How To Create A Minecraft Server On PS5

You’ve got a PlayStation 5 and a world of ideas, but you’ve hit the console’s wall: how do you get your own custom Minecraft server running? The PS5’s Minecraft: Bedrock Edition doesn’t make joining custom servers easy, as the Add Server button is frustratingly missing from the menu.

Don’t let this console limitation block your grand multiplayer plans, whether you want a private, custom world or a free server for just your closest friends. We’ve collected the three best methods for PS5 players to launch and join a dedicated Minecraft server.

Below, we detail the official route, along with two essential workarounds, using a mobile app or a technical DNS trick, to bypass the console restrictions. Soon, your PS5 will be ready to connect to any custom Minecraft world you or a friend can imagine.

Option 1: The Official Way is Using Minecraft Realms

The most straightforward way to create an always-on server for a small group of friends across different devices (like PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, and mobile) is through a Minecraft Realm. A Realm is a private server hosted by Mojang.

What You Need:

• Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for PS5.
• A Microsoft account is signed into Minecraft.
• A PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer.
• A subscription to Minecraft Realms (a monthly fee).

Steps to Create Your Realm:

1. Start Minecraft on your PS5.
2. Select the Play menu.
3. Go to the Worlds tab.
4. Select Create New World. You can then set your game mode and other world settings.
5. After setting up your new world, select the Create on Realms button.
6. You will be prompted to choose a Realm size (for 2 or 10 other players) and follow the instructions to purchase the monthly fee subscription for the service.
7. Once the Realm is active, go to the Friends tab. You can add friends by inviting their Gamertags to your Realm to join and play with you.

You can also Learn more about Minecraft Realms on the official Mojang support page

Option 2: The PS5 Workaround is Connecting to a Custom Server

Since the PS5’s Bedrock Edition does not have an add server button for a direct connection, you need a free, third-party method to connect to a dedicated server that you host elsewhere. This method requires a mobile device (phone or tablet) on the same network as your console.

Part A: Create Your External Server (PC is Best)

• Download Server Software: You can download the official Minecraft Bedrock Edition server software from the Minecraft website and run it on a Windows PC. Alternatively, you can create a free Minecraft server using a hosting service like Aternos, or get a paid Minecraft server hosting for better performance.
• Set Up and Start the Server: Set your server settings, start the server, and note the external IP address and port number. For example, you might see 123.45.67.89:19132.
• You can also refer full setup details on the Wiki

Part B: Connecting Your PS5 with a Connector App

This method uses a mobile app to create a link on your local network that tricks the PlayStation into seeing your dedicated server as a local world.

1. Download Connector App: On a mobile device (switching away from your console), download a connection app like BedrockTogether or MC Server Connector.
2. Configure the App: Open the app, enter the server IP address and port you noted in Part A. Ensure your mobile device and your console are both connected to the same network (wifi network).
3. Start the Proxy: Start the proxy connection in the app.
4. Join from PS5: On your PS5, start Minecraft. Go to the Play menu and select the Friends tab. You will see a new LAN game entry (often named after the app or the server) appear on the server list.
5. Connect and Play: Join that game. This will connect you to your custom server. The mobile app must remain open while you play.

Option 3: Joining a Custom Server via the DNS Trick

This technique uses a public DNS (Domain Name System) to temporarily switch how your PS5 views the servers tab, allowing you to manually add server details.

Note: This method can be inconsistent and may cause trouble with other internet services.

1. PS5 Network Settings: Go to your PlayStation 5 menu and select Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Advanced Settings: Select your wifi network, press the Options button on your controller, and choose Advanced Settings.
3. Set DNS Manually: Scroll down to DNS Settings and set it to Manual.
4. Enter Primary and Secondary DNS:

• Primary DNS code: set it to a public DNS code like 45.55.68.52.
• Secondary DNS code: set it to a widely available DNS code like 8.8.8.8.

5. Save Settings: Save the settings and restart Minecraft.

6. Add Server in Minecraft:

• Go to the Play menu and select the Servers tab.
• Scroll past the featured servers. The DNS change should reveal an Add Server button or replace one of the featured servers with a connection proxy.
• Use this new option to manually set the name, IP address, and port of the server you want to join.

7. Switch Back: Remember to switch your DNS settings back to Automatic when you are done to restore normal internet connectivity.