Installing multiple versions Minecraft on one Android device - a task that many players face. Some people want to test new features in beta without losing the stable release, others need different builds for multiplayer or modding, and others just like the nostalgia modes of old updates. Unlike on a PC, where this is done through different folders or launchers, on Android the process has its own nuances.

The main difficulty is that the standard installation via Google Play automatically updates the game to the latest version, erasing the previous one. However, there are legal ways to get around this limitation, from using alternative launchers to manually installing APK files. In this guide, we will analyze all working methods, including nuances for Bedrock Edition (official mobile version) and Java Edition (via emulators), and also give recommendations for optimizing performance and solving common errors.

Why you may need two versions of Minecraft on one phone

At first glance, the idea of ​​holding two copies of the same game seems redundant. But in practice there are several good reasons for this approach:

  • 🔄 Testing beta versions without the risk of breaking the main world. New updates often contain bugs that can ruin saves.
  • 🎮 Playing on servers with different versions. Some multiplayer platforms still work on older releases (for example, 1.16.5 or 1.12.2).
  • ⚒️ Modding and experiments. Mods are often developed for specific versions of the game, and their compatibility is not guaranteed.
  • 📱 Optimization for different devices. On weak smartphones, it is convenient to keep the light version (Minecraft PE 0.15.0) for a quick game and the new one for full sessions.

In addition, some players simply like to compare how the game mechanics have changed over the years. For example, the generation of worlds. c Alpha 1.2.6 is fundamentally different from the modern one Bedrock 1.20And if you are a streamer or create content for YouTube, the ability to quickly switch between versions becomes simply necessary.

📊 Why do you need two versions of Minecraft?
To test new updates
For playing on different servers
For mods and experiments
Due to a weak phone
Just for fun

Device preparation: what you need to do before installation

Before you start to install the second version, make sure that your smartphone meets the minimum requirements. Even if the first version Minecraft works stably, the second can create an additional load.

Requirement Minimum value Recommended value
Free space on device 1.5 GB 3 GB or more
Random access memory (RAM) 2 GB 4 GB or more
Android version 5.0 Lollipop 8.0 Oreo and newer
Processor 4-core 1.2 GHz 8-core 1.8 GHz

If your device can barely handle one version of the game, installing a second one may lead to lags or crashes. In this case, consider the following options:

  • 📲 Use cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW to run the second version remotely.
  • 🔧 Optimize the first version: disable backgrounds, reduce render distance, use low-resolution textures.
  • 🗃️ Transfer one of the versions to SD card (if supported).
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with MIUI or EMUI APK installation from unknown sources may be blocked. Check your security settings in advance in the section Settings → Applications → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.

Method 1: Installing the second version via APK (for Bedrock Edition)

The most reliable The way to run two copies Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is to manually install the APK file of the desired version. This method works for all devices on Android 5.0+ and does not require root access.

Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the APK of the required version from a reliable source. We recommend using:
    • 🌐 Official archive Minecraft Net (versions from 1.18 and later are available).
    • 📦 APKMirror — verified catalog with version history (assemblies available with 1.2).
  2. Disable automatic updating current version:
    • Open Google Play → find Minecraft → click on the three dots → Disable automatic updating.
  3. Install the downloaded APK:
    • If a warning about "unknown sources" appears, allow installation in the security settings.
    • When asked to replace an existing application, select Install as new (if available).
  4. Rename the shortcut, so as not to confuse the versions:
    • Use a launcher like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcherto change the name and icon of the second version.

Downloaded APK from a trusted source|

Disabled auto-update in Google Play|

Allowed installation from unknown sources|

Made a backup copy of the worlds (optional)|

Checked APK hash sum for viruses (recommended)-->

After installation, both versions will work independently, but keep in mind a few nuances:

  • 🔄 Saves are not synchronized automatically between versions. To transfer worlds, copy the folder games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds manually.
  • 🎮 Management and settings (for example, touch buttons) will have to be configured separately for each version.
  • 📱 On some devices Huawei or Xiaomi you may need to disable "battery optimization" for the second version, otherwise it will be hidden in the background.
⚠️ Attention: Some APK files from third-party sources may contain modified code (for example, "hacked" versions with free premium). This violates Mojang terms of use and may lead to account blocking. Download only original assemblies!

