You can join custom servers on Minecraft PS4, but not through the game’s normal menu, PlayStation blocks direct IP entry, so you’ll need a workaround like a mobile proxy app or a DNS trick to connect to community-run worlds. The quickest path is using the BedrockTogether app or changing your PS4’s DNS settings, both of which let you bypass the console’s six-server limit and type in any custom server address you want.
Can you actually join custom servers on Minecraft PS4?
The short answer is yes, but only with a workaround. Minecraft on PS4 runs the Bedrock Edition, which supports cross-platform play with mobile, Xbox, Switch, and Windows 10 players. However, PlayStation does not allow direct IP entry for custom servers within the Minecraft game menu. That restriction is why players turn to third-party methods, which often require a companion app you can download games on PS4 to manage.
Before you try any workaround, you need two things: an active PlayStation Plus subscription (mandatory for all online multiplayer on PS4, including servers and Realms) and a Microsoft account linked to your PlayStation Network account. To link them, launch Minecraft, select “Sign in with a Microsoft account,” then follow the on-screen instructions to visit a URL and enter a code on a separate device. Without both, you won’t get past the main menu’s multiplayer options.
Joining official featured servers and Realms
The standard, non-hacked path is straightforward. From the main menu, select the “Play” tab, then choose “Servers.” You’ll see a list of Featured Servers, curated public worlds that Sony and Mojang have approved. Pick one, hit join, and you’re in. This works exactly as intended and requires no extra setup beyond your PlayStation Plus and Microsoft account.
For private persistent worlds, Minecraft Realms is the official option. Realms are personal servers that friends can join anytime, even when the host is offline. You can accept a Realm invitation directly from the game’s Friends tab, or if someone gives you a Realm code, enter it in the “Join Realm” field. This is the only way to access a private server without using a workaround, and it’s the most stable option on PS4.
Method 1: The BedrockTogether app workaround
If you want to join a custom community server, like a survival, minigame, or roleplay world, the BedrockTogether mobile app is the most reliable method. This proxy app makes a custom server IP appear as a LAN game on your PS4’s Friends tab, bypassing the server list restriction entirely.
Set up the app on your phone or tablet
- Install BedrockTogether on a mobile device that’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your PS4.
- Open the app and enter the IP address and port of the custom server you want to join.
- Start the proxy, the app will create a virtual LAN game with that server’s address.
Join from your PS4
- Launch Minecraft on your PS4 and go to the “Friends” tab.
- Select it and join. The PS4 will connect to the custom server through the app’s proxy.
The key is that your phone or tablet must stay on the same network and the app must remain open for the entire session. If you close the app or the device goes to sleep, your connection to the server will drop.
Method 2: The BedrockConnect DNS trick
Another popular workaround is changing your PS4’s DNS settings to use BedrockConnect, a free service that redirects the Featured Servers list to a custom server portal. Once the DNS is set, the Servers tab will let you type in any IP address directly.
Change your PS4’s DNS settings
- Go to PS4 “Settings” > “Network” > “Set Up Internet Connection.”
- Choose “Custom” and select your connection type (Wi-Fi or LAN cable).
- Keep all default settings until you reach “DNS Settings,” then select “Manual.”
- Enter Primary DNS as 104.238.130.180 and Secondary DNS as 8.8.8.8 (or 1.1.1.1 as an alternative).
- Complete the setup and test the connection.
Join a custom server through the Servers tab
- Launch Minecraft and go to the “Servers” tab.
- Instead of the usual six Featured Servers, you’ll see a BedrockConnect menu with a text field.
- Type the IP address of the custom server you want to join, then confirm.
- The game will connect directly to that server.
This method works well for most players, but it has a side effect: the DNS change affects your entire PS4, not just Minecraft. That means other online features, like the PlayStation Store or party chat, may route through BedrockConnect and behave unexpectedly. If that happens, switch your DNS back to automatic when you’re done playing.
Keeping your connection stable
Both workarounds have common failure points, and most of them come down to network conditions. For the BedrockTogether app, the proxy device must stay on the same Wi-Fi network as your PS4, and it should be plugged in or have battery saver disabled to prevent the app from closing in the background. If the server disconnects, check that the app is still running and that your phone hasn’t switched to cellular data.
For the DNS trick, the most frequent issue is that the PS4 caches old DNS results. If the custom server menu doesn’t appear, restart your PS4 completely, this forces the console to re-query the new DNS. Also, note that BedrockConnect is a community-run service, so it can occasionally go offline. If it’s down, switch back to automatic DNS and wait a few hours before trying again. Before making any major network changes, back up PS4 save data before factory reset to protect your worlds from accidental loss.
One more warning: do not use the DNS trick for anything other than Minecraft. The custom DNS redirects all network traffic, and it’s not designed to handle other online services. If you need to reset your PlayStation 4’s network settings to fix a connection issue, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and choose “Easy” to revert to automatic DNS. That will clear any leftover DNS changes and restore normal online functionality.
Finally, remember that Java Edition players cannot join Bedrock Edition servers, so if you’re trying to connect to a server that’s Java-only, you’ll need to find a Bedrock-compatible version of that server instead. Stick to servers that explicitly list Bedrock support, and you’ll avoid wasted setup time.
