Feel Minecraft has become boring? You're probably playing the vanilla game, with no modifications (mods) or add-ons. While Minecraft alone is a great experience, you'll find that Minecraft mods enhance the game considerably.

But how do you install Minecraft mods and where can you find them?

What Are Minecraft Mods and Where Can They Be Used?

Before exploring how to install a Minecraft mod, it's important understand what mods are and where they can be used.

Minecraft mods are software scripts that can be installed on a local installation of the game. Mods make superficial changes to Minecraft, such as adding new landscapes or structures, changing the skins of in-game characters. Mods can also be used to change how the game works, adjusting the rules so Minecraft feels different.

New mods make Minecraft amazing

These changes can potentially make Minecraft into a radically different game. For example, the Raspberry Pi computer kit from Piper has a special version of Minecraft included. This is a multi-level adventure game which presents electronics and programming challenges and is basically a mod for Minecraft.

(Minecraft server mods are also available, but they can only be installed on a server you administer.)

Mods vs Add-ons

Other enhancements to Minecraft are available: add-ons. These are different to Minecraft mods, however. Rather than individual (or a small group of) changes being made to the game, add-on packs are curated collections of modifications and improvements.

Add-ons are useful as mods aren't available for some platforms.

Minecraft mods can be used on the Windows, Linux, and macOS versions of the game. Some mods are also available on Xbox One. Mobile versions of Minecraft also accept mods.

Minecraft add-ons are available for PlayStation 4 and 5 and the Nintendo Switch. These can be purchased and downloaded from the PlayStation Store or Nintendo eShop. You will of course need to have Minecraft already installed on your console for this to work.

Only Use Minecraft Mods from a Trusted Source

Before you go ahead and install Minecraft mods, however, be certain that you are downloading from a trusted source.

The "moddability" of the game means that some unscrupulous developers have issued mods with security issues that they plan to exploit. Perhaps worse, some mods are developed with vulnerabilities accidentally included.

To avoid security and privacy issues, rely on Minecraft mods downloaded from safe, trusted locations.

You can find Minecraft mods at

These mods have all been tried, tested, and feedback provided by the modding community, so can be considered reliable. If you're interested in learning more about creating mods, these sites are all worth joining.

When downloading mods it's a good idea to save them to a dedicated folder on your computer.

How to Install Minecraft Mods on a PC

Installing Minecraft mods on a desktop computer is straightforward. All you need to do is run some companion software that will apply the Minecraft mod to the main game.

Below are steps on how to install and use Minecraft mods on any desktop computer running Minecraft Java Edition. This covers Minecraft on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The guide assumes you already have Minecraft installed on your computer; the game should not be running.

Whichever desktop operating system you're using, installing a Minecraft mod requires a special loading tool. The most popular such mod loader is Minecraft Forge.

Install Minecraft Forge to manage mods

Download: Minecraft Forge (Free)

Be sure to download from the Stable list a Forge version that matches your Minecraft version.

Next, run downloaded JAR file to install Forge. Choose Install client then OK.

Wait for Forge to install, then run Minecraft. Click the arrow to expand the profile menu next to the Play button. If installing Forge has worked, you'll see it in this list. Ensure forge is selected before you click Play.

A screenshot of the Minecraft home screen after Forge

To install a mod that you have downloaded, in the main Minecraft window click Mods then Open mods folder.

In the folder, select the mod and take note of its description. If it is the Minecraft mod you're looking for, click Done. You can now enjoy the modded Minecraft experience.

Read More: Manage Minecraft Mods With Forge

How to Download Minecraft Mods on Xbox

If you want to use a mod in Minecraft on the Xbox One and later, things are a bit different.

To get started you'll need to ensure you have a few Xbox apps installed:

  • Microsoft Edge
  • File Downloader
  • Transfer

Using Microsoft Edge, you find a Minecraft mod that is suitable for Windows 10 (and therefore the Xbox One). This is then downloaded, and its contents imported into the Minecraft folder on your Xbox One.

The idea is straightforward, but it can be a bit fiddly. It's a good idea to follow this video tutorial on how to use mods in Minecraft on Xbox One.

If this seems too fiddly, you can still find Skin Packs, Worlds, Texture Packs, or Mashups in the Minecraft Marketplace. These add-ons are purchased using Minecoins.

How to Add Mods to Minecraft on Your Phone or Tablet

If you're playing Minecraft on a phone or tablet, installing mods and add-ons is slightly different

Install Minecraft Mods on Android

To get mods on Minecraft for Android you need a tool like Block Master for Minecraft PE.

Running on a phone or tablet with Minecraft installed, this app gives you 1000 builds, new character skins, a bunch of new maps, and a great selection of add-on accessories.

To use Block Master for Minecraft PE, simply open the app and select the modification you want to use. Minecraft will open automatically with the new map or build or skin applied.

Install Minecraft Mods and Add-ons on iPhone

Wondering how to add mods to Minecraft on your iPhone or iPad?

Like Minecraft on Android, iOS users must use a companion app to import maps, textures, skins, and more into the game.

The best option is probably Master AddOns for Minecraft PE.

It features a huge selection of tested and updated add-ons. There's also an editor to tweak and configure add-ons and you can even make your own basic mods with the tool.

Maximize Minecraft With Mods

Minecraft alone is immense fun. Multiplayer, customizable, and different every time, you might think it unimaginable for anyone to get bored with the seemingly infinite possibilities of the default game.

But if you're ever stuck for some entertainment in Minecraft or simply want to explore its potential more, there is an answer. That's where mods and add-ons come in – they're easy to find, simple to install, and fun to use.