How to play Minecraft with friends on different devices
Minecraft has two editions, and which one you own decides who you can play with.
What works together without a server
- Bedrock to Bedrock: Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iPhone, iPad and Android can all play together in one world. Use Friends or a shared realm.
- Java to Java: PC, Mac and Linux players join each other's worlds or servers.
What does not
Java and Bedrock do not connect directly. A Java player cannot join a Bedrock world or the other way round.
The simple fix: a server with crossplay
Put one Java server online with Geyser and Floodgate. Java players join normally; everyone on Bedrock joins through the Bedrock address and port. Everyone sees the same world. Step by step: how to make a server for both.
For a mixed family
- A parent on a Mac (Java) and a child on an iPad (Bedrock): crossplay server.
- A group on Switch and Xbox: Bedrock server, or crossplay.
- Mixed PC and phone friends: crossplay server.
Consoles need one extra step
Xbox, PlayStation and Switch do not have an Add Server button. Players on those use a workaround; the usual one is adding a featured entry or joining through a friend who is on the same network. See Bedrock cannot connect: every fix.
Keep it safe for kids
Turn on the whitelist so only invited players can join, and keep the server private. Read more in a server for a school or club.
Free to try
A free server is enough for a handful of friends. Make one.