Amethyst Launcher Download | Minecraft Java Launcher for Android
Amethyst Launcher lets you run Minecraft: Java Edition on Android and iOS devices without needing a traditional PC. It is an open-source mobile launcher based on the PojavLauncher project and is designed to handle Minecraft versions, Java runtimes, mods, controls, and other settings directly on mobile.
The project supports a broad range of Minecraft Java versions and includes features such as Forge, Fabric, Quilt, customizable touch controls, keyboard and mouse support, game controllers, and multiple Java runtimes.
If you’re looking for an Amethyst Launcher download, use the project’s official release sources rather than random APK websites.
What Is Amethyst Launcher?
Amethyst Launcher is an open-source launcher for Minecraft: Java Edition on mobile devices.
The Android project is based on the PojavLauncher codebase, while AngelAuraMC also maintains a separate iOS/iPadOS project. The developers describe Amethyst as a launcher capable of running a wide range of Minecraft Java versions, including older releases and newer snapshots.
This is important because Amethyst is not Minecraft itself. It provides the environment needed to launch Java Edition on supported mobile hardware. You still need legitimate access to Minecraft Java Edition for normal account-based gameplay.
Is Amethyst Launcher the Successor to PojavLauncher?
Amethyst continues the mobile Java Edition launcher work based on the PojavLauncher codebase.
The official Android repository is explicitly forked from PojavLauncher and describes Amethyst as a Minecraft Java Edition launcher based on Boardwalk and PojavLauncher.
For former PojavLauncher users, this makes Amethyst particularly relevant because it continues development around mobile Java Edition rather than requiring users to return to a traditional PC launcher.
However, don’t assume that every old PojavLauncher configuration or mod will work perfectly. Minecraft versions, Java versions, graphics backends, mods, and device hardware can all affect compatibility.
Amethyst Launcher Features
Amethyst is more than a basic shortcut for starting Minecraft. Its feature set is aimed at giving mobile players control over different Java Edition environments.
Play Minecraft Java Edition on Mobile
The primary purpose of Amethyst is to launch Minecraft: Java Edition on Android and iOS/iPadOS.
The project supports a large range of Minecraft releases, from older versions through newer snapshots. This gives players more flexibility than a launcher designed around only one Minecraft version. You can therefore use different versions for different worlds, servers, mods, or gameplay preferences.
Support for Minecraft Mod Loaders
Mod support is one of Amethyst’s major advantages. The official project documents support for popular modding platforms including:
- Fabric
- Forge
- Quilt
- OptiFine
- NeoForge in current Android development
The exact compatibility can depend on the Minecraft version, mod loader version, device, and the individual mod. This means you should not assume that every PC mod automatically works on mobile.
Multiple Java Runtimes
Different Minecraft versions require different Java environments.
Amethyst’s Android project includes OpenJDK support for multiple Java versions, including Java 8, Java 17, and Java 21, with the project continuing to develop its Java support.
This is particularly useful when switching between older Minecraft releases and newer versions. If one Minecraft version refuses to launch, checking the Java runtime is one of the things worth investigating.
Customizable Touch Controls
Playing Java Edition on a touchscreen requires a different control system from playing on a desktop.
Amethyst provides customizable on-screen controls so you can adjust the controls to suit your preferred layout.
The project has also worked on a rewritten controls and input system, while newer releases have included changes to default controls and input handling. For serious gameplay, however, many players may still prefer physical controls.
Keyboard and Mouse Support
Amethyst supports external keyboard and mouse input on compatible devices.
This can make Java Edition feel considerably closer to the desktop experience, especially for building, inventory management, commands, and PvP. The Android project also lists improvements to physical input handling in its recent releases.
Controller Support
If you prefer playing Minecraft with a gamepad, Amethyst also supports compatible controllers.
The project added SDL support to improve controller identification and compatibility with controller-oriented mods. Controller compatibility can still vary depending on your device and the game version you’re running.
Mod Installation and Modpack Support
Amethyst includes tools for working with Minecraft mods and modded installations.
The stable release introduced support for importing MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP modpacks, making it easier to bring supported modpacks into the launcher.
For individual mods, always verify:
- Minecraft version
- Mod loader
- Java version
- Required dependencies
- Device compatibility
Installing a PC mod into the wrong Minecraft environment is a common reason for crashes.
Open-Source Development
Amethyst is an open-source project released under the GNU LGPLv3 license.
Its source code is publicly available, allowing developers and technically minded users to inspect the project, report issues, contribute changes, and follow development.
That doesn’t automatically mean every third-party APK is trustworthy, though. For safety, download builds from the project’s official release sources whenever possible.
Amethyst Launcher Supported Minecraft Versions
One of Amethyst’s strongest features is its broad version compatibility.
The official Android repository states that the launcher can run almost all available Minecraft versions, ranging from very early versions through newer snapshots, including Combat Test versions.
The project lists support for environments including:
| Minecraft Version Type | Support |
|---|---|
| Older Minecraft releases | Yes |
| Alpha/Beta-era versions | Yes |
| Official releases | Yes |
| Newer releases | Yes |
| Snapshots | Yes |
| Combat Test versions | Yes |
Compatibility is not identical across every release.
Older versions may use different Java requirements, while newer versions can introduce changes to rendering or input systems.
Amethyst Launcher Mod Loader Support
Amethyst is particularly useful for players who want a modded Minecraft Java experience on mobile.
| Mod Loader | Availability |
| Fabric | Supported |
| Forge | Supported |
| Quilt | Supported |
| OptiFine | Supported |
| NeoForge | Supported in current Android development |
The official iOS project also lists Forge, Fabric, OptiFine, and Quilt support.
