Minecraft Bedrock Edition allows players to connect with others through dedicated servers, but setting this up on Xbox and Nintendo Switch requires a few extra steps. Do not worry if you have never done it before; this tutorial will show you how to begin playing on custom servers with friends.

How to connect to Xbox and Switch Minecraft Bedrock servers

Using the Xbox to Connect to a Minecraft Server

Before you can join a custom Bedrock server on Xbox, you'll need to adjust your network settings. This will enable you to manually add servers in your game through a hidden menu. You can undo these changes at any time, and they will not interfere with your ability to play other online games.

How to Configure an Xbox Connection:

1. Open Xbox settings and navigate to network settings.
2. Select Advanced Settings, then go to DNS Settings.
3. Choose Manual and enter the following DNS values:

• Primary DNS: 104.238.130.180
• Secondary DNS: 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1

Allow the system to perform a connection test after saving your settings.

After saving these modifications, you can join a Minecraft server!

Using the Nintendo Switch to Connect to a Minecraft Server

The process of configuring a custom server on the Nintendo Switch is almost the same as it is on the Xbox. You can access the same menu in Minecraft by making the same DNS changes.

How to Configure a Switch Connection:

1. Open System Settings and scroll down to Internet.
2. Select your active network and choose Change Settings.
3. Scroll to DNS Settings and switch to Manual.
4. Enter the following DNS values:

• Primary DNS: 104.238.130.180
• Secondary DNS: 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1

After saving the modifications, close the settings menu.

You can now connect to a personalized Bedrock server and start playing Minecraft!

How to Join a Server in Bedrock Edition of Minecraft

You can now join a server after updating your connection settings. Whether you are using an Xbox or a Switch, the procedures are the same:

1. Open Minecraft and go to the Play menu.
2. Navigate to the Servers tab.
3. Select any featured server from the list.
4. A new menu will pop up—choose Connect to a Server at the top.
5. Enter the IP address and port number of the server you want to join.
6. Select Add to Server List, then click Submit.

Boom! You’re now connected and ready to play with friends on your custom Bedrock server.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Can’t Connect to the World?

This is a common issue with Bedrock servers, but here are a few things you can try:

• Restart your console.
• Restart the server.
• Ensure both your game/console and the server are fully updated.
• If using Geyser to connect a Java server, update all plugins like Floodgate and ViaVersion.
• Switch your secondary DNS between 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1.

The “Add Server” menu isn’t showing up?

Try changing your secondary DNS from 8.8.8.8 to 1.1.1.1 or vice versa. This often resolves the issue and makes the menu appear normally.

Error: “You Have Not Been Invited to This Server.”

This means the server has whitelist mode enabled. To join:

• Contact the server owner and request to be added to the whitelist.
• If you're the owner, disable whitelisting in the server settings.
• If using Geyser with a Java server, add a player using a * before their name, e.g., /whitelist add *PlayerName.

The options are endless now that you know how to connect to custom Bedrock servers on Xbox and Switch! Make the most out of your Minecraft experience by playing with friends and exploring new worlds. Simply refer back to this guide and follow the troubleshooting instructions if you encounter any problems. Have fun mining!