How to Add Friends in Minecraft: All Methods Revealed

Adding friends in Minecraft opens up opportunities for collaborative building, shared adventures, and multiplayer survival. However, the process differs significantly between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition because of their distinct account systems. This guide breaks down the exact steps for both platforms, explains common limitations, and provides troubleshooting tips to ensure smooth connections.

Adding Friends in Minecraft: Java Edition

Java Edition also needs Microsoft account migration in order to use Realms and official multiplayer servers; however, many external servers implement their own authentication mechanisms that do not rely on Microsoft accounts. The direct friend invites are mainly offered via Minecraft Realms or LAN worlds. Here is how to connect with others:

Using Minecraft Realms for Multiplayer

Minecraft Realms is Mojang’s official subscription service for persistent multiplayer worlds. To invite friends:

Open the Realms menu and select Configure Realm.
Navigate to the Players tab and click the + icon.
Enter your friend’s Microsoft-linked username and send an invitation.

The Realms owner is the only person required to have an active Realms subscription to host the world; their friends do not need an active Realms subscription but are required to have an honest Minecraft account with the proper edition. Realms are great for having long-term projects, because they stay online even when the host is logging off. Nevertheless, this approach involves repetitive payment, which reduces general access to it from occasional play.

Hosting a LAN World

For local multiplayer without subscriptions, LAN worlds allow friends on the same Wi-Fi network to join:

Launch a single-player world and pause the game.
Select Open to LAN and note the local IP address displayed in chat.
Share this IP with friends on the same network.
Friends join via Multiplayer > Direct Connect, pasting the IP address.

LAN play is free and easy for small groups, but the host must keep the game running to maintain the session. This method works best for in-person gatherings or quick builds with nearby players.

Joining External Servers

For public multiplayer, players can share server IP addresses manually or use platforms like Minecraft Multiplayer Servers. Friends join by entering the IP in Multiplayer > Add Server. This method bypasses Realms restrictions but requires coordination to manage permissions and whitelists.

Adding Friends in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition supports Xbox Live Gamertags by becoming part of Microsoft using Xbox Live account switching, and offers cross-platform sync primarily on Windows 10/11, mobile, and Xbox platforms. Friends take a console-based approach on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, and are handled by the friend system on their respective consoles instead of Xbox Live. Here is the way to connect:

Adding Friends via Gamertag

Open the Pause Menu and select Invite > Find Friends.
Enter your friend’s Gamertag (e.g., “User123”) and select Add Friend.
Confirm the request in the Friends List once accepted.

Once synced, friends appear in your list across all devices, allowing instant invitations to join games. Bedrock’s system mirrors social media friend requests, making it intuitive for new users.

Syncing Xbox Accounts

To ensure compatibility:

Verify that both players are signed into Microsoft accounts linked to Xbox profiles.
Friends added on Xbox will automatically sync to Minecraft Bedrock.
Check Settings > Profile to confirm account links.

This integration simplifies cross-game connections, as Xbox friends lists update in real time. However, privacy settings must allow multiplayer interactions to avoid connection errors.

Joining Cross-Platform Games

Bedrock’s strength lies in its cross-platform flexibility. To join friends on different devices:

From the Invite Menu, select Add Friends to search Gamertags.
Choose the desired player and select Join Game.
Ensure both parties have Xbox Live Privacy Settings set to allow multiplayer.

This method supports play between mobile, console, and PC users, making it ideal for mixed-platform groups.

Advanced Tips and Considerations

Managing Your Friends List

Over time, inactive friends can clutter your list. To clean it up:

Remove inactive players via Settings > Friends.
Note that Java and Bedrock players cannot play together due to platform restrictions.

For large communities, consider third-party server hosting to centralize multiplayer access, avoiding the need for individual invites.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Failed Invites

If friend requests fail:

Verify both accounts have Xbox Live Privacy Settings set to allow multiplayer.
Ensure internet connections are stable and firewalls aren’t blocking traffic.

LAN Connection Problems

For Java LAN worlds:

Confirm all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Adjust firewall settings to permit Minecraft traffic if joining fails.

Account Migration

Older Mojang accounts (pre-2019) must migrate to Microsoft for Realms access. Visit the Microsoft account migration page to link your license.

Special Cases

Adding Friends on Mobile (Bedrock)

Mobile players can add friends directly in-game:

Open the Friends tab and search Gamertags.
Sync phone contacts via Settings > Friends > Add Contact.
Ensure Minecraft is updated to the latest version for compatibility.

Mobile’s streamlined interface makes it easy to manage friends on the go, though touch-screen navigation may require practice.

Legacy Java Accounts

Pre-2019 Java players must migrate to Microsoft accounts for multiplayer access. This one-time process ensures compatibility with modern systems but requires email verification to complete the switch.

Final Thoughts

Adding friends in Minecraft depends on your edition and platform, but the core principles remain consistent: use Realms for Java, Gamertags for Bedrock, and ensure accounts are properly synced. Make sure to always check privacy settings and network configurations to avoid common issues.