Minecraft’s Beta & Preview 1.21.120.24 has just rolled out, bringing visual refinements, bug fixes, and consistency improvements for copper chests, mobs, and UI features. In this article, you’ll learn what’s new in this update, why it matters, and exactly **how to download Minecraft 1.21.120.24 APK free** (or via preview channels) on your device.
About Minecraft Preview & Beta-Versions
These preview or beta versions are experimental builds meant for testing before the final release. Players should expect minor bugs, compatibility issues, and changes. As noted by Mojang, these versions “can be unstable and may not be representative of final version quality.” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
For Windows users, the GDK rollout is being phased, so some players may remain on version 1.21.120.20 temporarily. This can affect Realms and multiplayer compatibility. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What’s New in 1.21.120.24
Block & Texture Fixes
- Diagonal glint direction on **double copper chests** now matches the single chest counterpart. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Bolts shading on single and double copper chests are now consistent. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Weathered double copper chest bottom textures now align with others. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Gameplay & Combat Fixes
- Fixed a bug where **shields took damage when mining**. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Corrected knockback issue: projectiles no longer cause knockback when blocking with a shield. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Graphics & Visual Updates
- Corrected missing body texture pixels for the **Drowned** mob. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Donkey ear coloring fixed (top of ear appearance). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Fixed missing pixels on horse armor textures (copper, iron, gold, diamond). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Adjusted color grading bug in Vibrant Visuals that inverted white balance. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Updated dye item textures (gray, light blue, green, etc.) to refine visuals. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Mobs & Behavior Adjustments
- Changed underwater light absorption rules: water now reduces light by only 1 unit per block (previously 2), which reduces Drowned spawns in shallow water. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Absorption effect now clears immediately when all golden hearts are lost. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Drowned mob arm / overlay no longer intersects with chest visuals. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
UI, Controls & General Fixes
- Marketplace search filters now support RTX / Vibrant Visuals filters. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Fixed missing mouse / input registration when window is unfocused while loading a world. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Hotkeys now allow dragging items from hotbar to empty hovered slots. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Consistent rendering for chest and saddle textures on animals (horses, llamas) to match Java edition. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Technical & API Updates
- Moved various `ContainerRules` and related classes/interfaces from beta into API v2.3.0. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Added underwater ambient sound parameters: `underwater_addition`, `underwater_loop`, and `underwater_mood` fields for biome components. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- Fixed crashes related to selecting Vibrant Visuals panel settings. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- New boolean field `alpha_masked_tint` added to material instances to support optional tinting in textures. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Why You’d Want 1.21.120.24
This update may not bring dramatic new features, but it delivers essential polish, especially for copper mechanics, shading consistency, and UI responsiveness. If your builds use copper chests, if you’re sensitive to visual glitches, or if you develop add-ons or resource packs, this version is worth enabling or testing early.
How to Download Minecraft 1.21.120.24 APK Free / Preview
Your main keyword: **download Minecraft 1.21.120.24 APK**. Below is a comprehensive, safe method to get this version on Android or via official preview channels.
Option A: Official Preview / Beta Channels (Recommended)
- On **Windows / Xbox / PlayStation / iOS**, install **Minecraft Preview** (when available) to get these builds early.
- On **Android**, join the official **Minecraft Beta** via Google Play (if your region supports it). Mojang provides instructions via their Beta signup page. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- Once enrolled, updates should arrive through regular Play Store channels, eliminating the need for manual APKs.
Option B: Download Minecraft 1.21.120.24 APK Manually (Free, for Android)
When official preview access isn’t available (region-locked or delayed rollout), you can manually install the APK. Follow this process carefully:
Step 1: Backup Your Worlds & Data
Use in-game world export or copy your world folder (commonly `/games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds`) to external storage or cloud so nothing is lost if issues arise.
Step 2: Find a Reputable APK Source
Select a trusted, well-reviewed APK repository. Look for:
- Community recommendations
- Digital signatures or checksums published
- Download counts, update frequency, and clean user interface
Step 3: Enable “Install Unknown Apps” Permission
On Android:
- Go to Settings → Apps →
→ Install unknown apps - Enable permission only temporarily for that app
Step 4: Download & Verify the APK
- Download the `minecraft-1.21.120.24.apk` file to your device.
- If available, compare provided checksums to verify integrity.
- Delete and re-download if the checksum doesn’t match.
Step 5: Install the APK
- Tap the APK file and follow install prompts.
- Pay attention to permissions — only accept what makes sense for a Minecraft game.
- Launch the game carefully; test on a new or empty world first before loading important saves.
Step 6: Enable Preview Features & Confirm Version
Once installed, sign in, and in your settings or world options, enable experimental or preview toggles (if required). Check version in the About or version display. You should see **1.21.120.24** active.
Common Issues & Solutions
- Installation fails: Uninstall any conflicting previous Minecraft version (after backing up data).
- App crashes: Clear app data, or roll back to stable build.
- Checksum mismatch or suspicious APK: Don’t install; find a safer source.
- Missing features / broken functionality: Some preview features might be disabled or not fully enabled in your region.
- Multiplayer / Realms incompatibility: Players on older preview or stable versions may not connect; use servers with matching version support.
Verify Features & Do a Test Run
After installation, confirm a few of the fixes/features from the changelog are active:
- Check copper chests shading and bolt direction consistency.
- Test shield mining / projectile behavior when blocking.
- Inspect mob textures for missing pixels (Drowned, horse armor, etc.).
- Use hotkeys to move items between hotbar and inventory.
Safety Precautions & Best Practices
Because preview builds and third-party APKs carry risk, follow these best practices:
- Always back up important data before installing experimental versions.
- Use antivirus or malware scanner after installing external APKs.
- Disable “unknown source install” after installation.
- Prefer official preview or beta access when available.
- Report bugs encountered back to Mojang via their feedback or bug tracker.
Conclusion
If you're excited to test the refined textures, gameplay fixes, and UI adjustments in **Minecraft Beta & Preview 1.21.120.24**, now you know exactly how to do it: either through official preview channels or by safely installing the APK. Just remember to backup, verify your file, and proceed with caution.
Ready to explore? Download Minecraft 1.21.120.24 APK free (or enable via preview) now and see the improvements firsthand!