How to find your Minecraft seed

Updated: 30 October 2026

Java: the /seed command

/seed

Type it in chat and the game shows something like Seed: [-1234567890]. Click the number to copy it. In single player it works even when cheats are off.

Find the seed of a server

• As an operator: run /seed in game. Servers need operator level 2.
• In the server console: type seed without the slash.
• level-seed in server.properties: this is the value given when the world was created. A blank value does not mean there is no seed; a random one was picked and saved with the world. /seed is the reliable way.

Bedrock: check the settings

Bedrock has no /seed command. Open the world settings (Settings from the pause menu, then Game) and the seed is listed there. Realms and other people's servers may hide it.

Create a world from a seed

• Java: in Create New World, open the More (or World) tab and enter the seed.
• Bedrock: in Create New, enter it in the seed field of the advanced settings.
• Server: set level-seed in server.properties before the world is generated. It does nothing for an existing world.

Text works too. Java turns text into a number with a fixed formula, so the same text always gives the same world.

Same seed, different world?

• Different version: updates that change world generation give different terrain for the same seed. 1.18 changed it the most.
• Java vs Bedrock: since 1.18 biomes and terrain mostly match, but villages, strongholds and other structures are in different places.
• World type: superflat, amplified and other types generate differently.

What to do with your seed

Enter the seed and version in the seed map to see villages, strongholds and ancient cities on a map. To find the nearest structure in game, /locate also works.

Common problems

• "Unknown command": you are on Bedrock. Check the settings screen.
• "You do not have permission" on a server: you need operator level 2. Ask an admin to check from the console.
• The seed map does not match: check the version you picked. Some structures do not generate on unsuitable terrain.

Common questions

• Is it safe to share my seed? For single player, yes. On public servers many admins keep it private, because the seed reveals where ores and structures are.
• Can I change the seed later? No. Create a new world with the new seed.
• Does the same seed copy my builds? No. Only the generated terrain and structures match.

Check your command

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