Aternos is a free Minecraft server host. It has been around for years and is paid for by ads, so you do not pay anything to run a server. It is one of the easiest ways to get a server where your friends can join any time you want to play. This guide walks you through it.
What you get
- A free server for Java Edition or Bedrock Edition.
- Your own server address that friends can join.
- Plugins, mods and worlds you can upload.
The catch: the server is not on all the time. It turns off when nobody is playing, and you start it again from the website. When many people are using Aternos, you may have to wait in a short queue.
Step 1: Make an account
Go to aternos.org and create an account. You only need a username and password, and you can add an email to get your account back if you forget the password.
Step 2: Create the server
- Press Create a server.
- Choose Java Edition or Bedrock Edition. Pick the one you and your friends play.
- Give it a name and press Create.
Step 3: Pick the software
Open the Software page to choose what the server runs.
- Bedrock: the official Bedrock server software, with full survival. Pick this for a normal Bedrock server. There is also PocketMine if you want plugins.
- Java: Vanilla for a normal server, Paper or Spigot for plugins, and Fabric or Forge for mods.
Make sure the server version matches the Minecraft version you play.
Step 4: Start it and join
- Press the big Start button and wait until it says Online.
- Copy the address and port shown on the page.
- Bedrock: go to Play, then Servers, then Add Server, and paste the address and port.
- Java: go to Multiplayer, Add Server, and paste the address.
Let Bedrock players join a Java server
Want Java and Bedrock friends together? Make a Java server and install Geyser from the plugins list. Aternos has its own help article for this. Bedrock players then join with the server address and the Bedrock port shown in the panel. If you use Buildmatica on a server like this, read Buildmatica on Geyser servers.
Add a world or add-ons
- Upload your own world on the Worlds page. For Bedrock, export it first, see how to export a world.
- For Bedrock add-ons, put the packs inside the world before you upload it, so they come with the world.
Tips
- Add your friends on the Access page so they can start the server too.
- Use a whitelist so only your friends can join.
- Make backups on the Backups page before big changes.
Want other ways to play with friends for free? See every free way to make a Minecraft server.
