Switching from Creative to Survival in Minecraft Pocket Edition

You cannot change the game mode of an existing world in Minecraft Pocket Edition (Bedrock Edition) after creation. The mode is baked into the world file.

Workarounds

1. Create a New World (Recommended):
   • Select Create New → Create New World.
   • Set Game Mode: Survival.
   • Copy coordinates/builds manually or use structure blocks (if enabled) to transfer builds.
2. Use “Copy World” + External Tools (Advanced):
   • Copy the world in-game (makes a duplicate).
   • Use a third-party tool like MCC Toolchest PE (Windows) or Universal Minecraft Editor to open the copied world’s level.dat and change GameType from 1 (Creative) to 0 (Survival).
   • Risk: Can corrupt the world. Backup first!
3. Commands (Cheats Required):
   • If Cheats were enabled on world creation: /gamemode survival (or /gamemode 0) works per player, but the world default remains Creative for new players.
   • If Cheats were off, you cannot enable them without external tools (see #2).
4. Realms / Dedicated Server: Upload world to a Realm or server; server properties can force gamemode, but it’s per-session.

Key Differences to Prepare For

• Health, Hunger, Oxygen bars appear.
• Mobs spawn and attack.
• Resources must be gathered; no creative inventory.
• Fall damage, drowning, lava are lethal.
• Achievements unlock in Survival (not Creative).

Best Practice: Start a new Survival world. Use Creative only for testing builds or redstone.