On Minecraft Bedrock Edition for PC, add a friend from Play → Friends → Add Friend using their Minecraft/Xbox gamertag. To play in a world you host, open the world, choose Invite to Game, select the friend and send the invitation. First confirm that you both use the same edition: Java and Bedrock players cannot join one another’s games.
Before adding a friend, check your Minecraft edition
The friend-list steps below apply to Bedrock Edition. Java Edition uses different multiplayer routes, such as joining the same server or playing over a local network. Java and Bedrock are not cross-play compatible; Minecraft’s edition guide explains the difference.
If you need to identify the PC edition you have, Minecraft’s official PC product page lists Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. You do not need to buy the game again if you already own the compatible edition.
Add a friend on Minecraft Bedrock for PC
- Ask your friend for their Minecraft/Xbox gamertag.
- Launch Minecraft and select Play.
- Open the Friends tab and choose Add Friend.
- Enter the gamertag, search, select the matching player and add them.
These are the Bedrock friend steps in Minecraft’s multiplayer guide.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
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- 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
Invite a friend to a world you host
- Load an existing world or create one, with the host online.
- Open the in-game menu and select Invite to Game.
- Choose your friend from the list and send the invitation. Online friends appear at the top of the invite list.
- Your friend can also select Play → Friends and look for your world under Joinable Friends.
For a Bedrock friend to join directly, both players need to be friends and online at the same time, and the host must have started an online game. See Minecraft Help’s Bedrock multiplayer joining guidance.
How Java Edition players join friends
Java Edition does not use the Bedrock friend-list method to join a world. For online play, both players join the same Java server. For LAN play, the host opens a local world and the other player joins over the same network. Minecraft’s multiplayer guide covers servers and LAN. Java multiplayer supports Java players on Windows, Mac and Linux; it does not let Java players join Bedrock games.
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- Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!
- The Nether and all its inhabitants. Fight Ghasts and make friends with Pigmen
- Cross platform play for up to five players between Pocket Edition and Windows 10
- Revamped touch controls, controller support, and a controller mapping screen
- Enhanced Weather effects! Accumulating snow and more
Troubleshoot a missing friend or failed connection
- Edition mismatch: Check that both players are using Bedrock or both are using Java. The editions cannot play together.
- Game version: Make sure you have the same edition and are using the latest release. Minecraft’s multiplayer requirements and troubleshooting page lists edition and version compatibility as checks.
- Host or online status: For a Bedrock friend’s world to appear under Joinable Friends, the host must be online and have started an online game.
- Account permissions: Multiplayer permissions may need to be enabled for child accounts. Check the account settings and Minecraft Help’s requirements page.
- Java connection route: Confirm that both players are joining the same server, or that they are using the same local network for LAN play.
When a persistent world may suit your group
If you want a personal multiplayer server rather than relying on a friend’s hosted world being online, Minecraft Realms is an optional service. Minecraft lists separate Java and Bedrock Realms and their supported platform groups on its Realms page. Check that page for current availability, plans and prices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Minecraft Labyrinth invites 2-4 people aged 7 and over to immerse themselves in the world of Minecraft, move corridors and search for hidden characters and items
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- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
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.
