Fix Bedrock GUIs: Proxy And Geyser Configuration Issues

Ever encountered a situation where your Bedrock players can't access graphical interfaces on your Minecraft server, especially when you're running a proxy like Velocity? It's a frustrating puzzle, but often, the solution lies in understanding how Geyser, Floodgate, and your proxy server interact. This article dives deep into why Bedrock GUIs might be unavailable and provides a clear, step-by-step guide to resolving these issues. We'll explore the common pitfalls, interpret log messages, and equip you with the knowledge to get those seamless Bedrock experiences back online.

Understanding the Geyser-Floodgate Ecosystem

The core of enabling Bedrock Edition players to join your Java Edition server revolves around two crucial plugins: Geyser and Floodgate. Geyser acts as a proxy itself, translating Bedrock packets to Java packets and vice versa. Floodgate, on the other hand, handles authentication for Bedrock players, allowing them to connect without a Java Edition account. When you're running a sophisticated server setup, particularly one that uses a proxy like Velocity, managing these components becomes a bit more intricate. The official Geyser documentation (https://geysermc.org/wiki/geyser/forms/) states that only one instance of Geyser or Floodgate is strictly required on the backend server. This often leads to confusion when players report issues, as the setup can seem straightforward yet yield unexpected results. The key takeaway here is that while one instance is sufficient for basic functionality, the placement and configuration of these instances are critical, especially when a network proxy is involved. Misconfigurations can lead to a disconnect between the proxy's understanding of Geyser/Floodgate and the backend server's, resulting in features like GUIs not functioning as intended. This article aims to demystify these interactions and guide you toward a stable, fully functional setup for all your players.

Decoding the Log Messages: What's Really Happening?

When troubleshooting, the server logs are your best friend. Let's break down some of the critical messages you might see. The log snippet provided shows a server starting up with various plugins, including Geyser-Spigot and Floodgate. Right off the bat, we see a very telling warning: [Geyser-Spigot] This server appears to be running behind a Velocity proxy! Remove the Geyser plugin from this server and install Geyser only on your proxy. This is a red flag indicating a common misconfiguration. The server is detecting that it's behind Velocity and is alerting you that having a Geyser plugin on the backend alongside a Geyser instance on the proxy (which is usually recommended for a Velocity setup) is problematic. The warning further directs you to the setup guide for proper configuration. Another crucial line appears later: [EcoXpert] Geyser Forms API not available - using fallback chest GUIs for Bedrock players. This is the direct consequence of the underlying Geyser issue. The EcoXpert plugin, which likely provides in-game GUIs or interacts with them, relies on the Geyser Forms API to deliver these interfaces to Bedrock players. If Geyser isn't functioning correctly or isn't accessible in the way EcoXpert expects due to the proxy setup, it falls back to a less functional, or perhaps entirely absent, GUI system. The logs also confirm that online-mode is set to false, which is often a prerequisite for proxy setups like Velocity to function correctly with Geyser and Floodgate, but it's important to be aware of the security implications. Understanding these log messages is the first step to pinpointing the exact problem and applying the correct fix.

The Correct Setup: Velocity, Geyser, and Floodgate

To ensure Bedrock GUIs work seamlessly, especially when using Velocity as a proxy, the recommended setup follows a specific pattern. The primary Geyser and Floodgate instances should reside on the Velocity proxy itself, not on the backend Minecraft servers. Think of Velocity as the gateway. It handles the initial connection from Bedrock players, translates their packets using its own Geyser instance, and then forwards them to the appropriate backend Java server. The backend server should ideally not have its own Geyser or Floodgate plugins installed. This prevents conflicts and ensures that the translation and authentication processes are managed centrally by the proxy. If you've installed Geyser and Floodgate on your backend server(s) as well, it's time to remove them. Your Velocity configuration should be set up to enable Geyser and Floodgate, and point to your backend servers. The backend servers, in turn, should be configured to expect connections through the proxy (often requiring online-mode=false in server.properties and specific proxy protocol configurations). When this is done correctly, the backend server receives authenticated Java Edition packets and interacts with Bedrock players as if they were Java players, allowing plugins like EcoXpert to correctly utilize the Geyser Forms API. This hierarchical approach ensures a cleaner, more stable environment for Bedrock players.

