Consoles will not let you type a server IP directly, so this covers the two common third party workarounds, BedrockConnect and FriendConnect, and is honest about their limits.
On Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, Minecraft Bedrock hides the "Add Server" option that Windows and mobile players get. There is no built in way to type in a server address. To get around that, people use one of two third party tools. Both work, but read the honest warning at the end first.
Consoles will not let you type a server IP directly, so console players reach community servers through a free helper service such as BedrockConnect. This guide covers the general approach, and our team can help in Discord if you get stuck.
Before you start: get your server details
- Log in to the panel and open your server.
- At the top of the server view, note your IP and port, for example 123.45.67.89:41000. You will need both for either method.
Option A: BedrockConnect
BedrockConnect works by changing the DNS setting on your console's network. DNS is the system that turns names into addresses. By pointing it at the BedrockConnect service, one of the "featured" servers in Minecraft becomes a menu where you can type in and add your own servers.
- On your console, go to your network settings and find the DNS options for your internet connection.
- Set the primary DNS to a current BedrockConnect DNS address. The correct address is published on the BedrockConnect project page, so get it from there rather than an old forum post.
- Save the settings and restart Minecraft.
- Open the Servers tab in Minecraft and join one of the featured or external servers at the top. Instead of a normal server, you will get the BedrockConnect menu.
- Choose the option to add a server, then enter your IP and the port from the panel.
- Save it, then pick your server from the list to join.
When you are done, you can set your DNS back to automatic. You only need the DNS change to reach the menu and manage your list.
Option B: FriendConnect
FriendConnect works through the Friends tab. A bot account is set to "join" your server, that bot appears online, you add it as a friend, and then you join your server through the bot's world in the Friends list.
- Set up a FriendConnect bot pointed at your IP and port. This is done outside the console, following the FriendConnect project's own instructions.
- On your console, add the bot's gamertag or account as a friend.
- Open the Friends tab in Minecraft. The bot should show as online with a joinable world.
- Select the bot's world to join your server.
The honest warning
Both BedrockConnect and FriendConnect are third party tools. They are not made by GuavaHost, and they are not made by Mojang or Microsoft. They rely on gaps in how consoles handle servers, so whenever Microsoft pushes a Minecraft or console update, either tool can temporarily stop working until the projects catch up. If a method suddenly breaks after an update, that is usually why, and the fix is to wait for the tool to update rather than to change anything on your server.
Troubleshooting
- Featured servers still look normal after the DNS change: double check you typed the DNS address exactly, then fully close and reopen Minecraft. Some consoles need a restart to pick up new DNS.
- The bot never shows online in Friends: the FriendConnect bot is probably not running, or is pointed at the wrong IP or port. Re-check the address against the panel.
- It worked last week and now fails for everyone: a Microsoft update likely broke the workaround. Check the tool's project page for news or an update.
Still stuck? Jump into our Discord at discord.gg/GuavaHost and the team will help you out.