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How to Export or Transfer a Minecraft Bedrock World

Windows Bedrock includes an Export World command. Android manual copying depends on External storage; Realms provides Minecraft’s documented alternative for Application storage and cross-device transfers.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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On Windows, use the world’s Export World command to save a portable world file. On Android, you can copy the world folder manually only if its storage location is set to External. If the Android world uses Application storage—or you are moving a world between supported devices—Minecraft documents Realms as the upload-and-download route.

Export a Bedrock world on Windows

  1. Open Minecraft and select Play.
  2. On the Worlds tab, select the pencil icon beside the world you want to export.
  3. Under General Settings, open File Management and select Export World.
  4. Adjust any export settings you want, then select Export World again.
  5. Choose a save location and complete the export.

This is an in-game export workflow for Windows Bedrock. Menu wording can vary with localization and game version; the official Minecraft Help page describing the procedure is Spanish-language and marked as AI-translated. Minecraft Help: Backing Up Minecraft Worlds.

Choose the right route for Android

Whether you can copy an Android world as ordinary files depends on its File Storage Location. “External” means the files are stored outside the app; it does not necessarily mean they are on a removable memory card.

External storage: copy the world folder

  1. Connect the Android device to a computer with a USB cable that supports data transfer.
  2. On the device, open the USB notification and choose File Transfer or MTP.
  3. On the computer, browse to Android/data/com.mojang.minecraftpe/files/games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds.
  4. Copy the minecraftWorlds folder for a broader backup, or copy the individual world folder you need.

The cable must support data, not just charging, and its connectors must fit both devices. Minecraft’s instructions apply to worlds stored as External. Minecraft Help: Managing Data and Game Storage in Minecraft.

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  • Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
  • Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
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Application storage: use Realms to transfer

Minecraft says Application is the default Android storage location. Worlds saved there are held in app data and are not available as separate files or folders for computer backup. Minecraft directs players to Realms to transfer these worlds; the documented process is described below. Minecraft Help: Managing Data and Game Storage in Minecraft.

Transfer a world between devices with Realms

Minecraft describes Realms as a way to upload a single-player world to the cloud and download it on another device. For this documented transfer, you need an active Realms trial or paid subscription, and Minecraft should be updated on both devices.

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  • Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
  • Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
  1. On the source device, upload the world to an empty Realm slot, or choose to replace the world in the active slot.
  2. On the destination device, sign in with the Microsoft account and open the Realm’s hub.
  3. Download the uploaded world. It appears in the destination device’s Worlds list as World name – Copy; you can rename it there.

Uploading to a Realm slot and downloading a local copy are distinct actions. Replacing the active slot removes the world currently in that slot and temporarily disconnects players who are playing there, so confirm the selected action and slot before proceeding. Minecraft Help: How to Transfer Minecraft Worlds between Devices.

What to know about Realms saves and expiry

Minecraft Help’s Realms backup page, which does not state a publication date, reports the following save schedule and retention information. These are Help-page statements, not independently verified behavior; check the page before relying on a particular window because backup policies and subscription terms can change.

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  • Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
  • Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
  • Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
  • Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
  • Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
  • Realms automatically saves progress every 30 minutes and retains the four most recent saves.
  • It keeps one save for each four-hour period in the last 24 hours, one per day from 1 to 8 days ago, one per week from 9 to 36 days ago, and one per month from 37 to 121 days ago. No saves are retained from 122 or more days ago.
  • A Realm world can be downloaded for 18 months after a subscription expires. Associated backups are deleted 30 days after expiry.

These backup copies are not the same thing as a local world you have already downloaded. Minecraft Help: Realms Backups.

Which method should you use?

Method Best fit What it depends on
Windows Export World Saving a Windows Bedrock world file locally or moving it to another Windows PC Use the in-game export workflow, then manage the exported file at the chosen destination.
Android folder copy Backing up or copying an Android world stored as External USB file transfer/MTP and access to the documented Minecraft folder.
Realms upload and download Moving a world between supported Bedrock devices, including an Android world in Application storage An active trial or paid subscription and the upload/download process; the downloaded world is a local copy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What if you play on another platform?

The official instructions cited here do not establish a direct file-export procedure for every Bedrock platform, including all consoles and iOS configurations. Do not assume the Windows export menu or Android folder path applies to your device. Check Minecraft’s platform-specific support information; Realms is the documented cross-device transfer option where available.

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