To import a Minecraft World, follow the current owner-supported path below in order. Start with the least destructive checks, preserve account and save data, and verify the result before moving to repair, reinstallation, or support.
1
Confirm the Minecraft edition and backup
Identify whether the world belongs to Bedrock or Java Edition; their files are not interchangeable. Back up the existing world and use Minecraft Help's current world and multiplayer guidance before moving any save between devices.
For Bedrock, use a trusted .mcworld file exported from Minecraft. For Java, use the complete world folder containing level.dat and its region folder. Do not import random executable installers or a folder missing its world metadata.
3
Close Minecraft completely
Save and quit the current world, close Minecraft and the Launcher, and wait for cloud synchronization to finish. Copying a world while it is open can create an incomplete or conflicting save.
4
Import a Bedrock .mcworld file
On a supported device, open the .mcworld file with Minecraft and wait for the Import Started and Successfully Imported messages. Then choose Play > Worlds and locate the imported copy by its world name.
5
Import a Java world folder
On Java Edition, open the game directory from the Launcher's installation settings or operating-system folder, then place the complete world folder inside saves. Keep it as one folder rather than nesting it inside another folder with the same name.
6
Open a copy and verify it
Launch the matching edition, open the imported world, and check the spawn point, inventory, dimensions, resource packs, and version warning. Never upgrade the only copy of an older world; test a duplicate first.
7
Resolve version or content problems
If the world is absent, recheck its edition, folder nesting, and level.dat. Missing modded blocks or add-ons require the same supported content and version used by the source world. Restore the backup instead of repeatedly converting the original.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
If the labels differ, update the app or launcher and compare the current Minecraft Help guidance before continuing; do not guess at hidden files, registry values, ports, account links, or security controls.
If the problem survives a clean supported test, preserve the exact error, timestamp, platform, account region, and completed steps for the product owner's support team instead of repeating destructive resets.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