Troubleshooting Steps for Unavailable GUIs

If you've confirmed that Bedrock GUIs are still not working after attempting the correct setup, it's time for some targeted troubleshooting. First, double-check your Velocity configuration files. Ensure that Geyser and Floodgate are enabled and correctly configured within Velocity. This includes setting up the correct listening ports and ensuring Floodgate is integrated for authentication. Next, meticulously verify that Geyser and Floodgate plugins have been removed from all your backend Minecraft servers. This is a common oversight and the most frequent cause of the issues described. Even if you've removed them, a server restart is crucial for the changes to take effect. Examine your backend server's server.properties file. Ensure online-mode is set to false. Also, check if your backend server software (like Paper) has any specific settings related to proxy protocols that need to be enabled to correctly identify the connection originating from Velocity. Sometimes, specific versions of plugins can cause compatibility issues. Ensure you are using the latest stable versions of Velocity, Geyser, Floodgate, and your backend server software. Review the logs on both Velocity and your backend server(s) again. Look for any new warnings or errors that might have appeared after your adjustments. Pay close attention to messages related to packet forwarding, authentication, and plugin communication. If EcoXpert is still reporting that the Geyser Forms API is unavailable, it suggests that the communication channel between Velocity and the backend isn't fully established for Bedrock-related features. You might need to consult the specific documentation for EcoXpert and Geyser regarding proxy compatibility. Sometimes, a simple restart of all server components – Velocity first, then your backend servers – can resolve lingering issues. Remember, patience and systematic checking are key to overcoming these technical hurdles.

Advanced Considerations and Best Practices

Beyond the basic setup and troubleshooting, several advanced considerations can further enhance the stability and functionality of your Bedrock integration. Ensure your network configuration allows for proper communication between Velocity, your backend servers, and the internet. Firewalls or network segmentation can sometimes inadvertently block necessary ports or traffic. For optimal performance, especially with many players, dedicate sufficient resources (CPU, RAM) to both your Velocity proxy and your backend servers. Keep your plugins and server software updated, but do so cautiously. While updates often bring bug fixes and new features, they can also introduce regressions or compatibility issues. It's a good practice to back up your server before applying major updates and test thoroughly in a staging environment if possible. Consider using separate Geyser and Floodgate configurations for different backend servers if you run a complex network. While the core principle is one instance per proxy, specific setups might benefit from tailored configurations. Always refer to the official Geyser and Velocity documentation for the most up-to-date best practices and advanced configuration options. For instance, some versions of Geyser might have specific settings for handling direct connections versus proxy connections, which could be relevant if you have servers not behind the proxy. Remember that security is paramount. While online-mode=false is necessary for Velocity integration, ensure your server is otherwise secured. This includes restricting access to your server IP, using strong passwords for any management interfaces, and regularly monitoring your server logs for suspicious activity. By implementing these best practices, you create a robust and secure environment for all players, whether they connect via Java or Bedrock Edition.

Conclusion

Getting Bedrock GUIs to work behind a proxy like Velocity, especially when using plugins like Geyser and Floodgate, can seem daunting at first. However, by understanding the roles of each component and adhering to the recommended setup – primarily placing Geyser and Floodgate on the Velocity proxy and removing them from backend servers – most issues can be resolved. The key is careful configuration, meticulous checking of server logs for specific warnings, and ensuring no conflicting Geyser instances are running on your backend. If you encounter persistent problems, systematically follow the troubleshooting steps, verify plugin versions, and consult the official documentation. A well-configured proxy setup not only resolves GUI issues but also provides a smoother, more integrated experience for your entire player base.

For more in-depth information on Minecraft server proxies and Bedrock integration, you can refer to the official documentation for Velocity and GeyserMC. These resources offer comprehensive guides and community support that can be invaluable for complex server setups.