How to Add a Server On Minecraft Switch: Your Definitive Guide
Adding a server to Minecraft Switch can unlock a world of multiplayer possibilities! While natively joining external servers isn’t directly supported, there are workarounds. This guide breaks down how to add a server on Minecraft Switch using DNS server settings, offering access to vibrant communities and diverse gameplay experiences.
Introduction: Expanding Your Minecraft Switch Horizons
Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic portable Minecraft experience. However, one limitation is the inability to directly add and play on custom external servers in the same way as PC or mobile versions. This is because the Switch version (Bedrock Edition) is typically restricted to playing on featured partner servers like Mineplex or Lifeboat. Fear not! There are clever workarounds utilizing DNS (Domain Name System) settings to bypass this limitation and gain access to a wider range of Minecraft servers. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to help you explore the vast multiplayer universe available on the Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
Understanding DNS and Its Role
Before diving into the process of adding a server, it’s essential to understand what DNS is and how it’s leveraged in this context. Think of DNS as the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website address (like google.com), your computer uses DNS to translate that human-readable name into an IP address, which is a numerical address that identifies the server hosting that website.
The workaround for adding servers on Minecraft Switch involves redirecting your Switch’s DNS settings to a custom DNS server. These custom DNS servers have been specifically configured to trick the Minecraft client into thinking it is connecting to an official partner server when, in reality, it is connecting to a different server entirely. This effectively bypasses the built-in restrictions and allows you to join unofficial servers.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding a Server Through DNS Settings
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to add a server on Minecraft Switch using DNS settings:
- Power on your Nintendo Switch: Ensure your console is turned on and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Access System Settings: From the main menu, navigate to System Settings.
- Go to Internet Settings: Scroll down and select the Internet option.
- Select Your Wi-Fi Network: Choose the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to.
- Change Settings: Select Change Settings.
- DNS Settings: Locate the DNS Settings option and change it from Automatic to Manual.
- Enter the Primary DNS: Input the Primary DNS address. This is the most important step, as the specific DNS address determines which custom server list you’ll have access to. Some popular and reliable DNS servers include:
104.238.130.180(Often connects to a popular server list)8.8.8.8(Google’s Public DNS – Might require additional configuration to work effectively)- Consult online forums or communities for updated and recommended DNS servers as these can change.
- Enter the Secondary DNS: For Secondary DNS, you can typically use a public DNS server like
1.1.1.1(Cloudflare) or8.8.4.4(Google) as a backup. - Save Changes: Select Save and then OK to confirm the changes.
- Connect to Minecraft: Launch Minecraft on your Nintendo Switch.
- Navigate to the Servers Tab: Go to the Servers tab from the main menu.
- Join a Featured Server: Select any of the featured partner servers (e.g., Mineplex). The DNS redirection will now take effect, and instead of joining Mineplex, you’ll likely be connected to a custom server selected by the DNS server you entered.
- Explore and Enjoy: Browse the available servers and start playing!
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
While the DNS method is generally reliable, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Unable to Connect: Double-check the DNS addresses you entered. Make sure there are no typos. Also, verify that your internet connection is stable.
- Server List Not Appearing: The custom DNS server might be temporarily down. Try a different DNS server or wait and try again later.
- Game Lag or Unstable Connection: This could be due to a poor internet connection or high server load. Try connecting to a different server.
- Server Incompatibility: Not all servers are compatible with the Switch version of Minecraft. You might encounter errors or crashes when trying to join certain servers.
Ethical Considerations and Safety
It’s important to acknowledge the ethical considerations of using custom DNS servers. While these methods are generally safe, it’s crucial to:
- Use Reputable DNS Servers: Research and choose DNS servers that are known for their reliability and security. Avoid using servers from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
- Understand the Risks: Be aware that using custom DNS servers might expose your device to potential security risks, although this is rare.
- Follow Server Rules: When joining custom servers, respect the server rules and guidelines. Treat other players with courtesy and avoid any activities that could disrupt the gameplay experience.
Why Add Servers to Minecraft Switch? Benefits Explained
There are compelling reasons why players want to know how to add a server on Minecraft Switch:
- Expanded Multiplayer Experience: Beyond the featured partner servers, you gain access to a vast array of community-run servers with unique game modes, custom maps, and active communities.
