Minecraft Multiplayer

6 January, 2023

It's great to play Minecraft alone, but it's so much more fun when you have friends. Fear not if you don't know how to play Minecraft with your friends. This article will help you make it easy.

There are many options for Minecraft Multiplayer. Some require an internet connection while others can be played offline.

No matter what you're into, we'll show you how to play Minecraft with your friends!

Note: Instructions have been included for Minecraft Java Edition (JE), and Minecraft Bedrock Editions (BE).

Minecraft Multiplayer on Public Servers

Java Edition

Most Java players connect to others on public servers. You can join servers for free by searching Minecraft server list on your web browser.

Although we've already covered How to Join a Minecraft server in detail, here's a quick overview:

Play Minecraft with your friends!

Bedrock Edition

Although your reach is smaller than Java Edition players, there are still public servers that you can use to play Minecraft with Bedrock Edition friends.

All set! Enjoy Minecraft multiplayer in Bedrock Edition.

Minecraft Multiplayer for Private Servers

You will need the IP address of your friend who is hosting a private server from their computer or third-party hosting service. To join, copy and paste the IP address as you would for a public server address.

You can find out how to locate an IP address on a public Minecraft server.

Minecraft Multiplayer Made Easy with Realms

Realms are compatible with both Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. However, they cannot be used by a friend who is playing on Java Edition.

Related: Minecraft Modpacks Bring Back the Magic

Realms are Minecraft's personal server. This is the easiest way for you to create a private space to build and craft with your friends.

How to create a real estate

Java Edition: You'll first need to buy a subscription for Realm (you'll find the pricing plans on Minecraft.com). To test the waters, you can activate a 30-day trial for free and cancel at any time.

After you have signed up for a subscription, open Minecraft and click Minecraft Realms. Click on the click button to create your first Realm. You can then name your Realm, and provide a brief description. Next, you will choose your world type.

You can choose between creating a new world or uploading an old world save. Or explore Realms' World templates, Adventures and Experiences.

Once you have created your Realm click on Configure Realm (the wrench icon), and then click on Players. To whitelist a friend, click Invite player. After that, enter their username and click Invite player again. Your friend will be invited to join your Realm.

Bedrock Edition: Minecraft BE may be slightly different.

How to join a Minecraft Realm

Java Edition: Open Minecraft to access Minecraft Realms if you have been invited to join your friend's Realm.

A small envelope icon is located at the top of your screen to the right where it says Minecraft Realms. This envelope holds any invites that you haven't received yet; click it to join your friend's Realm.

Bedrock Edition: Request the invite code from the Realm creator. This should look like “realms.gg/abcxyz”–we only need the characters after “realms.gg/”.

Start Minecraft and click on Play. Go to Friends, then click Join Realm. Click Join and enter the invite code that you were given by the Realm owner. Now you're done!

How to Play Minecraft with Friends

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is one of many games that supports cross-platform play. Only problem is that Java Edition users cannot play with Bedrock Edition.

You can play Bedrock Edition on an iPhone or Android, while your friend is playing on their Xbox, PC or Switch. You can link up with other players using one of these methods. Realms is the best option for a smooth experience.

How to Play Minecraft LAN

Java Edition

You can join a player if you are under the same IP address as them. Start Minecraft and click Multiplayer. Minecraft will scan your local network for any games.

You'll see a list of servers that a player has a LAN server available for them to join. Double-tap the server to highlight it and then click Join Server.

Bedrock Edition

In Bedrock Edition, LAN play is enabled by default. Navigate to the Worlds tab and any games that are available on your network will appear there for you to join.

Minecraft Split screen

Minecraft Bedrock Edition can be played in split screen on LAN. This allows up to four players to play at once.

Multiplayer Minecraft is now possible

You now know how to play Minecraft together with friends.

You might be interested in mods to spice things up. Forge is the best tool to manage your mods, and ensure your game does not crash upon startup.

Get your servers set up and start playing Minecraft multiplayer!