To update Minecraft, start with the device and edition you use: Java Edition on PC or Mac updates through the Minecraft Launcher, while mobile, Windows, and console versions use their app store, game-management menu, or digital storefront. Follow the matching steps below; Minecraft’s official guide also documents a separate Fire TV route, so these six are not every possible platform procedure.
Find the update route for your device
| Device or edition | Where to update | Automatic or manual | Version check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java Edition on PC or Mac | Minecraft Launcher | Launcher should show the latest release; select it manually if needed | Not stated in the official update guide: Minecraft update instructions |
| iOS or Android | App Store or Google Play | Mobile devices normally update automatically; check the store for a manual update | Compare the launch-screen version with the store listing: Minecraft Help mobile update guide |
| Xbox | My Apps & Games, then Minecraft game management | Check for an update manually | Not stated in the official update guide: Minecraft update instructions |
| PlayStation 4 | Game options menu | Updates should install automatically; manual check is available | Not stated in the official update guide: Minecraft update instructions |
| Windows | Microsoft Store Library | Manually select Get Updated | Not stated in the official update guide: Minecraft update instructions |
| Nintendo Switch | eShop for the older Switch Edition transition; installed-software update controls for other situations | Follow the prompt or check the console’s update controls | Not stated in the official update guide: Minecraft update instructions |
The paths and labels below follow Minecraft’s official update instructions. Menu wording can change, so use the relevant platform’s update screen or store listing if a label differs.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PIew9m20L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
1. Update Java Edition on PC or Mac
- Open the Minecraft Launcher.
- Check the release selector next to Play. The launcher should automatically show the latest release.
- If it does not, select the arrow to the left of Play and choose Latest Release.
- Select Play to launch the selected release.
This route is specifically for Java Edition. On PC, Minecraft editions are bundled, but the launcher route described here is the Java Edition procedure; see Minecraft Help’s edition information for limited edition context.
2. Update Minecraft on iPhone, iPad, or Android
- Open the App Store on an Apple device or Google Play on an Android device.
- Search for Minecraft and open its store listing.
- If an update is available, tap the store’s update control. Minecraft Help says mobile devices normally update automatically.
- To check the installed version, open Minecraft and read the version number at the bottom-right of the launch screen. Compare it with the version shown in the store listing.
The version-comparison check is documented by Minecraft Help’s mobile update instructions.
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#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
3. Update Minecraft on Xbox
- Open My Apps & Games.
- Select Minecraft and open More options.
- Choose Manage game & add-ons, then Updates.
- If no update appears on that screen, Minecraft’s guide says the game is fully updated.
4. Update Minecraft on PlayStation 4
Minecraft for PS4 should update automatically. To check manually:
- Highlight Minecraft on the console.
- Press the Options button.
- Choose Check for update.
These exact button instructions are for PS4. They do not establish the menu path for other PlayStation models.
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
5. Update Minecraft through Microsoft Store on Windows
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Select Library in the lower-left corner.
- Select Get Updated to update installed apps, including Minecraft.
6. Update Minecraft on Nintendo Switch
Minecraft’s guide describes a transition prompt for the older Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition: starting that edition may display a prompt that sends you to the eShop to download the newer Minecraft. You can also search for “Minecraft” in the eShop.
If you already use the current Minecraft game and that older-edition prompt does not apply, use the Switch’s installed-software update controls to check for an update instead.
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Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Other supported route: Fire TV
The official guide also lists a Fire TV procedure, separate from the six routes above:
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Open the Store and find Minecraft.
- Highlight Minecraft under Recent.
- Press the menu button, choose More Info, then select Update if that option appears.
If the update is not showing
- Confirm that you are checking the store, launcher, or console menu for the device and edition you actually use.
- Check that platform’s update screen or store listing again. Minecraft’s guide does not state that a release reaches every platform simultaneously, so an absent update alone does not establish that the device is broken.
- If you play multiplayer or Realms and encounter connection errors, Minecraft Help says to use the latest release. Console multiplayer also requires the relevant paid online subscription; that subscription is separate from updating the game. See Minecraft Help’s multiplayer requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
