How to Fly with Elytra in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Equip the Elytra in your chestplate slot, jump off a height and press jump again mid-air to deploy the wings. Pitch down to gain speed and up to trade speed for height, and use firework rockets while gliding to boost. Repair with phantom membranes or Mending - the wings last 432 seconds of flight (about 7 minutes) per durability bar.

What you need

Elytra (End Ship item frame)
Firework rockets: 3 paper + 3 gunpowder each, no star
Phantom membranes for repairs (or Mending)
Optional: Slow Falling potions while learning

Step by step

Get an Elytra from an End Ship (see the End city guide) and equip it in the chestplate slot. You lose your chest armor, so plan around that.
Deploy: jump from at least 4 blocks up and press jump again while falling. The wings open and you start gliding.
Steer by looking: pitch down to dive and build speed, pitch up to climb and bleed speed. Speed is everything - a fast dive converts into a long, high climb.
Boost with fireworks: hold firework rockets and right-click while gliding. Each rocket adds a strong push. Use rockets WITHOUT a firework star - crafted from 3 paper + 1-3 gunpowder only - because starred rockets explode in your face.
Land by pitching up gently to stall just above the ground, or flare into water. Horizontal speed at ground level is what kills you, and elytra damage is fall damage, so Slow Falling potions make practice painless.
Maintain the wings: at 0 durability they become Broken Elytra and stop working. Repair with phantom membranes at an anvil, or enchant with Mending + Unbreaking III so XP keeps them alive forever.

Java vs Bedrock

Gliding, pitch control and firework boosting work the same on Java and Bedrock. On Bedrock, momentum is a little more forgiving in climbs and you can also deploy the wings by double-tapping jump in creative-style flight transitions; the rocket-boost mechanic is identical. Repair rules (phantom membranes, Mending, anvil) match on both.

Versions: Elytra flight has been stable since 1.11.1 added firework boosting. Current as of 26.3.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my fireworks hurt me when I boost?

Your rockets have a firework star in them. Craft boost rockets from paper and gunpowder only - never add a star. Three gunpowder per rocket gives the longest boost.

How do you take off from flat ground?

Jump, deploy at the top of the hop and fire a rocket immediately - you need a 2-block pillar, a small ledge or a Riptide trident in rain for a clean flat-ground launch.

Can Elytra break permanently?

No. At 0 durability they turn into Broken Elytra but stay in your inventory; repair them at an anvil with phantom membranes or combine two worn pairs.