You can't add custom servers to Minecraft on Xbox the way you can on PC
Minecraft on Xbox — both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S — does not support custom servers or server lists. You cannot point your game to a third-party server address or join a server by typing in an IP address, the way Java Edition players do on PC.
What you can do instead is join Realms, which is Microsoft's official subscription service that creates a private world you and up to 10 friends can play in together. You can also join worlds through Xbox Live multiplayer, which lets you invite friends directly into your game session. Both routes work through Xbox's own infrastructure, not external servers.
If you want to play on a server with strangers or on a custom-built world someone else runs, you will need to play Minecraft Java Edition on a PC instead. That version has full server support and thousands of public servers to choose from.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Minecraft does not support custom servers or server IP addresses — you can only use Realms or invite friends through Xbox Live.
- Realms is a paid subscription ($8 per month) that lets you create a private world up to 10 friends can join anytime.
- Xbox Live multiplayer is free and lets you invite friends into your world, but only while you are playing.
- If you want to join public servers or play on community-built worlds, you need Minecraft Java Edition on a PC.
How Realms works on Xbox
Realms is the closest thing to a personal server on Xbox Minecraft. When you subscribe, Microsoft creates a world that stays online even when you are not playing. Your friends can log in anytime during the subscription period and continue building or exploring where they left off.
To start a Realm, open Minecraft on your Xbox, go to the main menu, and select Worlds. Choose Create New, then pick Create on Realms. You will be prompted to start a subscription — it costs $8 per month in the United States, though pricing varies by region. Once you pay, the world is created and you can invite up to 10 friends by their Xbox gamertag or Microsoft account email.
Friends you invite will see the Realm appear in their own Worlds menu under Friends. They can join whenever they want without needing to be in a party with you. The world persists on Microsoft's servers, so progress is saved even if everyone logs off.
Using Xbox Live multiplayer for free play with friends
If you do not want to pay for Realms, you can play together using Xbox Live multiplayer. This is free and works on any Xbox Live account, but the world only exists while you are hosting it — when you close the game, the world closes for everyone else.
To start a multiplayer session, open Minecraft, create or load a world, and press the Menu button on your controller. Select Invite to Game, then choose friends from your Xbox Live list. They will receive an invite and can join your session. Up to 8 players can play together this way on Bedrock Edition (the version on Xbox).
The host — the person who created the world — controls whether it saves when everyone leaves. If you want the world to persist, you need Realms instead.
Why Xbox Minecraft does not have custom servers
Xbox Minecraft runs Bedrock Edition, which is designed to work across multiple platforms (Xbox, Windows, mobile, Nintendo Switch) using Microsoft's unified infrastructure. This design choice prioritizes security, cross-platform compatibility, and a controlled experience — but it means no custom servers.
Java Edition, which runs on PC, was the original Minecraft and has always allowed players to run their own servers or connect to third-party ones. Bedrock Edition was built later with a different architecture that does not support that level of customization.
Microsoft's reasoning is partly technical — managing security across so many platforms is easier when all servers are controlled — and partly business-focused. Realms generates revenue, and it ensures every player has a consistent, moderated experience.
Playing on public servers: moving to Java Edition on PC
If you want to join a public server with strangers, play on a server someone else built, or use mods, you need Minecraft Java Edition on a PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Java Edition has thousands of public servers you can browse and join.
To find servers, you can use launcher sites like Minecraft Server List or Planet Minecraft, which catalog public servers by game mode (survival, creative, PvP, etc.). You can also search for specific server names if friends recommend one. Once you find a server, you copy its IP address into the Minecraft launcher's Multiplayer menu and join.
Java Edition costs $27 as a one-time purchase (separate from your Xbox copy). If you already own Minecraft on Xbox, you do not get Java Edition free — they are sold separately.
Comparing your multiplayer options on Xbox
| Option | Cost | Player Limit | World Persistence | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Live Multiplayer | Free | Up to 8 players | Only while host is playing | Quick sessions with friends |
| Realms | $8/month | Up to 10 players | Always online | Long-term worlds with friends |
| Java Edition (PC) | $27 one-time | Varies by server | Depends on server | Public servers and mods |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Xbox world to a Realm?
Yes. Open your world in Minecraft, press the Menu button, select Save As, and choose Create on Realms. The world will be uploaded to your new Realm. Note that some features (like certain mods) may not transfer.
What happens to my Realm if I stop paying?
Your Realm goes offline and your friends cannot access it. Microsoft keeps the world data for 18 months, so if you resubscribe within that time, you can restore it. After 18 months, the world is deleted.
Can I play Minecraft Java Edition on Xbox?
No. Java Edition only runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. Xbox only supports Bedrock Edition. If you want Java Edition features like custom servers, you need to play on a computer.
Do I need Xbox Game Pass to use Realms?
No. Realms is a separate subscription from Game Pass. You can use Realms with any Xbox Live account, whether or not you have Game Pass.
Can I play on a Realm with players on other platforms?
Yes. Realms on Bedrock Edition supports cross-platform play, so friends on Windows, Nintendo Switch, mobile, or PlayStation can join your Realm if you invite them.