How to Create a Free Aternos Minecraft Server: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Aternos is a popular free platform that lets anyone set up their own Minecraft server without paying for hosting. It supports both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, allows customization like changing server settings, adding mods or plugins, managing worlds, and more. The service is completely free, though servers automatically shut down after a period of inactivity to save resources (they can be restarted anytime). This guide breaks down the entire process into clear, beginner-friendly steps so you can get your server running quickly and start playing with friends.

Core Benefits and Key Points

• Free and easy to use: No credit card or payment required.
• Full customization: Adjust player slots, difficulty, enable fly mode, add mods/plugins, upload custom worlds, and more.
• Cross-edition support: Works for Java or Bedrock players.
• Automatic management: Servers start on demand and stop when empty to keep the service free.
• Multi-user access: You can give trusted friends permission to start/stop the server.

Follow these steps in order, and you'll have a working server in minutes.

Step 1: Sign Up for an Aternos Account

1. Open your web browser and go to aternos.org.
2. Click the Play button (usually in the top-right corner; you may need to scroll down slightly).
3. If you already have an account, log in. Otherwise, click Sign Up.
4. Choose a unique username.
5. Enter a secure password (adding an email is optional but recommended for account recovery).
6. Check the boxes to agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
7. Click Sign Up.

You will be taken to the main Servers dashboard.

Step 2: Create Your Server

1. On the Servers page, click Create a server.
2. Choose the Minecraft edition: Java Edition (most common for PC players) or Bedrock Edition (for mobile/console cross-play).
3. Customize the server name:
   • Click the pencil icon next to the default name.
   • Enter a unique name (Aternos will tell you if it's already taken).
   • Optionally edit the server description/motd (message of the day) and change its color.
4. Click Create.

Your new server will appear in the dashboard.

Step 3: Configure Basic Server Options (Optional but Recommended)

Before starting the server, you can tweak settings:

1. In the left sidebar, click Options.
2. Adjust common settings:
   • Turn monsters on/off.
   • Change maximum player slots.
   • Enable/disable PvP, flight, whitelist, etc.
   • Set difficulty level.
3. Explore other useful sections in the sidebar:
   • Software: Switch to modded versions (e.g., Forge, Fabric) if you plan to add mods later.
   • Worlds: Upload existing world files, generate new ones, or enter a specific seed.
   • Access: Add other Aternos users so they can help manage the server.
   • Backups: Create manual backups of your world.

Step 4: Start the Server

1. Click the server name at the top of the page to go to its control panel.
2. Click the big Start button.
3. Agree to the Minecraft End User License Agreement (EULA) the first time.
4. Optionally enable notifications (you'll hear a sound when the server is ready).
5. Wait a minute or two for the server to boot up—it will show Online with a green status when ready.

Important note: If no players join within a few minutes, the server will automatically pause/stop to conserve resources. Just restart it when you're ready to play.

Step 5: Join Your Server in Minecraft

1. On the Aternos dashboard, copy the server address (it looks like yourserver.aternos.me—it's displayed prominently and can be copied with one click).
2. Open the Minecraft launcher and make sure you're using the exact same version as your server (check the version number on the Aternos dashboard).
3. Launch Minecraft and go to Multiplayer.
4. Click Add Server.
5. Paste the server address into the Server Address field.
6. Click Done.
7. Double-click your server in the list to join.

You should now spawn in your new world! The custom message you set earlier will appear when connecting.

Advanced Tips for a Better Experience

• Adding mods or plugins: Go to the Software tab, select a modloader (Forge, Fabric, Spigot, etc.), install your desired mods/plugins via the Plugins or Mods section, then restart the server.
• Keeping the server alive longer: Someone needs to be connected, or you can use the "Keep online" feature if available in your region.
• Troubleshooting: If the server won't start, check the console log for errors. Common fixes include agreeing to the EULA or waiting a bit longer.

With these steps, anyone can set up a fully functional Minecraft server for free. Enjoy building, surviving, and playing with friends!