Playing Minecraft with friends: every option (PC, console, mobile)
Local network, Realms, public server, private server or Java/Bedrock cross-play: the right way to play Minecraft with friends depending on your devices.
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There are several ways to play Minecraft with friends. The right one depends on your devices, how many of you there are and whether you want to meet other players.
1. On a local network (same house)
The simplest: one player opens their single-player world, then Esc → Open to LAN (Java) or turns on multiplayer in the world settings (Bedrock). The others, on the same Wi-Fi, see it in their list. Free, but only at home and while the host is playing.
2. Minecraft Realms
Mojang's official paid service (monthly subscription): an always-online world for a small group of invited friends, with no setup. No plugins or mods on Bedrock, and the number of players is limited.
3. Joining a public server together
The most popular and free option: pick a server and meet there. You get minigames, an economy, events and an already active community. To find the right one:
- by game mode: Survival, Minigames, BedWars… in the categories;
- by version: 1.21, 1.20, 1.8… servers;
- with friends on different devices: cross-play servers accept Java and Bedrock.
Tip: compare two or three servers with the comparison tool before choosing together.
To find your friends in the game, see how to add a friend on Minecraft.
4. Creating your own server
To play by your own rules, with your plugins or a modpack: rent a server from a host (a few euros a month) or host it at home. Everything is explained in creating a Minecraft server, and if your friends can't connect, see opening the ports.
PC, console, mobile: who can play with whom?
- Java (PC) plays with Java.
- Bedrock (mobile, consoles, Windows) plays with Bedrock, across all platforms.
- To mix both: a cross-play server (Geyser plugin). See also playing on a Bedrock server.
FAQ
How do I play Minecraft online?
The easiest way is to join a server: in the Multiplayer menu (Java) or the Servers tab (Bedrock), add the server address and connect. You can also rent a Realm or host your own server.
How do I play with a friend on Minecraft Java?
Join the same server with its address, or open your world to LAN (Esc → Open to LAN) if you are on the same connection. To play remotely without a public server, you need a Realm or a private server.
How do I add a friend on Minecraft?
On Bedrock (mobile, console, Windows): Play → Friends tab → Add Friend, with their Microsoft gamertag. On Java there is no in-game friends list: meet on the same server or on LAN.
Can PC and console players play together?
Yes on cross-play servers, which accept Java (PC) and Bedrock (console, mobile), or directly between Bedrock players, since Windows, mobile and consoles share the same edition.