by The quickest way to make a free Minecraft server is to use a free host: create an account, choose Java or Bedrock, pick the server software (Vanilla, Paper for plugins, or Forge/Fabric for mods), start the server and send your friends the address. On FreeMcServer.net that takes a few minutes, with no credit card, no port forwarding and unlimited player slots. You can also host on your own PC, but it must stay on.
This guide walks you through both routes. First you’ll pick the right way to host for your group, then we’ll go through every step on FreeMcServer, from sign-up to sharing the address, and finish with fixes for the problems people hit most often.
The 3 ways to make a free Minecraft server
There are three ways to run a Minecraft server without paying. Here’s how they compare:
| Free host | Your own PC | Free cloud VM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup time | A few minutes | Longer: download the server, install Java, set up your router | Longest: create the VM, install everything, open the port |
| Needs port forwarding? | No | Yes | No router setup, but you still have to open the port |
| Stays online when you’re offline? | Yes, 24/7 | No, only while your PC is on | Yes, while the VM is running |
| Difficulty | Easy | Medium | Hard |
Our recommendation: for most friend groups, a free host is the way to go. You skip the router setup, your PC doesn’t have to stay on, and your friends can join even when you’re not playing.
Before you start: Java or Bedrock?
Minecraft comes in two editions, and the server has to match the edition your friends play. If you’re not sure, ask your group what device they play on.
Java Edition
Java Edition runs on PC, Mac and Linux. It’s the edition to choose if you want mods or plugins, since that’s where most of them are made.
Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition runs on phones, tablets, Windows and consoles. If your friends play on mobile, Bedrock is usually the answer. One thing to know: consoles need workarounds to join custom servers, so check that before you promise your console friends a spot.
Both?
You can have Java and Bedrock players on the same server. Run a Paper server (Java) and add GeyserMC and Floodgate, which let Bedrock players join. Our GeyserMC setup guide and the Bedrock server page explain how.
How to make a free Minecraft server on FreeMcServer (step by step)
Here’s the full process, from creating your account to playing with friends.
1. Create a free account
Go to the sign-up page and register with your email, Discord or Google account. You don’t need a credit card.
2. Create your server and choose the edition
Once you’re logged in, create a new server and choose Java or Bedrock, based on what you and your friends play.
3. Choose the server software
The server software decides what your server can do. Pick the one that fits your plans:
- Vanilla: plain survival, exactly like the normal game.
- Paper / Purpur / Spigot: for plugins, such as land claims, economy or minigames.
- Fabric / Forge / NeoForge / Quilt: for mods that add new blocks, mobs or mechanics.
- Velocity: for networks that link several servers together.
Not sure? For a regular friend group or SMP, Paper is a safe choice, because you can add plugins later.
4. Pick the Minecraft version
Use the current release unless your mods need an older one. Mods and modpacks are built for a specific version, so check what yours require before you choose. Everyone joining needs to play on the same version as the server.
5. Start the server
Start the server.
Keep an eye on the console during the first start. That’s when the world is generated, so it takes longer than later starts. Once it has finished starting, you’re ready to share the address.
6. Find and share your address
Your server gets a free .enderman.cloud subdomain. That’s the address your friends use to join. If a port is shown next to it, they’ll need that too.
On Java: open Multiplayer, click Add Server, paste the address (with the port, if one is shown) and save.
On Bedrock: open Servers, tap Add Server, enter the address and put the port in its own field.
7. Make yourself operator and set a whitelist
Being an operator (“op”) lets you use admin commands in the game. A whitelist means only the players you add can join.
Open the Console tab in your panel and type these commands, one at a time. Console commands don’t use a slash:
op YourName
whitelist add FriendName
whitelist on
Replace YourName and FriendName with the real Minecraft usernames. On Bedrock, if a name contains spaces, put it in double quotes, like op "First Last". Our guide to becoming an operator has more detail.
8. Customise your server
Now make it yours:
- server.properties: this file controls game mode, difficulty, PvP and more. Our server.properties generator helps you build one without guessing at settings.
- MOTD: the message players see under your server name in their server list. Design one with the MOTD generator.
- Server icon: add a small picture that shows next to your server in the list. See how to add a server icon.
9. Back up your world
Before your group builds anything big, set up backups. You can make one-click backups and restore them, and sync them to Google Drive so you keep a copy outside the server. See how to create a backup and backups to Google Drive.
That’s it: your server is running and your friends can join.
Add plugins or mods (optional)
You can play on a plain server forever, but plugins and mods are where things get interesting.
Plugins
If you chose Paper, Spigot or Purpur, open the Plugins tab in your panel to install plugins in one click. See how to add plugins. Only install plugins from sources you trust.
Mods
If you chose Forge, Fabric, NeoForge or Quilt, the Mods tab lets you install mods from Modrinth. You can also upload mod files to the /mods folder yourself. See how to install mods. Remember that every player needs the same mods installed on their own game to join.