Method 2: Using alternative launchers (PojavLauncher, MCPE Launcher)

If you need not only different versions Bedrock Edition, but also access to Java Edition, the best solution would be specialized launchers. They allow you to launch multiple game instances with different profiles, mods and settings.

The most popular options:

  • 📱 PojavLauncher - supports Java Edition on Android via OpenJDK. Allows you to install any versions from 1.7.10 to 1.20+, as well as modpacks from CurseForge or Modrinth.
  • 🎮 MCPE Launcher - focused on Bedrock Edition, but can manage multiple profiles with different versions and textures.
  • ⚡ MultiMC (via Termux) - an advanced launcher for experienced users that requires manual configuration.

Let's look at the installation using an example PojavLauncher:

  1. Download PojavLauncher from GitHub or Google Play.
  2. When you first start, select Install Runtime (will install the necessary libraries Java).
  3. In the menu Add Account log in to your account Microsoft or Mojang.
  4. In the section Versions select the desired version Java Edition and click Install.
  5. For Bedrock Edition go to Settings → Bedrock and specify the path to the installed APK.
How to transfer worlds between PojavLauncher and Bedrock Edition?

1. Find the folder with the world in /sdcard/games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds/ (for Bedrock).

2. Copy it to /sdcard/PojavLauncher/.minecraft/saves/.

3. by removing extra characters (for example, from New World_12345678 to New World).

4. In PojavLauncher, select Java Edition 1.12+ (newer versions support converting Bedrock worlds via DragonProxy).

Advantages of this method:

  • ✅ Support Java Edition with mods and shaders.
  • ✅ Centralized management of all versions in one interface.
  • ✅ Ability to allocate different amounts of RAM for each version.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Higher battery and resource consumption.
  • ❌ Java Edition may slow down on weak devices (required OpenGL ES 3.0+).
💡

If PojavLauncher crashes when launching Java Edition, try in the settings (Settings → Java) reduce the allocated memory (-Xmx) to 1024MB and disable shaders.

Method 3: Cloning the application (for devices supporting Dual Apps)

Some smartphone manufacturers (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) offer a built-in application cloning function (Dual Apps, Parallel Space, App Twin). This allows you to create a full copy Minecraft with separate data storage and cache.

Instructions for devices Xiaomi (MIUI):

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Clone applications (Dual Apps).
  2. Find in the list Minecraft and activate the switch.
  3. After cloning, a second shortcut with an icon in the form of two layers will appear on the desktop.
  4. Launch the cloned version and log into your account (you can use the same Microsoft Account or another).
  5. Update or roll back the game version via Google Play in the cloned application.

For devices Samsung (One UI):

  1. Go to Settings → Additional features → Dual Messenger clone, update it to the required version via Settings → Additional features → Dual Messenger.
  2. Select Minecraft from the list and click Install.
  3. After creating a clone, update it to the desired version via Galaxy Store.

Important notes:

  • 🔄 The cloned version will take up the same space as the original (about 500–800 MB).
  • 📱 Not all manufacturers support this function. On "pure" Android (for example, Pixel) you will have to use third-party applications like Parallel Space.
  • 🎮 In the cloned version will not be synchronized purchases (skins, worlds from the Marketplace) with the original.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) cloned applications may conflict with the originals when launched simultaneously. If the game starts to slow down, close one of the versions manually.