Why mod compatibility can be complicated
A launcher supporting a mod loader does not guarantee that every mod made for that loader will work.
A mod may depend on:
- A specific Minecraft version
- A specific Java version
- Another library or dependency
- Particular graphics features
- A minimum amount of RAM
- A specific loader version
So if a mod crashes, don’t immediately assume Amethyst is broken.
Amethyst Launcher System Requirements
There isn’t one universal RAM requirement that guarantees good Minecraft Java performance because Minecraft performance varies considerably by version, mods, render distance, shaders, and device hardware.
As a practical starting point:
| Device | Practical Recommendation |
| Android | Recent Android device with adequate RAM |
| RAM | 4 GB or more is a reasonable starting point |
| Storage | Keep several GB free for Minecraft, Java files, mods and worlds |
| CPU | Modern multi-core processor recommended |
| GPU | Device with good OpenGL/Vulkan support preferred |
| Internet | Required for downloading game files, versions and account authentication |
For heavily modded Minecraft, shaders, or large modpacks, more RAM and processing power may be necessary.
Don’t allocate all of your phone’s RAM to Minecraft. Your operating system and other apps still need memory.
How to Download Amethyst Launcher APK on Android
The safest approach is to obtain the APK from the project’s official release page.
Step 1: Open the official releases page
Visit the AngelAuraMC Amethyst Android releases page.
Official Amethyst Android Releases
Step 2: Choose the latest release
Look for the newest release listed by the developers.
At the time of writing, the release page identifies version 1.1.6 as the latest release.
Step 3: Download the release APK
For a normal installation, choose Amethyst.apk rather than the debug build.
The developers specifically distinguish the normal release APK from Amethyst-Debug.apk.
Step 4: Wait for the download
Once the APK has downloaded, open your device’s Downloads folder or notification.
How to Install Amethyst Launcher APK on Android
Android may block APK installation from sources that aren’t your normal app store.
The exact menu names can differ between Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other Android devices.
Installation steps
- Download the official Amethyst APK.
- Open your Android Settings.
- Find the option for Install unknown apps.
- Select the browser or file manager you used to download the APK.
- Allow installation from that source.
- Return to the downloaded APK.
- Tap the APK.
- Select Install.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
- Open Amethyst Launcher.
If Android warns you about installing an APK, verify that you downloaded it from the correct official release source before proceeding.
Amethyst Launcher Pros and Cons
Pros
- Runs Minecraft Java Edition on supported mobile devices
- Open-source project
- Based on the PojavLauncher codebase
- Supports a broad range of Minecraft versions
- Supports popular mod loaders
- Multiple Java runtime options
- Customizable touch controls
- Keyboard and mouse support
- Controller support
- Mod and modpack functionality
- Active development
- Public source code and issue tracking
Cons
- Performance depends heavily on your device
- Some Minecraft versions may have compatibility issues
- Large modpacks can require substantial resources
- Advanced settings may confuse beginners
- Third-party APK installation requires extra Android permissions
- Graphics compatibility can vary between devices
- New releases can still contain bugs
Who Should Use Amethyst Launcher?
Amethyst is worth considering if you:
- Want Minecraft Java Edition on Android.
- Previously used PojavLauncher.
- Want access to different Minecraft Java versions.
- Need mod-loader support on mobile.
- Want customizable touchscreen controls.
- Prefer keyboard, mouse, or controller input.
- Like open-source software.
- Want to experiment with modpacks on a mobile device.
It may not be ideal if your phone has very limited hardware or if you expect the exact performance of a gaming PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amethyst Launcher?
Amethyst Launcher is an open-source Minecraft Java Edition launcher designed for Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices. It is based on the PojavLauncher and Boardwalk projects.
Is Amethyst Launcher free?
Yes. Amethyst is open source and distributed under the GNU LGPLv3 license.
Is Amethyst Launcher the replacement for PojavLauncher?
Amethyst is a newer project based on the PojavLauncher codebase and continues development of mobile Minecraft Java functionality.
Can I play Minecraft Java Edition on Android?
Yes. Amethyst is specifically designed to launch Minecraft Java Edition on Android devices.
Does Amethyst support iPhone and iPad?
Yes. AngelAuraMC maintains a separate iOS/iPadOS project. Its documentation lists iOS 14.0 and later among its requirements.
Does Amethyst support mods?
Yes. The project supports popular modding platforms including Fabric, Forge, Quilt and OptiFine, with current Android development also including NeoForge support.
Does Amethyst support controllers?
Yes. Controller support is available, although compatibility can vary depending on the device and Minecraft configuration.
Can I use a keyboard and mouse?
Yes. Amethyst supports keyboard and mouse input on compatible devices.
What Java versions does Amethyst support?
The Android project documents OpenJDK 8, OpenJDK 17, and OpenJDK 21 mobile ports.
Can I install modpacks?
Yes. The stable Android release added MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP import support.
Why does Minecraft crash after installing a mod?
The most common causes are an incompatible Minecraft version, wrong mod loader, missing dependency, incompatible Java runtime, or insufficient device resources.
Final Thoughts
Amethyst Launcher is a serious option for playing Minecraft: Java Edition on mobile, especially for users who want more control than a basic mobile launcher provides. Its biggest strengths are its broad Minecraft version support, mod-loader compatibility, multiple Java runtimes, customizable controls, controller and keyboard support, and open-source development.
But don’t expect identical performance to a gaming PC. Minecraft Java is demanding, and the experience depends heavily on your phone or tablet, Minecraft version, mods, renderer, and settings. If you’re a former PojavLauncher user or simply want to experiment with Minecraft Java on Android or iOS, Amethyst is worth trying. For the safest download, stick to the project’s official release sources rather than modified APK websites.