Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor a Bedrock world, start an online game and have friends join through Play > Friends. You must stay online for them to play that way. If friends should be able to enter while you are away, invite them to a Realm for the same edition. Java and Bedrock use separate standard multiplayer systems, so players need to match editions.
Choose how friends should access the world
| Option | Must the host be online? | How friends get in | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Join your Bedrock game | Yes; both players must be online together. | Be Minecraft friends, then join the host from the Friends tab. | A group playing together at the same time. |
| Realm | No; the world remains available while the owner is offline. | Invite members or share a Realm link. | Friends who need access at different times. |
| Multiplayer server | Not necessarily; availability depends on the server operator. | Join a featured or added server. | A shared multiplayer destination when you do not need your existing save. |
All players need to use the same edition for these standard routes: Java players join Java multiplayer, and Bedrock players join Bedrock multiplayer. Check that everyone has a compatible current game version. Console players may also need the platform’s online subscription, and account privacy or multiplayer permissions can prevent connections.
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Let a friend join your Bedrock world
Use this route when you want friends to enter your existing Bedrock world while you are playing. Minecraft’s instructions require both players to be online and friends in Minecraft. The host starts an online game; the joining player selects Play, opens Friends, and chooses the host under Joinable Friends. Minecraft’s Bedrock joining guide gives the official steps.
- Confirm that both players are signed in, online, and friends in Minecraft.
- The host starts the world as an online game.
- The friend opens Play > Friends and selects the host under Joinable Friends.
If the world does not appear
- Make sure the host has started an online session and is still online.
- Verify that both accounts show as online and are friends in Minecraft.
- Check that both players launched the same edition and a compatible current version.
- Review multiplayer permissions, particularly on child accounts. On consoles, check whether the required platform online subscription is active.
Use a Realm for access when you are away
A Realm is the relevant option when friends should be able to play in the hosted world without the owner being online. Choose the Realm service that matches the players’ edition: Java and Bedrock Realms are separate. Invited members do not need to buy their own Realm subscription to join. See Minecraft Realms for current plan details.
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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
Current US plan prices and player limits
Minecraft’s product page listed these monthly US prices and simultaneous-player limits when accessed on October 3, 2026. “Host plus” includes the host in the stated simultaneous-player count. Prices and plan terms can vary by region or change, so check the product page for your location before subscribing.
| Plan | Monthly price (US) | Simultaneous players |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Realms | $3.99 USD/month | Host plus 2 players |
| Bedrock Realms Plus | $7.99 USD/month | Host plus 10 players |
| Java Realms | $7.99 USD/month | Host plus 10 players |
Invite friends with a Bedrock Realm link
In Bedrock, open Play, go to the Realm’s edit or member controls, and choose Share Link. Minecraft warns: “Anyone who has this Share Link will be able to join your realm.” Send it privately rather than posting it publicly. If it reaches people you did not intend to invite, disable or remove the link in Realm settings. Minecraft’s Realm management guide describes link management, including setting an expiration date.
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- 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
If a friend cannot use a link, check that it is still active and unexpired and that the friend is using the matching edition. Also check sign-in, version compatibility, and multiplayer permissions.
Join a public multiplayer server instead
A server can work if your group wants a shared multiplayer destination rather than your existing world save. Bedrock players can browse featured options from the Servers tab or add a server to join one. Server rules, moderation, availability, and control of its worlds depend on the operator; a public server does not automatically copy or host your personal world. See Minecraft’s multiplayer guide for server options.
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Check these prerequisites before troubleshooting
- Edition: everyone should use Java or everyone should use Bedrock for the standard multiplayer routes described here.
- Version: launch a compatible current version on each device.
- Account and permissions: players must be signed in, and multiplayer access must be allowed by their account settings.
- Console access: console multiplayer may require the applicable platform online subscription.
- Availability: a direct Bedrock session depends on the host being online; a Realm is designed to stay available to invited friends when the owner is away.
For more on edition-specific play and multiplayer requirements, consult Minecraft’s edition guide and its multiplayer requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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).
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- 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.
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.
