How to add a friend on Minecraft (Java, Bedrock, console, mobile)
Add a friend on Minecraft Bedrock (mobile, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows), play with a friend on Java even though there is no friends list, and what to do when the invite does not work.
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Adding a friend on Minecraft works differently depending on your edition. On Bedrock (mobile, consoles, Windows) there is a real friends list. On Java (PC) there is none: you meet on a server or on LAN.
On Bedrock: mobile, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
Friends go through your Microsoft account (the same as on Xbox), so you must be signed in to it in the game.
- From the main menu, click Play, then open the Friends tab.
- Click Add Friend.
- Type your friend's Microsoft gamertag exactly as they write it, then add them.
- When they play, their world shows up in the Friends tab: just join it. You can also invite them from your world (pause menu → Invite to Game).
Players on every Bedrock platform play together: a friend on Switch can join a friend on a phone.
On Java (PC): no friends list
Minecraft Java has no in-game friends list. To play together, you have three options:
- Join the same server: share a server address and both connect (Multiplayer → Add Server). Many servers have a
/friendcommand. Find one in the ranking. - LAN: on the same connection, open your single-player world with Esc → Open to LAN; your friend sees it in their Multiplayer list.
- Realms: Mojang's official subscription. In Realms, invite your friend by username (Configure → Players → Invite).
Playing between Java and Bedrock
A Java player and a Bedrock player cannot add each other: they are two different games. The only way is a cross-play server, which accepts both editions.
Adding or inviting does not work?
- Not signed in to the Microsoft account in the game: sign in again from the main menu.
- Privacy settings: on a child account or on Xbox, online play, cross-play or friends can be blocked. A parent allows them in the Microsoft account (Family Safety) or console settings.
- Console subscription: on some consoles, playing online needs the console's online subscription (for example Nintendo Switch Online).
- Misspelled gamertag: it must be exact, numbers included.
No one to play with yet? Post on Looking for friends, or read our guide on playing Minecraft with friends.
FAQ
How do I add a friend on Minecraft Bedrock?
Play → Friends tab → Add Friend, then type your friend's Microsoft gamertag. You must be signed in to a Microsoft account in the game.
Can you add a friend on Minecraft Java?
No, Minecraft Java has no friends list. Meet on the same server with its address, on LAN, or in a Realm where you invite your friend.
Can I play with a friend on another console?
Yes, every Bedrock version (Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile, Windows) plays together. Between Java and Bedrock, you need a cross-play server.
Why can't I add friends on Minecraft?
Usually: not signed in to the Microsoft account, privacy or parental settings blocking online play, missing console online subscription, or a misspelled gamertag.