How to make a free Minecraft server
You don't need to port forward, leave your PC on or pay to play with friends. Here's the quickest way to a free server, and what to set up once it's running.
Hosting it yourself vs a free host
You can run the server software on your own computer, but then it's only up while your PC is on, you have to forward a port on your router, and your home connection's upload speed limits everyone. A free host does all of that for you and gives you an address to share.
Make one on Jump
- On the home page, choose Java (PC) or Bedrock (phones, consoles, Windows; Java players can join too).
- Type a name. It becomes your address, like
name.play.jumphosting.cloud. - Click Create server. It's online in under a minute.
- Make an account with your email so you can manage it later. No card.
Invite your friends
Java players go to Multiplayer → Add Server and paste the address. Bedrock players use Servers → Add Server with the address and the port shown in the panel. The joining guide has the details for consoles.
Set it up
- Make yourself an operator in Players, so you can use commands in game.
- Turn on the whitelist if it's only for you and your friends, and add their names.
- Set difficulty, game mode and player slots in Settings.
- Add plugins or mods from Plugins & mods.
- Bring a single-player world with Upload world in Files.
What "free" means here
The free plan has 2 GB of memory and no time limit while you play. After 15 minutes with nobody online the server sleeps, and it wakes when someone joins (the first join takes about a minute). For a server that's always on with automatic backups, paid plans start at $5 a month, and your first month is 25% off.
Questions
Do I need to port forward?
No. The server runs in a data center with its own address.
Can Bedrock and Java players play together?
Yes. Create a Bedrock server and both can join, through Geyser.
How many friends can join?
As many as you set in player slots. On the free 2 GB, around a dozen on vanilla is comfortable.