# How to Change Your Minecraft Bedrock Server Version (/docs/minecraft-bedrock/change-server-version)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Bedrock Dedicated Server versions must match the client version exactly — players on 1.21.50 cannot join a server running 1.21.40. Since Bedrock auto-updates on most platforms, you'll usually want to keep the server on the latest version.

Change the Server Version [#change-the-server-version]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create a backup [#create-a-backup]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Backups** in the sidebar and create a backup. This is critical if you're downgrading.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    Stop your server from **Console**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open Version Changer [#open-version-changer]

    Click **Version Changer** in the sidebar. This shows all available Bedrock server versions.

    {/* Screenshot needed: Version Changer showing available Bedrock versions */}
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Select a version [#select-a-version]

    Choose the version you want to run. Click to install it.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console**. The server will now run on the selected version.
  </Step>
</Steps>

> If you don't see **Version Changer** in the sidebar, check **Startup** for a version or build variable instead.

Version Compatibility [#version-compatibility]

| Scenario                                            | Result                                                                                                              |
| --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Upgrading** (older → newer)                       | Safe. New features become available. Chunks load normally                                                           |
| **Downgrading** (newer → older)                     | **Risky.** Blocks and features from newer versions may be lost or cause errors. The world may fail to load entirely |
| **Same major, different patch** (1.21.50 → 1.21.51) | Usually safe in both directions                                                                                     |
| **Different major** (1.20.x → 1.21.x)               | Upgrade is safe. Downgrade may corrupt the world                                                                    |

BDS Version Format [#bds-version-format]

Bedrock server versions follow the format `major.minor.patch.revision` (e.g., `1.21.50.7`). The version must match the client **exactly** — even the patch number matters.

Why Players Can't Connect After an Update [#why-players-cant-connect-after-an-update]

Bedrock Edition auto-updates on Windows, mobile, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. When a new version releases:

1. Players' games update automatically
2. Your server is still on the old version
3. Version mismatch → players can't join

**Fix:** Update your server to match. Use **Version Changer** or see the [Update Guide](/docs/minecraft-bedrock/update-guide).

> On mobile (iOS/Android), players can disable auto-update in their app store settings to stay on the server's version temporarily.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Update Your Server](/docs/minecraft-bedrock/update-guide)
* [Server Properties Reference](/docs/minecraft-bedrock/server-properties)