How to Play Minecraft With Friends for Free? 9 Easy Ways

If you’re wondering how to play Minecraft with friends for free, you’ve come to the right place.

Here you’ll learn 9 ways to play Minecraft online with friends on Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, consoles, and mobile devices.

No risky tools or complicated steps required, just clear and effective methods!

9 Free Ways To Play Minecraft With Friends

Method 1: Play Minecraft Together on LAN

If you want to play Minecraft with friends without a server, the easiest way is to use LAN multiplayer.

This works perfectly as long as all players are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, whether you’re playing Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or on a mobile device.

Step 1: Open “Minecraft Java Edition” and load the single-player world you want to share.

Step 2: Press “Esc”, select “Open to LAN,” choose a game mode, allow cheats if needed, and click “Start LAN World.” Minecraft will display the port number (######). Keep this window open.

Step 3: On other players’ computers, enter the “Multiplayer” game and wait for the LAN world to appear automatically. Click “Join.” If it doesn’t appear, you can click “Direct Connection” and enter the port number to join.

Now you can play Minecraft with your friends for free on Java.

Method 2: Host Your Own Minecraft Server

If you can’t play Minecraft with friends on the same Wi-Fi network, setting up your own Minecraft Java server is the best solution.

Step 1: Download the Minecraft Server File

1. Go to the official Minecraft website.
2. Download the Minecraft Server .jar file for the latest version.
3. Create a dedicated folder for your server files.

Step 2: Start the Server

1. Place the .jar file in the folder, and run it.
2. The server will generate config files.
3. Open the eula.txt file and change false → true.

This accepts Minecraft’s EULA and allows the server to run.

Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings

Open server.properties and customize options like game difficulty, max players, enabling command blocks, and world seed.

You can personalize everything you want.

Step 4: Allow Friends to Join on the Same Network

If everyone is on the same Wi-Fi, they can join through: Direct Connect → [Host Local IP].

Step 5: Allow Friends to Join From Anywhere

1. Log in to your router settings.
2. Open Port Forwarding.
3. Forward port to your PC’s local IP.
4. Get your public IP address.
5. Share this with your friends: [Your Public IP].

Now your server is available globally, which solves how to play Minecraft with friends online for the Java Edition.

Method 3: Play With Friends Using Minecraft Realms

Minecraft Realms is the easiest and most official way to play multiplayer in Minecraft with friends across devices. Both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition users can access their respective Realms versions.

You’ll get a private, cloud-hosted world, online 24/7, so your friends can join anytime, even when you’re offline.

1. How to Use Minecraft Realms on Java Edition

Step 1: Go to the main menu and click Minecraft Realms.

Step 2: Click “Buy Realms,” choose your subscription plan, name your Realms, and select a world type.

Step 3: Open your Realms, select “Configure Realms,” click “Players,” and enter your friends’ Minecraft usernames to invite them.

2. How to Use Minecraft Realms on Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition Realms are more convenient and support PC, iPhone, Android, Xbox, PS5, and Switch.

Step 1: Open Bedrock Edition Minecraft and go to “Play” → “World.”

Step 2: Click “Create New Realm,” select “Create on Realms,” choose your world settings, and subscribe to a Realms plan.

Step 3: Open your Realm, go to “Edit” → “Members,” and add your friends using their Xbox Gamertags.

Method 4: Create a Virtual LAN Using VPN

What if you want to play multiplayer in Minecraft with friends online but can’t be on the same Wi-Fi network?

You can use a VPN to simulate a LAN, making Minecraft treat your friends as if they are connected to your router.

Step 1: Choose a VPN that supports virtual LANs or port forwarding.

Step 2: Create a private network on the host’s server and share the network ID or invite link with your friends.

Step 3: Your friends need to join the virtual network: Network → Join Existing Network → Enter a name and password. After joining, everyone will see each other’s virtual IPs.

Step 4: Open Minecraft Java Edition, enter single-player mode → enable LAN, and create a LAN world.

Step 5: Have your friends select Multiplayer → Direct Connect in Minecraft and enter their LAN port to join the game.

Method 5: Join an Online Minecraft Server

If you don’t want to set up your own server, you can join a public or private Minecraft server. This is a simpler and free way to get Minecraft multiplayer with friends than creating your own server.

How to Join a Minecraft Server Java?

Step 1: Obtain the server’s IP address or domain name. For example, hypixel.net, play.mineplex.com.

Step 2: Open Minecraft → Multiplayer, and click “Add Server”.

