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Start by identifying what you are trying to join
“Server” can mean several different Bedrock multiplayer options. Check whether your friend appears under Joinable Friends, note any error message, and see whether the problem affects one world or every multiplayer game. These clues help narrow down the cause.
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| Multiplayer option | Does the host need to be online? | Must players share a LAN? | How you join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friend-hosted world | Yes. The friend hosting must be online with multiplayer enabled. | No. | Add each other as Minecraft friends, then find the world under Joinable Friends. Minecraft’s guide to joining a friend’s Bedrock world |
| Realm | No. The Realm owner need not be online. | No. | Join the Realm you have been invited to. The owner needs an active Realm subscription. |
| LAN world | The host must be playing and sharing the world. | Yes. Players must be on the same local network. | Look for the available LAN game in Minecraft. Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements and LAN guidance |
| Dedicated server | The server must be running and reachable. | No. | Use the Servers tab. On computers and mobile devices, you can manually add an address and port. Console server lists are limited to featured servers in Minecraft’s guide; manual server entry is not listed as a supported console route. Minecraft’s Bedrock server guide |
Check versions and editions
Both players should update Minecraft to the latest release. An outdated version is a common reason a player cannot join. Also confirm that both of you are playing Bedrock Edition: a Java Edition player cannot join a Bedrock game, or vice versa. Minecraft’s multiplayer connection troubleshooting
Check Microsoft accounts and multiplayer permissions
- Sign in with a Microsoft account where required, and add one another as Minecraft friends for direct friend-world play.
- Confirm that multiplayer is allowed both in the account’s privacy settings and in the host’s world settings.
- If Minecraft says, “You cannot play online multiplayer because of how your Microsoft account is setup,” the account may have child-account restrictions. The adult who owns the Microsoft Family account must review the child’s privacy settings. Minecraft’s child-account multiplayer guidance
Confirm the host is available and check console subscriptions
For a friend-hosted world, the host must be online and have multiplayer enabled. A Realm works differently: its owner does not have to be online when guests play.
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- 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
Console players also need the relevant platform online service subscription for multiplayer: Xbox Game Pass Core, Nintendo Switch Online, or PlayStation Plus. Check the requirement for the platform you are using in Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements.
If the basics are right, investigate network settings
Custom DNS or port configurations can interfere with Minecraft connections, even if websites or other games still work. Follow Minecraft’s network troubleshooting instructions and test standard network settings before changing equipment. Minecraft’s guidance does not establish one router fix that works for everyone.
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
For a dedicated Bedrock server, check the address and port
If you are joining a dedicated server, confirm that the address is correct and the server is running. On computers and mobile devices, Minecraft allows a server to be added manually; its guide lists 19132 as the default Bedrock server port. That is a default configuration value, not a guarantee that every server uses it. Check with the server operator for the actual address and port.
For friend-hosted worlds, Realms, and LAN games, use their respective join routes rather than treating them as dedicated servers. Their host, subscription, and network requirements differ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
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
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.
