😿Why can't I use BedrockConnect with the Switch on Android?

Answer:

To connect the Nintendo Switch using BedrockConnect, a special internet service (DNS server) is required. This service usually uses specific "entry points" (ports) on your device, specifically ports 53 or 853. On standard, unmodified (non-rooted) Android devices, however, these entry points are blocked, preventing apps from using them. This blockage is a security measure to protect your device and ensure that no apps have access to critical parts of your phone or tablet that could cause issues. Since BedrockConnect needs these specific ports to work with the Switch, it can’t be used on a typical Android device.

Detailed Answer:

To connect the Nintendo Switch using BedrockConnect, it is necessary to use a DNS server, which typically operates on ports 53 or 853. On Android devices, ports below 1024 are generally blocked for non-rooted devices, meaning these essential DNS ports cannot be utilized effectively. This restriction on lower-numbered ports is a standard security measure in many operating systems, including Android, to prevent unauthorized or harmful activities by non-privileged users or applications. As a result, without root access, which grants higher permissions on the device, BedrockConnect cannot configure the necessary DNS settings on these ports to facilitate the connection with the Nintendo Switch.

This limitation is rooted in the Unix-based permissions model, which Android inherits as a Linux-based system. The model assigns ports below 1024 as privileged to prevent non-system applications from engaging in certain network activities that could pose security risks. Therefore, without elevated privileges (root access), an app on Android cannot modify network settings on these lower ports, which is required for BedrockConnect to operate with the Nintendo Switch.