Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (formerly known as Minecraft: Pocket Edition) is the official version of Minecraft supported across platforms like Android, iOS, Windows 10, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. This guide teaches you how to play Minecraft Bedrock Edition multiplayer with friends online, on servers, or over a local network, enabling cross-platform fun on mobile, consoles, and PCs.

Before you start:

  • Install Minecraft Bedrock Edition on all devices.
  • Create or sign in to a free Xbox Live (Microsoft) account for online play.
  • Ensure devices are on compatible platforms (Android, iOS, Windows 10, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch).

How to play Minecraft Bedrock multiplayer

Choose one of these methods to connect and play multiplayer with friends across platforms.

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Method 1: Inviting a friend

  • OpenMinecraft on your device; the icon resembles a grass block.
  • Select a world you want to play and start the game.
  • Tap the pause icon (two vertical lines) at the top of the screen to open the in-game menu.
  • TapInvite to Game in the right-hand panel below your gamertag.
  • Select a friend from your Xbox Live friends list, or tapAdd Friend to search by gamertag, contacts, or Facebook.
  • TapSend Invite at the bottom right.
  • If invites fail, exit the game, go to the Play menu, tap the pencil icon next to the world, and enable the Multiplayer Game toggle.

Method 2: Joining a server

  • Get the server’s name, address/URL, and port (usually 19132) from sites like minecraftpocket-servers.com or minecraftlist.org/pe-servers. Note: Java Edition servers are incompatible.
  • OpenMinecraft.
  • TapPlay on the title screen.
  • Tap the Servers tab at the top.
  • TapAdd Server at the top of the list.
  • Enter the server name, server address, and port number.
  • TapSave.
  • Select the server from the list to join.
  • Sign in to your Xbox Live account if prompted; tap your email, enter your password, and select Let’s Play, or create a free account.

Method 3: Joining a friend’s game

  • OpenMinecraft.
  • TapPlay on the title screen.
  • Tap the Friends tab at the top.
  • TapAdd Friend, or if you have a Realm invite code, tapJoin Realm, enter the code, and tapJoin.
  • SelectFind friends by gamertag, or use Find Facebook Friends or Find phone contacts.
  • Enter your friend’s Xbox Live gamertag and tapSearch.
  • TapAdd Friend to send a request.
  • Once accepted, tap your friend’s game under Joinable Friends or Joinable Realms.

Method 4: Playing over a local area network

  • Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • On the host device, launchMinecraft, tapPlay, and tap the pencil icon next to the world.
  • Set Player Permissions to Visitor.
  • SelectMultiplayer and enableMultiplayer Game and Visible to LAN Players toggles.
  • Set visibility to Friends Only or Friends of Friends.
  • TapPlay to start the game.
  • On the joining device, launchMinecraft, tapPlay, go to the Friends tab, and select the LAN game under LAN.
Pro tip: Always enable multiplayer settings before starting a world to avoid invitation issues, and consider creating a Realm for persistent cross-platform play with friends.

After connecting, experiment with building together or exploring servers for community events. Manage your friends list in the Play menu to keep joinable games visible.

Upgrade to a Minecraft Realm for a private server that stays online 24/7, or explore add-ons and marketplace content to enhance your multiplayer sessions. Regularly check for game updates to access new features and fixes for smoother cross-play.