Step-by-Step: How to Host a Minecraft PE Server

Feb. 22, 2023

Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE), now known as Minecraft Bedrock Edition, allows players to enjoy the popular sandbox game on mobile devices. While joining existing servers is a fantastic way to connect with other players, hosting your own Minecraft PE server opens up a world of possibilities. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to host a Minecraft PE server, allowing you to create your own virtual world and invite friends to join in on the fun.

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Option

To host a Minecraft PE server, you have several hosting options to consider. Here are two common choices:

1. Host on Your Local Network: If you want to play with friends who are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can host a Minecraft PE server locally. This option requires one of the devices connected to the network to act as the server.

2. Rent a Server: Another option is to rent a dedicated server from a Minecraft server hosting company. This choice is recommended for those who want to host a server that can be accessed by players from anywhere, regardless of their network connection.

Step 2: Install the Minecraft PE Server Software

Next, you need to install the Minecraft PE server software. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Minecraft website or a trusted third-party website that provides server software downloads.

2. Look for the server software compatible with the version of Minecraft PE you have. Download the software to your computer or the server you're renting.

3. Once the download is complete, extract the server software to a folder on your computer or the rented server.

Step 3: Configure Server Settings

To configure the server settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the folder where you extracted the server software.

2. Locate the server.properties file and open it with a text editor.

3. In the file, you can modify various settings, such as server name, game mode, difficulty, maximum player limit, and more. Customize these settings according to your preferences.

4. Save the changes to the server.properties file.

Step 4: Start the Minecraft PE Server

To start the Minecraft PE server, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the server software file (usually named "start_server" or similar) to launch the server.

2. The server software will generate various files and folders, including the world folder where the Minecraft world is stored.

3. Wait for the server to finish loading, which may take a few moments.

Step 5: Configure Router Port Forwarding (for Local Network Hosting)

If you're hosting the server on your local network, you need to configure router port forwarding to allow external connections to access your server. Here's how:

1. Access your router's administration settings. This is usually done by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.

2. Look for the Port Forwarding or Virtual Server section in your router settings.

3. Add a new port forwarding rule for the Minecraft PE server. Enter the internal IP address of the device hosting the server, specify the port number (default is 19132 for Minecraft PE), and save the settings.

Step 6: Share Server IP Address and Connect

Finally, you need to share your server's IP address with the players you want to invite. Follow these steps:

1. Find your server's IP address. If you're hosting on your local network, you can find the internal IP address of the hosting device. If you're renting a server, you'll be provided with an external IP address.

2. Share the IP address with your friends, either through direct messaging, email, or any other preferred communication method.

3. On the Minecraft PE app, select "Play" and then "Servers" from the main menu.

4. Tap "Add Server" and enter a name for the server. Then, input the IP address of your server and tap "Add Server" again.

5. The server will appear in your server list. Tap on it to connect and start playing.

Hosting your own Minecraft PE server opens up a world of possibilities for you and your friends. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can create a unique virtual world and invite others to join in on the adventure. Remember to choose the hosting option that suits your needs, configure the server settings to your preferences, and share the server IP address with your friends. With your very own Minecraft PE server, you can craft, explore, and enjoy the game together in a world of your own making.