Can Java and Bedrock players play together?

Minecraft comes in two editions: Java (on PC) and Bedrock (consoles, phones, tablets and Windows). They use different network protocols, so by default a Java server does not accept Bedrock players. A project called Geyser bridges the gap, and many servers use it to let both groups play together.

How it works

Geyser is a plugin (or a stand-alone program) that listens for Bedrock connections and translates them into Java ones. To the Java server, a Bedrock player looks like a Java player.
Floodgate is an optional companion. It lets Bedrock players join with their own Microsoft login, without owning Java Edition.
Bedrock clients connect over UDP port 19132 by default, while Java clients use TCP port 25565. Both need to be reachable.

What works and what does not

Most of the game works: building, mining, mobs, chat and most plugins. Some things are different:

Bedrock has different controls, so menus and some plugin interfaces look different.
A few Java features have no Bedrock equivalent, and a few plugins do not work well for Bedrock players. Test the ones you rely on.
Player names get a prefix (by default a dot) so you can tell Bedrock players apart.
Performance is a little higher on the server, because of the translation.

Setting it up on your own server

Install Geyser and Floodgate on a Paper server, see how to install plugins.
Start the server once so the plugins create their configuration.
Open the Geyser configuration, and check the port and the authentication mode (Floodgate is the usual choice).
Forward UDP 19132 to the server, or allow it in your firewall.
Give Bedrock players your address and the port, and they add the server in the Bedrock game.

Things to keep in mind

Players on consoles can only join servers they add through a supported route, and some consoles make this harder than others. Check what your players' devices allow.
Keep your plugins and Geyser up to date, because both editions change.
Whitelists and permissions work with Bedrock names, but the format differs. Read the Floodgate page before you set them up.

On Saryno

Not yet. Saryno forwards Java connections (TCP) by server name, and does not carry the UDP traffic Bedrock needs, so Bedrock players cannot join a Saryno server today. If you need cross-play, run Geyser on a machine where you can open UDP 19132. It is on our list, and our FAQ says the same.