Do you want to enter the Nether dimension in Minecraft? The Nether is a dangerous but exciting world full of rare resources, new mobs, and powerful materials. But you cannot go there directly. First, you must build a Nether Portal.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make a Nether Portal in Minecraft – whether you play on Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, mobile, console, or PC. You will learn:
- What materials you need for a Nether Portal
- How to get Obsidian easily (even without a diamond pickaxe)
- How to build the portal frame (step by step)
- How to activate the portal using Flint and Steel
- What to do if your portal is not working
- Pro tips for building faster portals
Let’s begin.
1️⃣ What You Need to Build a Nether Portal
To build a standard Nether Portal, you require only two items:
| Item | Quantity | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Obsidian | 10 to 14 blocks | Mine with a diamond or netherite pickaxe, or create using lava + water |
| Flint and Steel | 1 | Craft with 1 iron ingot + 1 flint (flint from gravel) |
Pro tip: The smallest possible Nether Portal frame uses 10 Obsidian. The most common (4×5) frame uses 14 Obsidian.
2️⃣ How to Get Obsidian for Your Nether Portal (Without Diamonds)
Obsidian is the hardest block in Minecraft. You normally need a diamond pickaxe to mine it. But early in the game, you may not have diamonds. Here are two ways to get Obsidian without mining:
Method 1: The Lava + Water Trick (Best for Beginners)
- Find a lava pool (common underground or in caves).
- Carry a water bucket (craft with 3 iron ingots).
- Place water next to the lava source. The water will turn the lava into Obsidian.
- Mine the Obsidian? Wait – you still need a diamond pickaxe to collect it. But you can use this method to create the portal without mining if you build the frame using a mold.
Alternate method (No diamond needed):
- Create a portal mold using dirt or cobblestone in the shape of a portal.
- Pour lava inside the mold, then pour water to turn lava into Obsidian.
- Remove the mold – your portal frame is ready. No pickaxe required!
Method 2: Find Obsidian in Village Chests
Villages in the toolsmith house sometimes have Obsidian in their chests. It’s rare but possible.
Method 3: Trade with Piglins (Nether)
This is for later – you need to reach Nether first. So not helpful for the first portal.
3️⃣ Step-by-Step: How to Make a Nether Portal (Complete)
Step 1 – Gather 14 Obsidian Blocks
If you have a diamond pickaxe, mine 14 Obsidian blocks from a lava pool. If not, use the “mold method” above.
Step 2 – Build the Portal Frame
The portal frame must be a rectangle (not square). Minimum size: 4 blocks wide x 5 blocks tall (inside hollow).
How to place Obsidian:
- Place 4 Obsidian on the ground in a row (base).
- Place 4 Obsidian on each side vertically (left and right walls).
- Place 4 Obsidian across the top row (ceiling).
Wait – that’s 4+4+4+? Let me clarify:
For a 4×5 portal (most common):
- Bottom row: 4 Obsidian
- Top row: 4 Obsidian
- Left column: 3 Obsidian (excluding bottom and top which are already counted) – actually better to think:
Actual placement:
Stand facing where you want the portal.
- Bottom: 4 blocks
- Left side: 3 blocks (from bottom to top, but bottom & top already placed, so add 3 in between) – no, let’s simplify.
Correct counting for 4×5 frame (inner opening is 4 wide, 5 tall):
- Bottom row: 4 Obsidian
- Top row: 4 Obsidian
- Left column: 3 Obsidian (between bottom and top)
- Right column: 3 Obsidian (between bottom and top)
Total = 4+4+3+3 = 14 Obsidian
Visual guide:
O O O O (top)
O O
O O
O O
O O O O (bottom)
(O = Obsidian, empty space inside = 4×5 area)
Step 3 – Activate the Portal with Flint and Steel
Take your Flint and Steel and right-click (or tap) on the inside bottom Obsidian block of the frame. The portal should ignite with purple swirling particles.
No Flint and Steel? Here are alternatives:
- Use a fire charge (craft with blaze powder + coal + gunpowder)
- Use ghast fireball (let a ghast shoot the frame – very dangerous)
- Use lava and flammable blocks (place wood next to frame, light it with lava, fire spreads to portal – tricky)
4️⃣ Common Problems – Nether Portal Not Working?
