How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer

Minecraft is a great game to play by yourself, but after a while, you'll probably start to get a little lonely. If you do, it's time to bring in some other players to share the Minecraft experience with! Thankfully, thanks to its design, connecting with other players is a breeze. There are a few main ways you can play with other people, so you can choose the best option for you and your friends.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Joining a Multiplayer Game (PC/Mac)

1. Find a server to play on. In order to connect to multiplayer games in Minecraft, you'll need to find a server that you want to connect to. You can't browse servers from within Minecraft; instead, you'll be searching for servers using your web browser. There are several sites that specialize in server listings, and many popular servers have their own websites. Some of the biggest server listing sites include:
   
   • MinecraftServers.org
   • MinecraftForum.net Server section
   • PlanetMinecraft.com Server section
2. Look for a server IP address. It will look something like mc.wubcraft.com or 148.148.148.148. It also may have a port on the end displayed as :25565. You have to know the server’s IP address in order to connect to it.^[1]
   
   • Think of an IP address like your home address. If you don’t know someone’s home address, you can’t send them a letter. It's the same with computers: you won't be able to connect to a server unless you know the computer's address.
3. Decide what server is right for you. There are several things you'll want to pay attention to when selecting a server. Different servers offer wildly-different experiences, and most will have descriptions that you can read. Look for a few important details before picking a server to try:^[2]
   
   • Game type: While many servers offer the standard Minecraft gameplay, there are lots of servers with all kinds of game modes. These range from capture the flag to in-character role-playing, so you’ll never run out of possibilities.^[3]
   • Whitelist: If a server operates a whitelist, it only accepts users that have been registered. This usually means you'll need to create an account on the server's website in order to connect.^[4]
   • Population: This is the number of people currently playing, as well as the maximum number of people. Keep in mind that you may not actually be playing with all of these people, since servers often split large populations onto multiple servers.
   • PvP: This stands for "Player vs. Player", and means that players can attack each other. These can be tough servers if you're new to the game.^[5]
   • Uptime: This is how often the server is online and available. If you plan to play online a lot, you'll want to find a server with an uptime of 95% or better.
4. Copy the server IP address. To connect to a server, you'll need to type in the server's IP address. You can find this IP address in the server listing. The IP will be groups of letters and/or numbers separated by periods. Highlight the address and copy it to your clipboard.^[6]
   
5. Check the server's game version. Servers often run on older versions of Minecraft, as it takes a while for server tools to get upgraded to newer versions. Take note of the version of Minecraft that the server is running to make sure it’s compatible with what you’re using. You can find the game version in the description of the server.^[7]
   
   • If you need to create a new game version, head to Installations > New > versions > Create > Play.
6. Start the Minecraft Launcher and set your game to the correct version. Before you start the Minecraft game itself, load the Launcher and take note of the Minecraft version displayed in the bottom-right corner. If this is different than the version the server is running, you'll need to edit your profile so that you load the correct version.^[8]
   
   • Click the button in the bottom-left corner.
   • Click the "Use version" drop-down menu and select the version that matches the server. Click to save your changes.
   • Consider creating a new profile specifically for the server. If you find yourself connecting to a few different servers all running different versions, you may want to create separate profiles for each one. This will make connecting a lot simpler.
7. Launch Minecraft and click "Multiplayer." It’s in between the “Singleplayer” and “Minecraft Realms” buttons. This will open the Multiplayer menu.^[9]
   
8. Click the "Add server" button and paste the IP address. Enter in a name into the "Server Name" field. This can be anything, but entering the actual name of the server will help you identify it when you want to play it later on.^[10]
   
   • Click "Done" to save the server information. Your newly-added server will appear on your list of games.
   • If the server doesn't appear, make sure that you've entered the Server Address correctly.
9. Select the server and click the "Join Server" button. Minecraft will then attempt to connect the server and load the world. If you get a message saying that the server is running a different version, make sure that you selected the correct version from the Profile menu.^[11]
   
10. Start playing on the server. Most servers will spawn you in a Welcome area. Here, you may find rules and instructions for using the server, as well as information on how to join the rest of the players.^[12]
    
    • When you’re playing on a public server, make sure that you don't destroy anyone's creations. Not only is this considered rude behavior, it will likely get you banned from most peaceful servers.
11. Chat with other players by pressing T. This will open the chat window which you can use to type messages. Remember that when you're playing on public servers, you're chatting with strangers, so don't give out any personal information.^[13]
    
    • Now you can enjoy playing Minecraft with others!

