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Set up a Java Edition server

Admincraft sends Java commands through RCON, but the RCON port stays inside the Docker network: the app connects to the Admincraft WebSocket bridge, so the same Android, Windows, and browser clients work for both editions.

If you already have a Java server, or would rather add nothing to it, Admincraft can also talk to RCON directly, without this bridge. That trades away the live console and the restart button, and does not work in the browser. The feature comparison shows both.

Start the containers

  1. Download docker-compose-java.yml.
  2. Replace both CHANGE_THIS_RCON_PASSWORD values with the same strong password.
  3. Replace YOUR_SECRET_KEY_HERE with a separate random secret, for example from openssl rand -hex 32.
  4. Start the stack with docker compose -f docker-compose-java.yml up -d.

The example uses Paper. Set TYPE to another value supported by itzg/minecraft-server if you prefer Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or another compatible Java server.

Do not publish RCON

Port 25575 is intentionally not listed under ports. RCON is not encrypted and should remain reachable only by the WebSocket bridge on the private Docker network.

Add it to Admincraft

Create a server profile with:

  • Minecraft Edition: Java Edition
  • IP / Hostname: the host running Docker
  • Port: 8080
  • Secret Key: the bridge SECRET_KEY, not the RCON password
  • Connection Security: normally Private network when connecting over Tailscale, a VPN, or a trusted LAN

The Java profile enables Java-specific command completion and output parsing. Docker access gives the bridge live logs and restart controls; commands themselves travel from the bridge to the Minecraft server over the internal RCON connection.