Multiplayer
How to Host a LAN World in Minecraft
Open to LAN turns any singleplayer world into a quick shared session. Everyone on the same network joins in seconds with no server software, no config files, and no downloads. Here is the exact flow plus the firewall and Direct Connect fixes when a friend cannot see your world.
Why Open to LAN beats a full server for quick sessions
A LAN world reuses your running singleplayer game, so it spins up instantly and needs zero setup. The trade-off is it only lives as long as you keep the game open and only reaches your local network. For a world that stays online when you log off, or for friends joining over the internet, you want a real dedicated server, either self-hosted with port forwarding or a managed host that handles the networking for you.
Quick answers
+What port does Open to LAN use?
By default it picks a free port and prints it in chat, often 25565 but it can vary. You can type a specific port in the Open to LAN screen on newer versions; otherwise read the number from the "Local game hosted on port" message.
+Do friends need to be on the same Wi-Fi?
Yes. Open to LAN only broadcasts to the local network. Devices on the same router or switch can see it. People over the internet cannot join a LAN world unless you set up port forwarding or a VPN like Hamachi or Radmin.
+Why does the LAN world not show up for my friend?
Usually a firewall block or different network. Allow Java for both Private and Public networks in your OS firewall, confirm both machines are on the same router, and try Direct Connect with your local IP and the printed port.
+Can I use commands in a LAN world?
Only if Allow Cheats was turned on before starting. The host can change it back later by pressing Esc and reopening, but cheats granted to the session apply to everyone with operator-style access depending on game mode.
+What is my local IP for Direct Connect?
On Windows run ipconfig and read the IPv4 Address (often 192.168.x.x). On macOS or Linux run ifconfig or ip addr. Combine it with the LAN port as IP:PORT, e.g. 192.168.1.24:25565.
+Does the world keep running if I close the game?
No. The LAN world lives inside your singleplayer session, so when the host quits, everyone is disconnected and the world stops. For an always-on world that stays up, run a dedicated server instead.
Hosting →
Skip the setup
Get a managed server with one click instead of configuring it all yourself.
Database →
Browse the item database
Look up every block, item, and command target before you build with friends.
Guide →
Port forward for internet play
Take your world beyond the LAN so friends can join from anywhere.