Mojang has announced the release of the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview, available from March 17, 2026. This new experimental version brings significant changes to gameplay elements, including modifications to mobs and specific blocks like seagrass and bonemeal. It also addresses bugs and performance issues to improve the overall gaming experience.
If you want to try out the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview, here’s how to access it.
Note: The Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview is only available for Xbox One and Series X/S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Android/iOS devices, and Windows 10/11 PCs. It is not compatible with trial versions or inactive Game Pass subscriptions.
Please be aware that the update may be delayed on some platforms. If you do not see it immediately, check back later.
Guide to download the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview for all supported platforms
Xbox One and Series X/S consoles
To access the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview on your console, ensure you have a stable internet connection. This build is available to those with the Bedrock edition and an active Xbox Game Pass subscription (regular or Ultimate).
Follow these steps to download the latest Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview for your Xbox console:
- Go to the Xbox Game Store or your Game Pass Library on your console.
- Navigate to the game library and use the search bar to find “Minecraft Preview.”
- Once located, select it and click “Install” next to it.
- Wait for the necessary game files and assets to download and install. Keep your console on and maintain a stable internet connection to avoid file corruption.
PlayStation 4 and 5
To try the latest improvements and changes on your PlayStation 4/5 console, follow these steps:
- Locate Minecraft on the homepage, “Frequently Played” tab, or the game library.
- Scroll down the left sidebar to find the “Preview” button.
- Click the “Get PlayStation 4/5 Preview” button appropriate for your console.
- Click “Download” and wait for the preview files and assets to install on your console.
Ensure your console remains connected to the internet and powered on during installation to prevent file corruption. Once complete, you can easily access the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview.
Android/iOS devices
Mobile users can also download and install the latest Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview on Android and iOS devices, similar to console users.
Here are the steps to download and install the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview on Android or iOS devices:
Android
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Go to the Minecraft page or search for it in the search bar.
- Scroll to the bottom of the listing and select the “Join the Beta” option.
- Wait for the beta build files to download and install on your device.
- This will replace the existing release version with the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview.
iOS
- Download and install the TestFlight app from the Apple App Store. Open the Minecraft preview’s listing link. Ensure there are available slots for the Preview. If not, return and sign up at the start of the next month.
- Sign up for the beta and preview using your registered Microsoft account. Wait for an email on your linked ID with links to access the latest preview build.
- Once received, go to the email and select the “View in TestFlight” button. Alternatively, click the link to open it in the TestFlight app.
- Choose “Install” (for new beta users) or “Update” (for existing users) to get the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview on your iOS device.
- If you have an existing Preview build on iOS, launch the TestFlight app and tap the update button next to the title. Once updated, explore the new features in the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta before its stable release.
iOS users are encouraged to launch the installed build monthly to retain their slot. Due to limited availability, access to these builds is revoked after extended inactivity. Regular logins ensure continued access without needing to re-register. Most devices have automatic updates enabled to keep apps and games current. If this feature is off, queue updates manually via the app store (Android/iOS).
The “Open/Play” button will change to “Update.” Select it and wait for the files to download. You can then enjoy the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview on your mobile device.
Windows 10/11 PCs
PC users can explore the updated blocks and mob behavior in the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview if they have the Bedrock edition installed. If not, it can be purchased from the Mojang website or the Xbox/Microsoft Store. Game Pass members on PC can also access the title.
Once you have the game, install the official launcher on your PC. Log in with the Microsoft account used for purchase to ensure correct game credentials.
After setting up the launcher, follow these steps to access the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview:
For players with an existing Preview:
If you already have a previous preview version like Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.20 beta, update it through the Microsoft Store on your PC.
Follow these steps to manually update the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview:
- Open the Microsoft Store application and go to the ‘Games’ tab on the left sidebar. Click on it.
- Scroll or search for “Minecraft Preview” in your installed games list.
- Click the “Update” button next to the Preview listing and wait for the files to be installed. Monitor the blue ring for progress updates.
- If no “Update” button is visible, click “Check for Updates” in the window’s top-right corner to force check all updates and queue downloads.
You can also update the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview using the Xbox application on your PC:
- Open the Xbox application and go to the left sidebar.
- Locate the installed games list and find Minecraft.
- Select the Preview edition and tap ‘Manage’ from the settings menu.
- Select the “Update” button to download and install the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview.
After installation, you can explore all the new gameplay changes and features of the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview.
For new Preview installations:
For first-time installations, use the official game launcher. Download it from the official website and log in with your Microsoft account. Then, select Bedrock from the available versions on the left sidebar.
Follow these steps to install the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview:
- Navigate to the lower part of the launcher and expand the “Latest Release” drop-down menu next to the green “Play” button.
- Click the drop-down to see available installation options.
- Select the “Latest Preview” option below ‘Latest Release’.
- Tap the “Play” button to download and install the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview.
As this is the first preview build installation on your PC, it may take time for assets to prepare. Once ready, you can explore the Minecraft Bedrock 26.20.21 beta and preview before its official release in the upcoming Tiny Takeover game drop.
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Edited by Sayendra Basu
