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Join a Server — Nintendo Switch

This guide walks you through every step to connect your Nintendo Switch to a custom Minecraft server. Follow along — it's easier than it looks!

Android is NOT supported

This method only works with an iPhone or iPad. Android phones cannot be used to connect a Nintendo Switch. There is no workaround — you need an Apple device.

What you need​

  • An iPhone or iPad with the BedrockConnect app installed
  • Your iPhone and Switch must be on the same Wi-Fi network
  • A Nintendo Switch Online membership
warning

Do not use a VPN, mobile data, or a strict firewall. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi for this to work.

Part 1: Set up the app on your iPhone​

1. Open BedrockConnect​

Open the app on your iPhone. If it's your first time, confirm the information prompts.

2. Select Nintendo Switch as your console​

This is important — the app needs to know you're connecting a Switch.

Go to Settings (bottom right) → tap Console Settings → select Nintendo Switch.

BedrockConnect Settings menu
Tap "Console Settings"
Nintendo Switch selected
Select "Nintendo Switch"

3. Add a server​

Go back to the Servers tab. Tap "Custom" at the top, then tap the blue + button in the bottom right corner.

Custom tab with + button
Tap "Custom", then the blue +
Add Custom Server screen
Fill in name, IP, and port

Enter the server's name, IP address, and port (usually 19132), then tap Save.

4. Start the server​

Tap the server you just added. You'll see the server details. Tap the blue "Start" button.

Free vs. Premium

Without Premium, the button says "Watch Ad & Start" — you'll watch a short ad first, then the server starts. With Premium, it starts instantly.

Once it's running, two things happen:

  • The button turns red and shows "Stop"
  • A green box appears showing your Nintendo Switch DNS address — this is your iPhone's IP address. Remember this number! You'll need it in the next part.
Server with Start button
Tap "Start"
Server running showing DNS address
Remember the green DNS address!

5. Allow local network access​

A popup may appear asking to connect to devices on your local network. Tap OK — this is required.

iOS Local Network permission popup
Tap "OK" — without this, it won't work
Accidentally tapped "Don't Allow"?

Go to iPhone Settings → scroll down to BedrockConnect → enable Local Network. Then restart the app.

Keep the app open! Don't close it — your Switch needs it running.

Part 2: Set up your Nintendo Switch​

Now pick up your Switch. You need to change the DNS settings so your Switch connects through your iPhone.

6. Open System Settings​

On the Switch home screen, tap the gear icon to open System Settings.

Switch home screen with Settings icon
Tap the gear icon for System Settings

7. Go to Internet Settings​

In the left menu, tap Internet. Then on the right side, tap Internet Settings.

Internet Settings in System Settings
Internet → Internet Settings

8. Change Settings for your Wi-Fi​

Select your Wi-Fi network and tap "Change Settings".

Change Settings option
Tap "Change Settings"

9. Set DNS to Manual​

Scroll down to DNS Settings and change it from "Automatic" to "Manual".

DNS Settings set to Manual
Change DNS Settings to "Manual"

10. Enter the DNS address from the app​

Now type in the green DNS address from step 4 as the Primary DNS. For example: 192.168.178.46.

You can set the Secondary DNS to 8.8.8.8.

Then tap Save.

Primary DNS filled in with iPhone IP
Enter the DNS address from the app, then Save

11. Restart your Switch​

This is important — do a full restart, not just sleep mode. Hold the power button and tap "Restart".

Part 3: Join the server​

Open Minecraft on your Switch. Go to the Servers tab and join any Featured Server — for example The Hive or Lifeboat.

Why a Featured Server?

You're not actually going to play on the Featured Server. Because you changed the DNS, your Switch will be automatically redirected to the server you selected in the BedrockConnect app. The Featured Server is just the "door" — BedrockConnect sends you to the right place.

Minecraft Featured Servers list on Switch
Pick any Featured Server — you'll be redirected automatically
Not redirecting or can't connect?

Check our Troubleshooting Guide — especially the Switch-specific section.

You're done!

Once you're connected, you can close the BedrockConnect app on your iPhone. It only handles the initial connection.