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Servers · Tutorial

How to play Minecraft multiplayer: join a server or a friend

Play with friends in Java Edition 26.3: open your world to LAN from World Options, add a server by address, pick a Realm and fix connection errors.

Beginner 3 min read Updated Tested on Java 26.3
Two floating islands with wooden houses connected by a rope bridge.
On this page · 6
  1. Open your world to LAN
  2. Join a LAN world
  3. Add a server to your list
  4. Match the server version
  5. Rent a Realm for always-on play
  6. Fix connection errors

You can play together in three ways: a world opened to your home network (LAN), a server you join by address, or a paid Realm. This guide covers Java Edition 26.3, where "Open to LAN" moved into the new World Options screen.

Open your world to LAN

LAN works when everyone is on the same network, for example the same Wi-Fi at home. The host:

  1. Loads a singleplayer world and presses Esc.
  2. Clicks World Options... (in 26.3 it replaced the old "Open to LAN" button).
  3. In the Multiplayer section, sets LAN to ON.
  4. Optionally sets Port Number (1024 to 65535, leave empty for automatic), Command Access (can guests use commands, OFF by default) and Force Game Mode (guests play the world's Default Game Mode).
  5. Clicks Apply Changes.

The chat then shows "This world is now open to LAN. The port number is …". Note the number. Every guest needs their own copy of Java Edition, and the world stays open only while the host is playing.

Join a LAN world

On the other computer, open Multiplayer from the title screen. Under "Scanning for games on your local network" the host's world appears after a few seconds. Select it and click Join Server.

If nothing shows up, click Direct Connection and type the host's local IP address and the port from the chat, for example 192.168.1.20:51234. The host finds that IP in the network settings of their computer. When the host's firewall asks whether Java may communicate on private networks, they must allow it.

Add a server to your list

For a server on the internet you need its address.

  1. Click Multiplayer. The first time, a "Caution: Third-Party Online Play" screen appears: click Proceed.
  2. Click Add Server.
  3. Fill in Server Name (anything you like) and Server Address, for example play.example.net or 203.0.113.10.
  4. Click Done, select the server in the list and click Join Server.

The default port is 25565 and you can leave it out. Add :port only when the server uses another one, for example 203.0.113.10:25570.

Match the server version

The server list shows each server's version, player count and ping. If yours doesn't fit, the entry says "Incompatible version!" in red and joining fails with "Incompatible client! Please use …" followed by the version the server expects.

Some public servers accept several versions, many only one. Check the version on the server's website, then create an installation for exactly that version in the Installations tab of the Minecraft Launcher. Mods and plugins aside, a vanilla server always requires the same version as the client.

Rent a Realm for always-on play

Realms is Mojang's own paid server service, opened with the Minecraft Realms button on the title screen. Realms for Java Edition is a monthly subscription: the world stays online when you are offline and up to 10 friends plus you can play at the same time. You invite players by name, there is no address to share and no port to open. Realms only runs the current release, not snapshots. Current prices and trial offers are on minecraft.net.

Fix connection errors

MessageCause and fix
Incompatible version! / Incompatible client! Please use …Your game version differs from the server's. Start the version named in the message.
You are not white-listed on this server!The server only lets in listed players. Since 26.3, new servers have the whitelist turned on by default. The owner adds you with /whitelist add YourName.
Can't resolve hostnameThe address is misspelled or does not exist. Check every character.
Can't connect to server / Failed to connect to the serverThe server or LAN world is offline, the port is wrong or a firewall blocks Java.
Invalid session (Try restarting your game and the launcher)Your login expired. Close the game and the launcher, then start again.
Multiplayer is disabled. Please check your Microsoft account settings.Multiplayer is blocked in the account's Xbox privacy settings (common on child accounts). A parent has to allow it.
The server is full!The player limit is reached. Try again later.

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition players cannot join each other; servers that mix both run a bridge such as Geyser.

FAQ

Can I join a friend's singleplayer world over the internet without a server?

Not in Java Edition 26.3. The Friends List (key O) lets you add friends and see who is online, but joining friends' worlds online was tested in 26.2 snapshots and removed before release. Use a Realm or a server instead.

Is Minecraft Java multiplayer free?

Yes for LAN and servers: joining costs nothing beyond each player owning Java Edition, though some servers sell extras. Realms is the only paid official option.

How many people can play on a Java Realm?

Up to 10 players plus the owner at the same time. You can invite more people to the Realm, but only that many can be online together.