[Edit]Joining a Multiplayer Game (Mobile Devices)

1. Open the web browser on your device. You can play Minecraft with other people by connecting to Minecraft servers through the app. To find these servers, you'll need to use your web browser app. These servers run all kinds of different game types and modes, making for a unique experience every time. There are several websites that list a bunch of popular servers, including:^[14]
   
   • Mineplex
   • InPvP
   • Lifeboat
2. Open the Minecraft app and tap "Play". This will open a list of your worlds. You can select an existing one, or you can add a new one.^[15]
   
   • The Minecraft app used to be called Minecraft PE; now it’s just called Minecraft.
3. Tap the "External" button and then tap "Add Server". This will allow you to enter the server's information. If you copied it, you can just copy and paste.^[16]
   
4. Fill out the boxes for the server information. You'll need to fill out the boxes and then tap "Add Server" to add it to your list. You can do this one at a time or add multiple at once.^[17]
   
   • Server Name: You can type anything here. Type the server's name to help you easily identify it later.
   • Address: Enter in the IP address into this box.
   • Port: Enter the port number into this box. The port number is the number that appears after the in the server address.
5. Tap the newly-added server to connect to it. The game will attempt to connect to the server. Once you are connected, you will be spawned in the server's Welcome area.^[18]
   
   • If you can't connect, there are a few different factors that may be causing the problem. You won't be able to connect if the server is full, and you won't receive a message informing you. If the server is offline, you won't be able to connect. You also won't be able to connect if you have the same name as another player that is already connected.
   • You can change your in-game name from the Settings menu on the main Minecraft menu.

[Edit]Playing a Local (LAN) Game

1. Ensure that all of the computers are connected to the same local network. Minecraft allows you to easily start multiplayer games if you are all connected to the same local network. If you’re at home, there’s a good chance you’re all one one network. If you’re at work or school, you may need to set up your own network.^[19]
   
   • A LAN, or a local area network, is a network that connects computers that are in the same physical location.
   • You can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect multiple remote computers together on one network. This can be great for getting friends from different places together without having to create a server.
2. Ensure all players are running the same version of Minecraft. Decide which computer will be starting the game, and then use the profile editor on all the computers to set the version to match. If you aren’t all on the same version, you won’t be able to connect with each other.^[20]
   
   • Start the Minecraft Launcher and click the button.
   • Select the correct version from the "Use version" drop-down menu.
3. Start a game on one of the computers. This computer will be referred to as the "host," and should probably be whichever computer is most powerful. Load up one of your worlds in single-player mode on the host.^[21]
   
4. Press the Escape key to open the Pause menu. Once the world has loaded, you can open the game up to anyone on your local network through the Pause menu. Scroll down until you see the “Open to LAN” option.^[22]
   
5. Click . This will begin the process for setting up the network game, and a new menu will appear.^[23]
   
6. Decide on your multiplayer game settings. You can choose between Survival, Adventure, and Creative modes, as well as toggle cheat codes on or off. Click the buttons to switch between options.^[24]
   
7. Click to begin the multiplayer session. The other computers on your network will now be able to connect to your game. They can check the Multiplayer menu to find the existing game.^[25]
   
8. Start Minecraft on the second computer, then click . Make sure that the computer is connected to the network, and that it is running the same version of Minecraft that the host computer is running.Minecraft will scan your network for any active games. The host computer Minecraft game should appear on the list.^[26]
   
   • If the game doesn't appear, click the button and then enter the local IP address for the host computer.
9. Select the game and click . Your display should say above the game name. After selecting and joining, the world will load and you can begin playing.^[27]
   
10. Have the host teleport all of the players together. Once all of the players have joined, they may find themselves far away from the host, especially if the host has done a lot of exploring in the game already. The host can teleport each of the players so that they can all play together.^[28]
    
    • On the host computer, press T to open the chat window, and then type }} and press Enter. This will teleport the player named to the host. Repeat this for all of the players.
    • Make sure each of the players sleeps in a bed in your new location. This will ensure that they spawn there if they die.