Modpacks
Modpacks are installed by uploading the modpack’s server pack through WebFTP. Our step-by-step guide on how to install a modpack covers finding the server pack, uploading it and starting the server.
Keep your server online for friends
A server is only fun if your friends can get on it. Here’s what helps:
- 24/7 with zero queue: free servers can run 24/7. During high load, they need a renewal every 4 to 6 hours. See how renewal works and our 24/7 server page.
- Public Page: a shareable page where your friends can start or renew the server without logging in to your account. You can even reward whoever renews with an in-game item, using a command like
give {player} diamond 5. See how to use the Public Page. - Sub-users: add co-owners so a friend can help manage the server.
- Mobile apps: manage your server on the go with the Android and iOS apps.
How to make a free Minecraft server on your own PC (alternative)
You can also run a server on your own computer. It costs nothing, but it takes more setup:
- Download the official server software from minecraft.net. It’s free.
- For a Java server, install Java on your computer.
- Run the server JAR once. It creates a file called
eula.txt. Open it, changeeula=falsetoeula=true, save it and run the JAR again. - Set up port forwarding on your router: port 25565 for Java, or 19132 for Bedrock (the default).
The trade-offs:
- Your PC must stay on for anyone to play. When you shut it down, the server goes offline.
- Your home IP address is exposed to everyone who joins.
- Router setup is different for every router, and some internet providers make port forwarding hard.
For a full walkthrough, see the Minecraft Wiki server setup tutorial.
Common problems and fixes
“Can’t connect to server”
First, check that the server is running in your panel. Then check the address and port your friend typed, and that their game version matches the server’s. If the whitelist is on, make sure they’ve been added with whitelist add TheirName.
Server lag on a free plan
Lag usually comes from heavy mods or too many things happening at once. Remove mods you don’t need, and use Paper or Fabric, which have performance options. If your group outgrows the free plan, Premium gives you more RAM. See why is my server lagging.
Friends on Bedrock can’t join a Java server
Bedrock players can’t join a Java server on their own. You need GeyserMC and Floodgate on a Paper server. Follow our GeyserMC setup guide.
Free vs Premium: when to upgrade
The free plan is enough for most friend groups. Premium is for when you want more power or no renewals.
| Free | Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | Up to 1.7 GB, or 4 GB with ads | Up to 8 GB |
| Renewals | Every 4 to 6 hours during high load | No renewals |
| Billing | Free | Priced per day, using credits |
| Plans | One free plan | 7 tiers, from 1 GB to 8 GB |
Start free. If you hit the limits of the free plan, you can upgrade later.
FAQ
Can you make a Minecraft server for free?
Yes. You can use a free host like FreeMcServer.net, or self-host on your own PC. A free host is quicker to set up and stays online when you’re offline. Self-hosting costs nothing too, but your PC has to stay on and you need to set up port forwarding on your router.
What’s the easiest way to make a free Minecraft server?
Use a free host. Sign up, choose Java or Bedrock, pick your server software, start the server and share the address with your friends. On FreeMcServer.net this takes a few minutes, and you don’t need a credit card or any networking knowledge.
Do I need to port forward?
Not on a hosted server. Your host gives you an address your friends can use straight away, so you don’t touch your router. If you self-host on your own PC, yes: you need to forward port 25565 for Java or 19132 for Bedrock on your router.
Can Bedrock and Java players play together?
Yes, on a Paper server with GeyserMC and Floodgate. Together they let Bedrock players join a Java server, so friends on phones and PCs can play in the same world. Our GeyserMC setup guide walks you through it.
How many players can join a free server?
FreeMcServer gives you unlimited player slots, so there’s no fixed cap. How many people can play smoothly at once depends on your server’s RAM and how many mods you run. A small friend group on Paper works well on the free plan, while a big modpack needs more memory.
Can I add mods or plugins to a free server?
Yes. Plugins work on Paper, Spigot and Purpur, and you can install them from the Plugins tab. Mods work on Forge, Fabric, NeoForge and Quilt, through the Mods tab or by uploading them to the /mods folder. Modpacks are installed by uploading the server pack through WebFTP.
How do I keep my free server online when I’m offline?
Free servers can run 24/7. During high load they need a renewal every 4 to 6 hours, and you don’t have to be the one who does it: turn on the Public Page and your friends can start or renew the server without your login. You can even reward them with an in-game item for renewing.
Can I make a free Minecraft server on my phone?
Yes. You can create and manage your server in the FreeMcServer app for iOS and Android. That way you can look after your server on the go, without needing a computer.
Is a free Minecraft server safe?
DDoS protection is included. To keep your world safe, turn on the whitelist so only players you add can join, and only install plugins and mods from sources you trust. Regular backups protect your builds if something goes wrong.
Ready to play?
You now know everything you need to make a free Minecraft server: pick your edition, choose your software, start it and share the address. FreeMcServer has over 2 million users, and setting up your own takes a few minutes.
Want mods? See our guide on how to install mods. Prefer your phone? Manage it on the go with the Android or iOS app.