Can I install plugins on a Bedrock server?
If you're running a Bedrock server and hoping to add your favourite Java plugins, the short answer is that they won't work directly — Bedrock uses a different software ecosystem. But there's a popular workaround that gives you the best of both worlds.
Why Java plugins don't work on Bedrock
Java (Bukkit) plugins are written for the Java Edition server software — Paper, Spigot, and friends. Bedrock server software, like PocketMine or Nukkit, has its own plugin ecosystem that's separate and considerably smaller. A Java .jar plugin has no way to load on Bedrock software, and vice versa.
The better path: Java + Geyser
If you want the rich Java plugin library and Bedrock players, the common approach is to run a Java server with Geyser and Floodgate for crossplay:
- Set up a Paper (or similar Bukkit) server so you have full plugin support.
- Install the Geyser and Floodgate plugins from the Plugins tab.
- Restart, and Bedrock players can now join your Java server.
This way you keep the entire Java plugin world while still welcoming Bedrock players.
Tip: See our Bedrock and crossplay articles for the full Geyser/Floodgate setup and its limitations.
Frequently asked questions
So Bedrock server software has no plugins at all? It does — but through its own systems (like PocketMine plugins), which are far fewer and different from Java plugins. You can't mix the two.
Will Java plugins behave normally for Bedrock players via Geyser? Mostly, yes. Some plugin features that rely on Java-only mechanics or GUIs may behave differently for Bedrock clients, but core gameplay works well.
Which should I choose? If you care about the plugin ecosystem, run Java + Geyser. Pure Bedrock server software makes sense only if you specifically need it.