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Portal doesn’t ignite | Make sure you are clicking on the inside of the frame, not outside. |
| Obsidian disappears | You may have built the frame wrong. Re-check shape – must be rectangle (not square), minimum 4×5 inside. |
| Portal lights but you can’t enter | Wait 2 seconds; sometimes lag. Walk into purple area. |
| Portal appears but immediately breaks | You built it too close to existing nether portals or in a protected area (spawn chunks). Move it 16 blocks away. |
| In Bedrock Edition, portal is grey/not lit | Make sure you have enough space around (3 blocks air above portal, 2 blocks on sides). |
5️⃣ Nether Portal Size Options (Beyond Minimum)
You can build larger portals, but the shape must always be rectangular.
| Inner Size | Obsidian Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4×5 (min) | 14 | Most efficient |
| 4×6 | 16 | Slightly taller |
| 5×5 (square?) Not allowed – must be rectangle. Actually 5×6 works | 18 | Wide portal |
| 23×23 (max in Bedrock) | 100+ | Huge decoration |
Important: The maximum portal size is limited by world height, but practical limit for survival is about 20×20. Bedrock Edition allows up to 23×23 in each dimension.
6️⃣ How to Make a Nether Portal in Different Editions
Minecraft Java Edition
- Build frame, light with Flint and Steel.
- Works with any mods.
- Portal linking uses precise coordinate math (divide overworld coordinates by 8).
Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows, Console, Mobile)
- Same building steps.
- Portal linking sometimes buggy – build portals at least 128 blocks apart in Nether to avoid mixing.
- You can use “Obsidian” underwater? No, but you can build portal underwater – just need air pocket.
Minecraft on Mobile (Pocket Edition)
- Tap on the frame with Flint and Steel in hand.
- You can also use “Fire Charge” by tapping.
7️⃣ Pro Tips for Faster Nether Portal Building
Tip 1: Use the “Bucket Mold” Trick (No Diamond Needed)
- Build a mold of dirt in the portal shape (4×5 inner empty).
- Pour lava into the empty space (one bucket per block? No – pour lava on top and let it flow down into the shape).
- Quickly pour water over the lava – all turns to Obsidian.
- Remove dirt mold. Done!
Tip 2: Carry Extra Obsidian
Always keep 10 extra Obsidian in your inventory. You’ll need it for a portal back to the Overworld from the Nether.
Tip 3: Light the Portal from Inside the Nether
When you first arrive in the Nether, immediately build a small shelter around the portal. Ghasts can destroy portals with fireballs. Protect your way home.
8️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (Long-Tail Keywords)
Q1: How many Obsidian blocks do I need for a Nether Portal?
You need at least 10 blocks for a 4×5 frame? Wait – earlier we said 14. Correction:
Minimum Obsidian for a working portal: 10 Obsidian (if you make a 4×4 frame? No, 4×4 is square and won’t work. The smallest rectangle is 4×5 which needs 14. But you can use corners? Actually you can omit corners. Some designs use only 10 Obsidian by leaving out the four corners.
Correct answer: The absolute minimum using corner-less design: bottom row 3 blocks, top row 3 blocks, left column 2, right column 2 = 10. But this looks weird and may not work in all versions. Safest is 14.
For absolute beginners: Build with 14 Obsidian – it’s guaranteed to work in both Java and Bedrock.
Q2: Can I make a Nether Portal without a diamond pickaxe?
Yes, use the “mold method” above to create Obsidian blocks without mining them.
Q3: How to light a Nether Portal without Flint and Steel?
Use a fire charge, or place wood next to the frame and set it on fire with lava.
Q4: Why is my Nether Portal not working in Bedrock Edition?
Check that you have enough space around the portal (no blocks touching the purple area). Also, make sure the portal is not in a protected spawn chunk.
Q5: Can pigs/zombies go through the Nether Portal?
Yes, any mob can go through. But you cannot bring animals back unless you lure them.
Q6: How far apart should Nether Portals be in the Overworld for different locations?
Portals link based on coordinates. Overworld coordinates divided by 8 = Nether coordinates. Build portals at least 128 blocks apart in the Overworld to connect to different Nether locations.
✅ Final Summary – Steps to Make a Nether Portal
- Gather 14 Obsidian (mine with diamond pickaxe or use the water-lava mold).
- Build a 4×5 rectangle frame (4 wide, 5 tall, hollow inside).
- Activate using Flint and Steel (right-click inside bottom block).
- Step in and wait 3 seconds – you’ll arrive in the Nether.
- Protect your portal in the Nether with cobblestone (ghasts can’t blow up cobblestone).
📣 Your Turn
Now you know exactly how to build a Nether Portal in Minecraft. Go ahead and try it. If this guide helped you, please share it with your friends who are new to Minecraft.