- Variety of Gameplay: Explore different styles of gameplay, such as survival, creative, minigames, role-playing, and more.
- Social Interaction: Connect with other Minecraft players from around the world, make new friends, and participate in exciting collaborative projects.
- Customization and Control: Many servers offer custom features and modifications that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Overcoming Limitations: Bypassing the restricted server list allows you to experience Minecraft on the Switch in a way that is more similar to the PC or mobile versions.
Table: Comparing Official and Unofficial Servers
| Feature | Official Partner Servers (e.g., Mineplex) | Unofficial Servers (via DNS) |
|---|---|---|
| Server Selection | Limited to featured partners | Vastly expanded selection |
| Customization | Limited | Highly customizable |
| Game Modes | Specific to the partner server | Wide variety of game modes |
| Community | Large, established communities | Diverse, community-driven |
| Accessibility | Directly accessible within Minecraft | Requires DNS configuration |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Add A Server On Minecraft Switch FAQ Section:
Can I get banned for using custom DNS servers to join unofficial Minecraft servers on my Switch?
While Nintendo does technically frown upon circumventing their intended usage, bans for simply using a custom DNS to access servers are extremely rare. However, engaging in activities that violate server rules or using hacks could result in a ban from the specific server itself, not necessarily a console-wide ban from Nintendo.
Will adding servers through DNS affect my Nintendo Switch’s performance?
Changing your DNS settings should not significantly impact your Switch’s performance. The DNS server simply translates domain names into IP addresses. However, if you experience lag or connectivity issues, it might be due to a slow or unreliable internet connection, or issues with the specific server you’re trying to join.
Are there any risks associated with using custom DNS servers?
The risks are generally low, but it’s crucial to use reputable DNS servers. There’s a small possibility of exposing your device to security vulnerabilities if you use a malicious DNS server. Always research and choose well-known and trusted options.
Can I switch back to the default Nintendo DNS settings after adding a server?
Yes, you can easily revert to the default DNS settings. Simply go back to the Internet Settings on your Switch, select your Wi-Fi network, choose Change Settings, and set the DNS Settings back to Automatic.
Why can’t I add servers directly like on the PC or mobile versions of Minecraft?
The Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft (Bedrock Edition) has restrictions imposed by Nintendo and Microsoft. The official game is designed to primarily connect to a curated list of partner servers to ensure a certain level of quality control and safety.
Does this method work for all versions of Minecraft on the Switch?
This method is designed for the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch. The older “Legacy Console Edition” is no longer supported and does not work with this method.
What if the DNS server I’m using stops working?
DNS servers can sometimes become temporarily unavailable or be shut down. If you can’t connect, try a different DNS server. Online Minecraft communities often share updated lists of working DNS servers.
Can I create my own Minecraft server and connect to it using this method?
Yes, if you have a Minecraft Bedrock Edition server set up and running, you can potentially connect to it using this DNS redirection method. However, you’ll need to find a DNS server that allows you to specify the IP address of your own server. This is less common, as most DNS servers point to pre-configured server lists.
Is there any other way to add servers on Minecraft Switch without using DNS?
Currently, using custom DNS servers is the most common and effective workaround. There are no other officially supported methods to add servers directly.
Will this method work forever, or could it be patched by Nintendo or Microsoft?
It’s possible that Nintendo or Microsoft could release an update that blocks this DNS redirection method. However, this method has been in use for quite some time, and it’s likely that new workarounds will emerge if the current one is patched.
How do I find a list of good Minecraft servers to join after setting up the DNS?
Once you connect using a DNS server, a list of servers should automatically appear. You can also find recommended servers on Minecraft forums, websites, and communities specifically dedicated to Minecraft Bedrock Edition servers.
Are these unofficial servers safe for children to play on?
Parental supervision is highly recommended. Unofficial servers are not subject to the same level of moderation as official partner servers. It’s important to ensure that the servers are appropriate for children and that they are aware of online safety guidelines. Monitor their interactions and ensure they know how to report inappropriate behavior.