folders if they are missing).
    
4.  Open each pack's `manifest.json` and note the `uuid` and `version` from the `header` section.
    
5.  In the world folder, create or edit `world_behavior_packs.json` (and `world_resource_packs.json` for resource packs) so it lists each pack, as in the example below. Separate several packs with commas.
    
6.  Start the server and check the **Console** for pack errors.
    

```
[
  {
    "pack_id": "the-uuid-from-the-header",
    "version": [1, 0, 0]
  }
]
```

> **Tip:**
> Easiest method: create a world in single-player with the add-ons (and any *experimental* toggles they need) already applied, export it as `.mcworld`, and upload it. The packs and the JSON files come with it. See [How to upload your own world](/docs/how-to-upload-your-own-world).

## Plugins on Nukkit and PocketMine-MP

Upload plugins to the `plugins` folder in **Files** and restart. Nukkit plugins are `.jar` files; PocketMine-MP plugins are `.phar` files. Plugins for one do not work on the other, or on Java servers.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: "Unable to connect to world" on Bedrock**

Check that the server is online, the address and port are in separate fields, and your game version matches the server. See [Connection timed out or refused](/docs/connection-timed-out-or-refused).

**Q: Can I use my own domain for a Bedrock server?**

Yes, with an A or CNAME record, but players still type the port separately. See [Use a domain with a Bedrock server](/docs/use-a-domain-with-a-bedrock-server).

**Q: Commands don't work in game**

Set `allow-cheats=true`, restart, and make sure you are an operator (`op YourGamertag` in the console).