Step 3: Enter the server information, including the server name and server address. Click “Done”, then click “Join Server”.

How to Join a Minecraft Server on Bedrock Edition?

Step 1: Open Minecraft → Start Game, and go to the “Servers” tab.

Step 2: Select a featured server or add your own server.

Step 3: Click “Join Server” to join.

Method 6: Use Split-Screen Multiplayer on Console

If you want to play Minecraft with friends on PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, split-screen mode is a great option.

All you need is: a game console, a TV, and multiple game controllers. Minecraft will automatically split the screen into multiple independent views for each player.

Step 1: Open Minecraft on your console and select “Start Game,” → “Create New World,” or open an existing world.

Step 2: Turn on a second controller and have the other player log in using their console account or local guest account.

Step 3: Press the “Join” button. The joining method varies depending on the device:

• PS5 → Press the “Options” button
• Xbox → Press the “Menu”/”Start” button
• Switch → Press the “+” or “-” button

Once the second player joins, Minecraft will immediately split into split-screen mode. Now you can play Minecraft with your friends on PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.

Method 7: Play Cross-Platform Multiplayer on Minecraft Bedrock

If you want to play Minecraft with friends on different devices, you can try Bedrock Edition’s cross-platform multiplayer.

Bedrock Edition supports Windows 10, iOS, Android, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, allowing your friends to join the same world regardless of their device.

Step 1: Sign in to your Xbox Live account.

Step 2: Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition, go to “Start Game” → “Friends” → “Friends You Can Join”

Step 3: Share your in-game invite link or send an invite via Xbox Live. Once your friend accepts the invitation, they will join your world.

Method 8: Play Together on Minecraft Education Edition

Minecraft Education Edition is designed for schools, teachers, and educational groups. If you are a student or teacher, you can use Minecraft Education Edition to play Minecraft online with your classmates.

Step 1: Go to education.minecraft.net and click “Sign In”.

Step 2: Sign in using your school email address. Download and install it on your Windows, macOS, iPad, or Chromebook.

Step 3: Click “Start Game” → “Create New World” → “Education Edition”, and enable multiplayer in the world settings.

Step 4: Send invitations to other accounts. Once they accept, they can join your world.

Now, you can build, explore, and complete classroom challenges together. Each world supports up to 30 players.

Method 9: Join a Friend’s World on Minecraft Bedrock

The last method is using Minecraft Bedrock Edition. No servers, realms, or other tools are needed. As long as your friend’s world is set to multiplayer, you can join directly through your in-game friends list.

Step 1: You need to log in via Xbox Live (Microsoft account) and add each other as friends.

Step 2: Ask your friend to enable multiplayer mode in their world.

Step 3: Open Minecraft, go to “Play” → “Friends,” look for “Joinable Friends”, and click on it to join.

Why Can’t I Play Minecraft With Friends?

If you encounter difficulties while trying the above 9 methods, don’t worry! The problem is usually caused by the following common factors:

1. Using different versions of Minecraft

Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition cannot play together.

If you are trying cross-platform multiplayer, such as PC and Xbox, PS5, or mobile devices, make sure all players are using Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

2. Incompatible game versions

If you are using version 1.20.4, and another player is using version 1.19, you will not be able to see each other’s worlds. Update or download to the same version and try playing together again.

3. Network or NAT type issues

Strict NAT types, Wi-Fi restrictions, school networks, or public hotspots can all prevent multiplayer from working. Switching networks or restarting your router usually solves the problem.

4. Multiplayer is disabled in Microsoft account settings

For Bedrock Edition players, Microsoft Children’s Account settings may block online functionality. Go to “Account” > “Privacy & Online Security”, and then enable multiplayer.

5. Incorrect Server or Realm Settings

If you are trying to play Minecraft with friends without a server, make sure “Open to LAN” is enabled.

6. Firewall, Antivirus, or VPN Blocking the Connection

Firewalls may prevent Minecraft from opening necessary ports. If you are using a VPN, choose one that ensures stable gameplay and does not block your local connection.

7. TLauncher or Mod Client Incompatibility

Players using cracked clients such as TLauncher cannot join official servers or realms. Mods may also cause incompatibility unless all players have the same mod pack installed.

Conclusion

These 9 methods can help you play Minecraft with your friends for free, no matter what device you use or where your friends are.

Choose the one that suits you best, and follow the steps. You’ll be entering the same Minecraft world together in minutes.