If Minecraft LAN is not working, first confirm everyone is using the same edition—Java or Bedrock—and compatible game versions. Then check that the host has opened the world for LAN, both devices are on the same reachable local network, and the host’s firewall allows Minecraft on a trusted private network. Java and Bedrock use different hosting steps, so follow the instructions for the host’s edition.
First identify the edition and the failure
Java and Bedrock use different multiplayer systems. A Bedrock player cannot join a Java LAN world through the standard LAN flow. Make sure every player has a compatible edition and version; an incompatible client or server version can prevent a connection.
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- The world does not appear: check the host’s LAN setting and local-network reachability first.
- The world appears, but joining fails: check version compatibility, network boundaries, and the host’s firewall.
- You see an “Outdated Client” or “Outdated Server” message: update or align the client and server versions. Microsoft Learn identifies protocol mismatch as the cause of these errors for Bedrock Dedicated Server connections; do not assume a particular version number will remain current.
For a guided overview of multiplayer problems, see Minecraft Help’s multiplayer troubleshooting guide.
Open the host’s world for LAN
Bedrock Edition
- On the host device, open the target world’s settings.
- Enable Multiplayer game and Visible to LAN Players.
- Start the world. On the joining device, go to Play > Worlds and look for the entry marked LAN.
These are Minecraft Help’s steps for a Bedrock LAN world. Both devices need to be on the same LAN. See Play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on a Local Area Network (LAN).
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Java Edition
- Load the world on the host and open the pause menu.
- Select Open to LAN, choose any desired options, and select Start LAN World.
- On the other Java player’s device, open Multiplayer and allow the local-network scan to find the session.
If you use Direct Connection, the host must share the LAN address and port shown by the game. The port is not a universal fixed number; use the one displayed for that session. Mojang’s server and multiplayer guide explains Java hosting and version matching.
Check that the devices can reach each other
Being in the same home or using the same internet provider does not prove that two devices can communicate over the local network. Confirm both are connected to the same local network. A guest Wi-Fi network, client isolation, a VPN, or another network boundary can interfere with discovery or connections; these are possibilities to investigate, not guaranteed causes.
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- Check that neither device has switched to a different Wi-Fi network or mobile connection.
- If either device is on guest Wi-Fi, try the trusted main network instead, if available.
- Temporarily rule out a VPN or other network boundary as a diagnostic step, then restore your usual settings.
- If possible, check whether the devices can communicate through another trusted local multiplayer app.
Do not start by forwarding ports on your internet router or replacing network equipment. First establish whether the devices are on the same reachable local network.
Allow Minecraft through the Windows firewall safely
If the host uses Windows and the LAN world still does not appear or accept connections, check its firewall rules. On a trusted home network, confirm Windows identifies the connection as Private, then inspect allowed apps for Minecraft or, for Java, the Java runtime hosting the game. The exact app entry can vary by launcher and version.
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Microsoft Support recommends allowing a blocked app through the firewall rather than turning the firewall off, and warns that disabling it can make the device more vulnerable to unauthorized access. Follow its Windows Security firewall guidance. Prefer a narrow exception for the relevant app on the trusted private network; do not leave the firewall disabled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Separate LAN play from online multiplayer and servers
A local world, a dedicated server, and a Realm are different ways to play. Account permissions or a console’s online-multiplayer subscription can affect Bedrock online friend play; those checks are most relevant if you are trying to join through an online friend session rather than a local LAN world.
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| Option | How it works | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| LAN world | Players connect over a reachable local network; the host opens the world for LAN. | Players can share a working local network. |
| Dedicated server | A separately configured server hosts the world and requires server-specific setup. | The group wants a server and someone can maintain its configuration. |
| Realm | Minecraft’s online server service hosts the world; invited Java Realm players can join while the host is offline. | Players need online access without sharing a LAN. Check current edition conditions and terms. |
Do not apply dedicated-server firewall instructions to an ordinary LAN world. Microsoft Learn’s Bedrock Dedicated Server setup guide documents default ports 19132 and 19133 in its Linux firewall example; those values concern that dedicated-server configuration, not a routine LAN fix or a reason to forward public router ports.
If local play is impractical, an online-hosted option is a change in play mode, not a repair for LAN discovery. Minecraft’s Java Realm joining guide says invited players can join even when the host is offline. Check current availability and terms for the relevant edition.
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Quick troubleshooting order
- Confirm all players use the same edition and compatible versions.
- Have the host enable Bedrock’s multiplayer and LAN visibility settings, or use Java’s Open to LAN > Start LAN World.
- Verify both devices are on the same reachable local network, not separated by guest Wi-Fi, isolation, a VPN, or another network boundary.
- If the host is on Windows, check the trusted Private network profile and allow the relevant Minecraft app or Java runtime through the firewall.
- If the attempt is actually online friend play, check the relevant Bedrock account permissions and console subscription requirements. If it is a dedicated server, troubleshoot that server’s configuration separately.
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