Multiplayer Options Overview
Minecraft Bedrock Edition offers four main ways to play with others:
- Local (LAN / Split-screen) — Same WiFi or same device. Free, no account needed for split-screen on consoles.
- Online (Friends list) — Play over the internet with Xbox friends. Free on most platforms.
- Realms — Hosted worlds that stay online 24/7. Paid subscription.
- Featured Servers — Official and community servers. Free to join.
Requirements
Before playing multiplayer, make sure you have:
- Microsoft / Xbox account — Required for online play and crossplay. Sign in from the main menu.
- Same game version — All players must be on the same Minecraft Bedrock version. Check Settings > General for updates.
- NAT type — Open or Moderate NAT works best. Strict NAT can block connections. We cover fixes in the Troubleshooting section.
Method 1: LAN / Local Network
Best for playing in the same house or on the same WiFi. Host opens a world and others join from the Friends tab.
Connect to Same WiFi
All players must be on the same local network (same router or WiFi).
Host Opens World
Host goes to Play > selects or creates a world > enters the world.
Enable Open to LAN
In-game, press Pause (or Escape on PC) > Settings > Multiplayer. Turn on Visible to LAN Players.
Others Join
Other players go to Play > Friends tab. The host's world should appear under the list. Tap it to join.
Pause > Settings > Multiplayer > Visible to LAN Players = ONMethod 2: Online via Friends List
Play over the internet with friends. Add each other via Xbox/Microsoft and join or invite.
Add Friends
Go to Play > Friends tab. Use Add Friend and enter their Xbox Gamertag or Microsoft account email. They must accept the request.
Host Invites or Opens World
Host enters a world. In-game: Pause > Invite to Game. Select friends to invite. Or set the world to Friends of Friends or Invite Only in world settings.
Friends Join
Invited friends receive a notification. They can also go to Play > Friends and see the host's world if it is visible to friends.
Method 3: Realms
Realms are Mojang-hosted worlds that run 24/7. Friends can join anytime, even when you are offline.
What Are Realms?
Realms are subscription-based private servers. You upload a world or create a new one. Up to 10 players (Realms Plus) or 2 players (classic Realm) can be invited.
Pricing
Realms Plus: about $7.99/month (varies by region). Includes Marketplace content. Classic Realm: about $3.99/month for 2 players. Check the in-game Store for current pricing.
Create a Realm
Go to Play > Realms tab > Create Realm. Choose a world template or upload your own. Invite friends from the Realm members list.
Join a Realm
If a friend invites you, accept the invitation. The Realm will appear under Play > Realms. Tap to join when the owner has added you.
Method 4: Featured Servers
Featured Servers are curated multiplayer experiences. No setup required.
Open Servers
Go to Play > Servers tab (or Friends > Servers on some platforms).
Browse and Connect
Browse the list of Featured Servers. Tap a server to view details, then Play to connect. Your friends can join the same server and you can meet in-game.
Crossplay Explained
Minecraft Bedrock supports full crossplay between:
- Windows (PC)
- Android
- iOS
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Nintendo Switch
All players need a Microsoft/Xbox account and the same game version. Realms and Friends list work across all these platforms. LAN works when devices are on the same network.
Troubleshooting
Can't See Friend's World
- Check game version — both must match.
- Ensure host has Visible to LAN Players or Friends enabled.
- Verify you are friends on Xbox and both signed in.
NAT Type Issues
Strict NAT can block connections. Try:
- Restart router and devices.
- Enable UPnP in router settings.
- Port forward UDP 19132-19133 for Minecraft.
Version Mismatch
Update Minecraft from your platform's store. Version number is shown in the bottom corner of the main menu.
Xbox Privacy Settings
On Xbox or when using a Microsoft account: go to account.xbox.com > Privacy settings. Ensure "You can join multiplayer games" and "You can join cross-network play" are set to Allow.