How to Download Shaders for Minecraft PE

Last Updated: September 23, 2022

This wikiHow teaches you how to download, install, and activate shaders in Minecraft PE. You can easily download shaders in Minecraft on an Android using a free add-on manager called Addons for Minecraft. If you're using a PC, iPhone, or iPad, you can browse for and download shader packs in the .mcpack format, which you can then install and activate in Minecraft. Installing shaders is pretty simple most of the time, but if you're using an iPhone or iPad, you'll want to use a third-party app called Documents to avoid potential installation errors.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Android

1
Install the Addons for Minecraft app. This is a popular and highly-rated app that acts as a one-stop shop for Minecraft PE add-ons—including shaders. There are several apps that have names similar to this one, so here's how you can make sure you get the right app:
- Open the Play Store on your Android.
- Search for "Addons for Minecraft."
- Tap the app that has a pixelated face icon and the developer name "Kayen Works." You can also go to this link in your web browser, which should take you to the correct page: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kayenworks.mcpeaddons&hl=en_US&gl=US
- Click Install.
2
Open Addons for Minecraft. You can tap Open if you're still in the Play Store, or tap the new Addons icon in your app list.

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3
Tap Search. It's the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen.
4
Type shaders and tap the magnifying glass to search. This brings up a list of shaders you can download.
5
Tap a shader pack to learn more about it. This will show you some previews of the shaders in action, display the file size, and give you the option to check out reviews from other players.
- The version numbers tell you which versions of Minecraft PE the shaders work on. Make sure to choose a shader pack that works with your version.
6
Tap the Download link. Many shader packs only have one download link, but some offer alternatives, such as for high and low resolutions.
7
Tap Install. This installs the shader pack in Minecraft.
8
Tap Open when the installation is complete. This opens Minecraft.
9
Activate the pack in your settings. To do this:
- Tap Settings on the Minecraft intro screen.
- Select Global Resources.
- Select the shader pack and tap Activate.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

iPhone/iPad

1
Install Documents by Readdle. Using this app to install your shaders ensures that the shaders install without giving you any errors. You can get this app from the App Store:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap Search.
- Type documents and tap search.
- Tap Documents: Files, PDF, Browser in the search results. The app developer is listed as "Readdle, Inc."
- Tap Install.
2
Set up Documents by Readdle. If you're still in the App Store, tap Open to launch it. Otherwise, tap the new Documents icon in your app list. Then follow these steps:
- Tap OK to give Documents access to your files. This is required.
- Tap Next multiple times through the welcome screens. If you see any ads, just tap the X at the top of the screen to close them. Once you finish the welcome screens, you'll see the My Files menu.
- At this point you can return to your home screen.
3
Go to https://mcpedl.com in Safari. MCPEDL is a well-known site that hosts downloads for Minecraft PE, including shaders.
- There are a variety of other websites that allow you to download shaders—for alternatives, just search google for "mcpack shaders" or "shaders Minecraft PE."
4
Search for a shader pack to download. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner, type "shaders," and then tap the magnifying glass to search. A list of downloadable shader packs will appear.
5
Tap a shader pack to learn more about it. This is where you can find screenshots of the shader in action, as well as plenty of information about what's in the pack.
- The version numbers at the bottom show you which versions of Minecraft PE the shaders work on. Make sure to choose a shader pack that works with your version.
6
Tap the Download link. This will take you to another website on which you can download the shaders.
- You may have to click a link to continue or complete a CAPTCHA, depending on the download site.
7
Tap the new download link. The location of the link will vary by download site. Once you tap the link, you'll be asked if you want to download a file that ends with .mcpack to your phone or tablet. Tap Download to confirm, if so, to download the file.
8
Tap the arrow at the top-right corner. This displays your downloaded files.
9
Tap the shader file. This opens the file, although since it's a data file, you won't be able to see its contents.
10
Tap the sharing icon. It's at the top-right corner.
11
Tap Documents on the list of apps and then quickly tap Save. The Save option appears for just a few seconds at the bottom-right corner after selecting Documents. Make sure you don't miss it. This will open the" Copy to" menu.
- If you miss this step, return to Safari's downloads section and re-share the file to Documents.
12
Select Documents – iCloud and tap Copy. This copies the file to Documents by Readdle.
13
Tap Show at the bottom-right corner. This will take you to the Documents – iCloud folder.
- If you miss this short-lived option, open the Documents app on your iPhone or iPad, and then tap the Documents – iCloud folder.
14
Tap the name of the shader pack. You'll see a message that says "Cannot open (pack name). Use another app to work with this file."
15
Tap Open in another app. A list of apps will expand.
16
Tap Minecraft in the app list. This opens the shaders in Minecraft and installs them.
17
Activate the pack in your settings. To do this:
- Tap Settings on the Minecraft intro screen.
- Select Global Resources.
- Select the shader pack and tap Activate.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Windows 10

1
Go to https://mcpedl.com/ in a web browser. This is just one of many websites that supply free Minecraft PE shader packs. You can search for others if you'd like.
2
Search for a shader pack to download. If you're using MCPEDL, click the magnifying glass at the top-right corner, type "shaders" into the search bar, and then press Enter. You can also hover your mouse cursor over the Texture Packs menu and select Shaders if you'd rather browse all posts tagged with the "Shaders" tag.
3
Click a shader pack to learn more about it. This will show you some previews of the shaders in action, display the file size, and give you the option to check out reviews from other players.
- The version numbers tell you which versions of Minecraft PE the shaders work on. Make sure to choose a shader pack that works with your version.
4
Click the download link. It'll be toward the bottom of the page. This will take you to a different website on which you will install the shader pack.
- Different shader packs are available from different websites—the names of the links and the steps to download the packs will vary.
5
Click the link to download the file. Once you're on the download site, there will be another link you'll need to click to download the .mcpack file.^{[2]
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Research source} You may have to fill out a CAPTCHA or view an ad before you can download the file.
- You may have to click Save or OK to start the download.
6
Double-click the downloaded file. You'll find it in your default downloads folder, which is usually called Downloads. This will open Minecraft and start installing the shaders. Once the shaders are installed, you'll see a message that says "Successfully imported (pack name)."
7
Activate the pack in your settings. To do this:
- Click Settings on the Minecraft intro screen.
- Click Global Resources.
- Select the shader pack and click Activate.

Community Q&A

Question

How can we disable shaders in Minecraft PE?

ILikeSlugs

Community Answer

In Minecraft PE, go to the resource packs section. Click on "active" and then find the shader you're using. Click on it and select "deactivate".