To get Minecraft mods on Xbox, you need to use official Add-Ons from the in-game Marketplace. These "mods" are officially called Add-Ons and are the only safe way to customize your game on Xbox, offering new features, skins, and gameplay changes without needing external websites or downloads.
What are Minecraft mods on Xbox?
On Xbox, what players commonly call "mods" are officially referred to as "Add-Ons." These are curated, console-compatible packs available exclusively through the cross-platform Minecraft Marketplace, which you access directly inside the game. Unlike the Java Edition, you cannot download mods from random websites; every Add-On is verified by Mojang and Microsoft, so for unrestricted custom content you'll need java edition mods on PC. Add-Ons include new items, creatures, textures, and gameplay mechanics, and they work seamlessly on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, while PlayStation players face similar restrictions and can get mods on PS4 Minecraft only through the in-game store.
Update Minecraft to the latest version
Before you can browse or use any Add-Ons, your game must be fully updated. An outdated version will not display the newest Marketplace content and may cause compatibility errors. To update:
- From your Xbox home screen, go to "My games & apps."
- Locate Minecraft, press the Options button on your controller, and select "Manage game & add-ons."
- In the "Updates" tab, if an update is available, select it and choose "Update."
- Wait for the download to finish, then launch Minecraft to confirm you are on the latest version.
Find and download add-ons from the marketplace
Once your game is updated, you can explore the Marketplace directly from the main menu. This is the only legitimate source for Add-Ons on Xbox.
- Launch Minecraft and select "Play" from the main menu.
- From the "Play" screen, navigate to the "Marketplace" tab (the shopping bag icon).
- Browse categories or use the search bar to find specific Add-Ons. Look for the "Add-Ons" filter to narrow results.
- Select any Add-On to view its description, screenshots, and user ratings.
- If it is a paid Add-On, you will need Minecoins to purchase it. Some free Add-Ons are also available, look for the "Free" label.
- Select "Get" or "Download" to add the Add-On to your library. Once downloaded, it will appear under "My Packs" in the Marketplace.
Activate add-ons on a new or existing world
Downloaded Add-Ons are not automatically active. You must apply them to a world using the Resource Packs or Behavior Packs menus.
For a new world:
- From the "Play" screen, select "Create New World."
- On the "Create from..." screen, select "Marketplace content" or choose "Create New World" directly.
- Select "Resource Packs" or "Behavior Packs."
- Go to the "Available" tab, find your downloaded Add-On, and select "Activate."
- Select "Create" to generate your world with the Add-Ons applied.
For an existing world:
- From the "Play" screen, hover over the world you want to modify.
- Select the pencil icon (Edit) next to the world name.
- Select "Resource Packs" or "Behavior Packs" under the Add-Ons section.
- On the "Available" tab, select "Activate" for each Add-On you want to use.
- Select "Play" to join your world with the new Add-Ons enabled.
Use add-ons on your Minecraft realm
Realms for Bedrock Edition support Add-Ons, but only through behavior packs and resource packs, not traditional Java mods. If you have a Realms Plus subscription, you can access a library of Marketplace content. To apply Add-Ons to your Realm:
- From the "Play" screen, select "Realms."
- Select the Realm you want to modify, then choose "Settings."
- Select the world slot you want to change, then select "Edit World."
- Under "Add-Ons," select "Resource Packs" or "Behavior Packs."
- Choose Add-Ons from "My Packs" or "Marketplace Pass Packs," then select "Activate."
- Confirm the activation when prompted.
- Select the back button in the top-left corner and wait for Minecraft to upload your changes to the Realm.
- Select "Play" to join your world.
When any other player connects to your Realm from any Bedrock Edition device (including Xbox), they will automatically download and apply the Add-Ons you activated. No extra steps are needed on their end.
