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Installing an add-on has two parts. First you import the file into Minecraft, which adds its packs to your game. Then you turn those packs on in a world. If you skip the second part, nothing changes in game.
The steps below cover each device. They work for add-ons you download and for ones you export from Addon's Studio.
Step by step
Windows
Double-click the .mcaddon or .mcpack file. Minecraft opens and shows a message when the import finishes. If it opens in another app, right-click the file and choose Open with, then Minecraft.
Android
Tap the file in your Files or Downloads app and choose Minecraft. If Minecraft isn't offered, check the file still ends in .mcaddon or .mcpack and wasn't renamed to .zip.
iPhone and iPad
Open the file in the Files app, tap Share and pick Minecraft. From Addon's Studio, tap Export, then Open in Minecraft, and pick Minecraft in the share sheet.
Xbox, PlayStation and Switch
Consoles can't import add-on files directly. The usual way is to join a Realm or a friend's world that has the add-on, and the packs download when you join. Marketplace add-ons can be downloaded on consoles too.
Turn the packs on in a world
Edit a world or create a new one. Find the behaviour packs and resource packs in its settings (grouped under Add-Ons in recent versions) and activate both.
Experiments, only if needed
Some add-ons use features that are still being tested. If an add-on says it needs an experimental toggle, turn it on in the world's Experiments settings. Most add-ons don't need this.
Test it
Load the world. Use /give or /summon with the add-on's IDs, or look in the creative inventory.
Tips
- Back up your world first. Some add-ons can't be removed cleanly once they've changed a world.
- Exporting again from Addon's Studio bumps the version number, so Minecraft replaces the old copy.
- Imported but nothing changed? Check that both packs are active in that world.
- Turn on Content Log in Minecraft's Creator settings to see errors.
- Add-ons from Addon's Studio need Minecraft Bedrock Edition 1.26.50 or newer.
Questions
Why does the import fail?
The file may be damaged, renamed to .zip, or made for a newer version of Minecraft. Download or export it again, and update Minecraft.
Can I install add-ons on Xbox, PlayStation or Switch?
Not from a file. Console players can join a Realm or a friend's world that already has the add-on. Some players use unofficial workarounds, but these vary by platform and can stop working.
Do I need cheats on?
Not to use most add-ons. You do need cheats on to use /give and /summon, and turning cheats on stops that world from earning achievements.
Related guides
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