[Edit]Creating a Server for Friends

1. Download the Minecraft server files on the computer running the server. Creating a Minecraft server will give you a persistent world that you and your friends can play on at any time. The server will be private so that only your friends can join, and you can even install mods.^[29]
   
   • The Minecraft server files are free and can be downloaded from . Download .
   • This section will deal with creating a quick-setup Windows server. For instructions on creating a server in Linux or OS X, or for creating a server in Windows manually, click here.
2. Create a folder for your server. The Minecraft server will install all of its files into whatever folder it is run from. Create a folder on your desktop or other easy-to-access location and name it "Minecraft Server" or something similar. Copy the file into this folder.^[30]
   
3. Run the server program. You'll see a couple of files created in your folder, and then the program will close automatically. Don’t worry, this is supposed to happen!^[31]
   
4. Change . to . Open .. You can find this file in your Minecraft Server folder. Save the changes to the file and close it. Doing this accepts the terms and conditions for the Minecraft server program.^[32]
   
5. Run the server program again. If the Windows Firewall window appears, click the button. More files will be created in the Minecraft Server field. Close the server window for now as you make some more changes.^[33]
   
6. Right-click on the . file and select "Open With". Browse for Notepad in your list of programs. This will open the server's configuration filer so that you can make changes.^[34]
   
7. Find the .. Change this to . This will enable the white-list which is the list of approved users. Anyone else will not be able to connect to your server, making it private for you and your friends.^[35]
   
   • You can make other changes to the game's settings here, but for now save and close the file.
8. Run the server and add players to your white-list. Gather your friends' Minecraft usernames and add them one-by-one to the white-list with the following command: }}.^[36]
   
9. Forward port 25565 so that others can connect. Your basic server is up-and-running, and your friends have been added to the white-list. You'll now need to configure your router to allow them to connect to the server and access the game. This requires forwarding a port.^[37]
   
   • Log into your router's configuration tool. This can usually be accessed from your web browser by entering the address , , or . The address may be different for your router model.
   • You'll need to enter the router administrator's username and password. Check your router's documentation for the default login info if you never changed it.
   • Open the Port Forwarding section of the router configuration page. This may be in the Advanced or Admin section.
   • Create a new rule using the server computer's local IP address. Forward port 25565 for both TCP and UDP.
10. Open Google on the server computer and type .. Your computer's public IP address will be displayed above the search results. Copy this address or write it down. Give it to your friends to use to connect to the server.^[38]
    
    • Note: If you have a dynamic IP address (most people do), your IP address will change occasionally. When it does, you'll need to give out the new IP address to your friends so that they can connect again. You can avoid having to do this in the future by setting up dynamic DNS. This usually requires setting up a paid account with a service that will automatically forward users who enter your domain name to your active IP address.
11. Connect to your own server. Your server is online, your white-list is ready, and your ports have been forwarded. Your friends can now connect to the server using the IP address that you gave them, but you'll need to use a different IP address.^[39]
    
    • Open the Multiplayer menu in your Minecraft game. Your game should appear in the list of games, but if it doesn't click the "Add Server" button. If you're playing on the same computer as the server, enter . If you're on a different computer on the same network, enter the server's local IP address (the same one you used to forward the port). If you're on a computer on a different network, enter the server's public IP address.

