Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo enable multiplayer in Minecraft: Java Edition, sign in with the Microsoft account you use to play. If Multiplayer is disabled on a child account, the parent or guardian who manages it must allow “You can join multiplayer games” in Online Safety. Then connect by joining a Java server, playing on the same local network, or accepting an invitation to a Java Realm.
If Multiplayer is disabled
For a child account, multiplayer access is controlled by the family adult, not by a toggle in a Minecraft world. Minecraft’s parental-controls guidance says, “Only parent accounts can modify settings.” Minecraft’s parental controls guide explains the account controls.
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- Check which Microsoft account is signed in to the Minecraft Launcher and the game.
- Have the parent or guardian who manages the child account sign in to the relevant Microsoft/Xbox account settings and select the child’s profile.
- Under Online Safety, allow “You can join multiplayer games.” If the child also needs access to clubs or Realms, review the relevant separate permission. Communication and privacy settings are separate from the basic permission to join multiplayer games.
- Sign back into Minecraft with the account whose permissions were changed, then check Multiplayer again. If it remains unavailable, use Minecraft’s child-account troubleshooting to verify the account and permission.
If the account is not a child account, confirm that the correct Microsoft account is signed in before changing other settings; the permission change must apply to the account used in the game.
Choose how you want to play
Java multiplayer has three common routes. A server is suited to an online world that a host operates; LAN is for players on the same local network; a Realm is an invitation-based hosted world. In all cases, Java players need a Java Edition game, and game versions must be compatible with the server or world.
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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).
| Option | Where players connect from | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Online Java server | Over the internet | A server address and a compatible Java game version |
| LAN | The same local network | Java Edition, compatible versions, and a shared working network |
| Java Realm | Online, by invitation | An invitation to a Java Realm and any required account permissions |
Join an existing online Java server
You do not need a Realms subscription to join an existing online Java server, according to Minecraft Help’s Java server instructions. You do need the server address and a compatible game version.
- Launch Minecraft: Java Edition and select Multiplayer.
- Choose a listed server, or select Direct Connection and enter the server address. To save it in your list, select Add Server, enter the address, and select Done.
- Select the server and choose Join Server.
The address is usually an IP address or a URL. If the connection fails, ask the server host to confirm the address and that the server is online.
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, five Bedrock add-ons, five exclusive Character Creator items, and 1000 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).
Play over LAN
LAN is for people playing on the same local network. Make sure each player has Java Edition and a game version compatible with the host’s world. If friends are connecting from outside that network, LAN is not the right connection method; use an online server or a Realm instead. Minecraft Help distinguishes local-network play from online multiplayer in its LAN and multiplayer support category.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Join a Java Realm
Ask the Realm owner for an invitation, then join using Java Edition. A Java player needs a Java Realm: Java and Bedrock Realms are separate edition paths. If you are playing on a child account, the necessary multiplayer and Realms permissions must be allowed by the family adult. Minecraft’s parental-controls guidance covers the account permissions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
- access new mini games and game modes through servers
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that is unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world full of surprises.
- SURVIVAL ADVENTURES — Face mysterious foes, travel across varied landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play solo or join friends in local split-screen and cross-platform play across console, mobile, and PC. Online multiplayer supports up to 8 players.
- COMMUNITY PLAY — Connect with players on community servers, or subscribe to Realms Plus (sold separately) to play with up to 10 friends on a private server.
If you still cannot connect
- Edition: A Java player can join a Java-hosted game, not a Bedrock-hosted game. Confirm the edition with the host.
- Version: Check that your Minecraft version is compatible with the server or world; update the game if needed.
- Account permissions: Confirm that the game is signed in to the Microsoft account whose Online Safety permissions were changed. For child accounts, the parent or guardian manages those permissions.
- Connection: For an online server or Realm, check your internet connection. For LAN, verify that everyone is on the same working local network.
- Server address and status: Recheck the address with the host and ask whether the server is online.
- Computer requirements: Minecraft lists minimum Java Edition computer specifications among its Java Edition troubleshooting and requirements information.
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