Problem solving: what to do if the second version does not start

Even with correct installation, errors may occur. Here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The application closes immediately after launching Data conflict with the main version Clear the cache and data of the second version in Settings → Applications → Minecraft
Error "Insufficient memory" There is not enough free space on device Free up 1-2 GB of memory or transfer the game to an SD card
Login to Microsoft account does not work Outdated version of the application Update the second version to the latest stable build
Lags and low FPS Insufficient RAM Close background applications or reduce graphics settings
Worlds are not saved No write permissions Check permissions for the application in Android settings

If the problem is not solved, try the following universal steps:

  1. Reinstall the second version from a clean APK.
  2. Check compatibility version of the game with your device on the website Minecraft Help.
  3. Disable battery optimization for the second version in the Android settings.
  4. Use another launcher (for example, if the problem is PojavLauncher, try MCPE Launcher).
💡

If the second version crashes with an error com.mojang.minecraftpe has stoppedmost likely the problem is in a damaged APK. Download the file again and check its checksum (MD5) using an application like Hash Droid.

Optimizing performance when running two versions

Two copies Minecraft on one device - This is a double load on the processor, RAM and battery. To keep the game running smoothly, follow these recommendations:

  • 🔋 Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications:
    • Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization and add both versions of Minecraft to exceptions.
    • Use mode Performance instead Battery saver.
  • 🎮 Adjust the graphics for each versions separately:
    • B Bedrock Edition: reduce the render distance to 8–12 chunks, disable Beautiful lighting and Particle effects.
    • B Java Edition (via PojavLauncher): use light shaders (Complementary Reimagined) or disable them completely.
  • 🗃️ Clear the cache regularly:
    • For Bedrock Edition The cache is stored in /sdcard/Android/data/com.mojang.minecraftpe/.
    • For Java Edition — in /sdcard/PojavLauncher/.minecraft/cache/.
  • 🔄 Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically close background processes before starting the game.

Critical: If your device supports the technology Game Turbo (for example, smartphones Xiaomi or ASUS ROG), activate it for both versions of Minecraft. This will give priority to the CPU and GPU, reduce input lag and increase FPS by 10-20%.

For advanced users:

  • 🛠️ Use ADB commands to force allocation of additional memory: 
    adb shell setprop debug.egl.hw_layers dequeue

    adb shell setprop debug.sf.latch_unsignaled 1

    (requires connection to a PC and developer mode enabled).

  • 🔧 Install GLTools (requires root) to force enable OpenGL ES 3.2 and optimization rendering.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the two versions of Minecraft on Android

Can I play on the same world in two versions at the same time?

No, this is not possible. Même if you copy the world folder, the game will block access to the files when launched at the same time. However, you can alternately open the same world in different versions if they are compatible in format (for example, Bedrock 1.18 and 1.19). Java Edition will require conversion via DragonProxy or Chunker.

Will there be a ban for using two versions on one account?

No, Mojang does not block accounts for launching multiple copies of the game. However, if you use modified APKs (with hacked Marketplace or premium content), this may result in a block. Always download official builds or proven launchers like PojavLauncher.

Is it possible to install Minecraft 1.0 (Alpha/Beta) on modern Android?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

  • For Bedrock Edition the oldest available versions are 0.1.0 Alpha (2011), but they require manual APK installation and may not run on new Androids.
  • For Java Edition via PojavLauncher versions up to Alpha 1.0.16 (2010) are available, but they will be extremely unstable on mobile devices.

We recommend using emulators like J2ME Loader for the oldest builds.

How to transfer purchases (skins, textures) between versions?

Purchases from Minecraft Marketplace are linked to your account Microsoft and are automatically synchronized between versions Bedrock Edition (if you are using the same profile). However:

  • Skins and textures are not transferred to Java Edition.
  • In cloned versions (via Dual Apps), purchases may not be displayed - you will need to log in to your account again.
  • Custom skins (downloaded via .pngfiles) must be copied manually to the folder skin_packs of the second version.

Can I play on a server with one version if I have two installed?

Yes, but you need to run the version that matches the server. For example:

  • If the server is running on Bedrock 1.19.80, run this version.
  • For Java Edition servers (for example, Hypixel or 2b2t) use PojavLauncher with the required assembly.

Please note that Bedrock and Java servers are incompatible with each other!