[Edit]Playing Splitscreen (Xbox/PlayStation)

1. Make sure you're playing on an HDTV. In order to use the splitscreen feature, you'll need to be playing in at least 720p resolution, which requires an HDTV and an HDMI or component cable. Most newer TVs are HDTV and have an HDMI cable, so if you can’t see anything different, you’re probably good to go.^[40]
   
   • If your TV says EDTV, then it’s not an HDTV.
   • Make sure you’re using 720p resolution by going to Settings > Systems > Console Settings > Display.
2. Start a new world or load a previous one. You can play splitscreen on any of your existing worlds. Uncheck the "Online game" box.^[41]
   
   • If you’re logged out of Minecraft, you’ll have to sign in first.
3. Press Start on the second controller. This will open the Sign-In window. Have the second player sign into their Minecraft account using an existing account or adding a new one.^[42]
   
   • The console will automatically save their information so it takes less time to sign in the next game.
4. Add more players by turning on more controllers. Each player will need to sign into their Minecraft account as you add them. You can have up to 4 players sharing the screen, so add away!^[43]
   
   • Depending on the size of your TV, it might get harder to see as you add more players.

[Edit]Troubleshooting Server Problems

1. Couldn’t resolve hostname: This means that the game can’t find the host you’re searching for. On your computer, open Command Prompt, then find the hostname of the server. Type nslookup <hostname> in your console, then press enter. Copy the address displayed, then paste it into the IP address box on Minecraft.^[44]
   
   • If that doesn’t work, there may be an error with the server connection.
2. Unable to connect to world: This means that the game couldn’t reach the server that you’re trying to connect with. You should restart your computer and try again as an initial fix for this problem.^[45]
   
   • If you still can’t connect, try un-adding your friend and then adding them back again.
3. Some friends can connect, others can’t: This is probably a firewall issue, meaning their computers have blocked them from connecting. Check their firewall by opening the Control Panel, then find “javaw.exe.” Click the “Change Settings” option, then select both the private and the public box.^[46]
   
   • This will hopefully allow Minecraft on your friend’s computer.
   • They may need to restart their computer before trying again.
4. Disconnect.spam: This is a message you might get when on another person’s server. It happens when you send messages too quickly, and the computer thinks you’re spamming other players. Try reconnecting to the server again (and send your messages slower this time).^[47]
   
   • If you’ve been banned from a server, you’ll see the message “You are banned from this server.” The only way to undo a ban is to contact the server host or wait it out.

[Edit]Tips

• Some servers contain plug-ins for added entertainment that you can't usually perform on single player without a mod.
• Some mods that you use on your client will work on multiplayer servers as well. You'll only know whether or not it works by trying it when in multiplayer mode.
• Some servers are named on what they're about. PVP is Player vs Player, and there are other servers such as Free Building, Roleplay, Endless, and much more.

[Edit]Warnings

• Enter all public multiplayer servers at your own risk. Read the terms and conditions, know how to contact the moderators and admins and check out the reviews (if any) of the particular server before joining play.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Play Minecraft
• Beat Minecraft

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
2. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
3. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Types_of_servers
4. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Commands/whitelist
5. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Types_of_servers
6. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Playing_on_servers
7. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360034754852-Changing-game-versions-
8. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360034754852-Changing-game-versions-
9. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
10. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
11. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
12. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
13. ↑ http://www.howtogeek.com/school/htg-guide-to-minecraft/lesson15/
14. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
15. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
16. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
17. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
18. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
19. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
20. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
21. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
22. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
23. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360035131391-How-do-I-play-multiplayer-
24. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
25. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
26. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
27. ↑ http://www.howtogeek.com/school/htg-guide-to-minecraft/lesson14/
28. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
29. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
30. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
31. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
32. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
33. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
34. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
35. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
36. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
37. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
38. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
39. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Tutorials/Setting_up_a_server#Local_network_dedicated_servers
40. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Splitscreen
41. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Splitscreen
42. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Splitscreen
43. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Splitscreen
44. ↑ https://gamedb.gg/games/minecraft/cant-resolve-hostname-fix/
45. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360042699492-I-m-Unable-to-Join-Another-Player-s-World-
46. ↑ https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360042699492-I-m-Unable-to-Join-Another-Player-s-World-
47. ↑ https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Server