GUIDE · JAVA · BEDROCK
How to Use a Seed in Minecraft
Found a great seed? Here’s how to type it into the world creation screen on Java and Bedrock, which version to pick, and how to check that you got the right world.
Free guide for Java and Bedrock, written for Minecraft 1.21 and newer.
More Minecraft finders
Village Finder
Find the closest villages to spawn for an easy first night.
Biome Finder
Find cherry groves, mushroom fields and the deep dark.
Slime Chunk Finder
Spot slime chunks below Y=40 for farms, Java and Bedrock.
Stronghold Finder
See every stronghold ring, so you need fewer Eyes of Ender.
Ancient City Finder
Locate deep dark cities and plan a quiet route in.
Nether & End
Fortresses, bastions, end cities and end gateways.
Seed Finder
Search for seeds with a village and a rare biome near spawn.
3D Seed Viewer
Rotate mountains and valleys around any spot on your seed.
About This Guide
Using a seed takes less than a minute. The only real mistakes are picking the wrong version or losing the minus sign, both of which give you a completely different world. Follow the steps for your edition below.
How to Use a Seed on Java Edition
- Open Minecraft and click Singleplayer.
- Click Create New World.
- Open the More tab (World tab in some versions).
- Paste the seed into the Seed field.
- Set Game Mode, Difficulty, and World Type (keep it Default unless the seed says Large Biomes).
- Click Create New World.
How to Use a Seed on Bedrock Edition
This works the same on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iPhone, and Android.
- Press Play, then Create New.
- Choose Create New World.
- Scroll to the Advanced section.
- Type the seed into the Seed field.
- Press Create.
Pick the Right Version
| Seed made for | What happens in another version |
|---|---|
| 1.18 or newer | Biomes mostly match in later versions; new biomes can appear in fresh chunks |
| 1.17 or older | Terrain is completely different in 1.18+ |
| A snapshot | May not match the release |
On Java, use the launcher’s Installations tab to play an older version. Bedrock usually runs only the latest version.
Check You Got the Right World
- Paste the same seed into the Minecraft seed map with the same edition and version.
- Compare the biome and the structures near spawn.
- Use the world spawn finder to see where you should start.
If it doesn’t match, check the minus sign, the version, and the world type.
Text Seeds
You can type words instead of numbers. Java turns the text into a number using its own rules, and Bedrock uses different rules, so the same word gives different worlds on each edition. If someone shares a text seed, use the same edition they used.
Using Seeds on Servers and Realms
- Java server: set level-seed in server.properties before the world is generated, then start the server.
- Java Realm: choose a world with a custom seed when you reset the Realm.
- Bedrock Realm or server: create the world on your device with the seed, then upload it.
Where to Find Good Seeds
- Use the seed finder to search for seeds with what you want near spawn.
- Try our best village seeds for an easy start.
Related Minecraft Tools
Free tools that help with this guide:
- Minecraft Seed Map: the full map with every biome and structure
- Seed Finder: Find seeds by structures & biomes
- World Spawn Finder: World spawn point by seed
- Village Finder: Closest villages to spawn by seed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a seed to an existing world?
No. The seed is fixed when the world is created. Start a new world to use a new seed.
Do seeds work in Creative and Hardcore?
Yes. The game mode doesn’t change the world generation.
Why does my seed look different from the video?
The video probably used a different version or edition. Match both.
Do I need to type the minus sign?
Yes. Without it, you get a completely different world.
Final Thoughts
Using a seed is quick: open world creation, paste the seed, match the version, and create. Check the result on the seed map, and you’ll know you’re in the right world.
