Minecraft

How to Join a Bedrock Server on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch can't add servers in Minecraft. Here's how to join your Beacon Bedrock server anyway.

Updated 1 min read

Minecraft on Nintendo Switch only lists Featured Servers, and doesn't let you add your own. There are two ways around it.

Option 1: BedrockConnect (easiest)

BedrockConnect is a free service that adds a server list to your console's game.

  1. On your Nintendo Switch, open the network settings and set the DNS manually. Use a BedrockConnect DNS address from its project page (BedrockConnect on GitHub lists the current ones). Keep the second DNS as a normal one, such as 1.1.1.1.
  2. Open Minecraft, go to Servers, and join any Featured Server.
  3. Instead of that server, the BedrockConnect menu opens. Choose Connect to a Server.
  4. Enter your server's address and port, from the Network page in the panel.

Put the DNS back to automatic when you're done, if you like; BedrockConnect only needs it when connecting.

Option 2: join through a friend

Bedrock players can join a friend's game. If someone who plays on Windows or a phone joins your server, Nintendo Switch friends can join them from the Friends tab, as long as cross-play is on.

Make sure they can get in

  • The versions must match. Consoles update automatically, so keep the server on the latest version in Package Manager.
  • If the allowlist is on, add each player's gamertag: allowlist add "Gamertag".

Tip

Running a Java server with Geyser instead? MCXboxBroadcast makes it appear in console players' Friends list. See How to Let Console Players Join With MCXboxBroadcast.

More in Minecraft

Still stuck?

Ask the community on Discord, or open a ticket and we'll reply within 4 hours on business days.

Discord Open a ticket