Multiplayer Setup

How to Play Minecraft With Friends

Three real ways to get your friends into the same world: open to LAN for free on the same Wi-Fi, join a dedicated server by its address, or spin up a Realm. Here is exactly what to click and how to invite people.

survival.yourserver.net, multiplayer
Add Server
Server Name
Friends SMP
Server Address
survival.yourserver.net
DoneCancel

LAN vs server vs Realms

1
Pick how you connect
Same Wi-Fi means LAN. Friends elsewhere need a dedicated server or Realms. All three need everyone on the matching version.
2
Open to LAN (free, same network)
Pause the game, choose Open to LAN, set the game mode, and share the port shown. Friends hit Direct Connect with your local IP and that port.
3
Or add a server by address
On the Multiplayer screen, Add Server, paste the address like survival.yourserver.net, save, then double-click to join.
4
Invite and whitelist
On a server run /whitelist add <name> for each friend, or send Realms invites from the in-game Invite menu so only your group can join.
5
Keep it online
LAN dies when the host quits. For 24/7 access run a dedicated server box or a Realm so friends can hop in any time.

What you need

Server address or IP

Same game version

Whitelist or invite

Always-on host

Quick answers

Do we all need the same Minecraft version?

Yes. Java connects to Java, Bedrock connects to Bedrock, and the version number must match. Set your launcher profile to the server's version before joining.

What is the difference between LAN, a server, and Realms?

LAN is free but only works on the same Wi-Fi while the host is online. A dedicated server runs 24/7 at a fixed address. Realms is Mojang's paid hosted server with simple invites.

How do friends join my server?

Give them the address. They open Multiplayer, click Add Server, paste it into Server Address, save, then double-click the entry to connect.

Why can't my friend connect to my LAN game?

They must be on the same network, use your local IP plus the port shown when you opened to LAN, and you must not have quit or paused out of the world.

How do I let only my friends in?

On a server turn on white-list in server.properties, then /whitelist add each name. On Realms, only invited players can join, no extra setup.

Is Realms or a dedicated server better?

Realms is easiest for a small group and needs no setup. A dedicated server gives you plugins, mods, more slots and full control, which is why most growing groups move to one.