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Why can't I make my Minecraft world multiplayer?

Published in Minecraft Multiplayer Issues 4 mins read

You might be unable to make your Minecraft world multiplayer due to incorrect in-game or Microsoft account settings, network connectivity issues, firewall restrictions, or a mismatch in game versions or platforms.

Making your Minecraft world accessible to friends or other players involves several checks, from your in-game settings to your network configuration and account permissions. Here's a breakdown of common reasons you might be facing difficulties:

1. Incorrect Game & Account Settings

One of the most frequent reasons players cannot join or host multiplayer games stems from incorrect game settings or restricted account permissions.

  • In-Game Multiplayer Settings: Minecraft requires certain settings to be enabled for multiplayer functionality. You may need to manually enable the “Join multiplayer games” setting within Minecraft. Additionally, ensure that features for creating and joining clubs (if applicable to your game version) are turned on. If you're trying to connect to a friend's world, for example, your game's multiplayer functionality must be switched on.
  • Microsoft/Xbox Account Privacy Settings: For Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows 10, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Mobile), multiplayer access is often controlled by your Microsoft or Xbox Live account privacy settings. This is particularly common for child accounts or accounts with parental controls enabled.
    • Solutions:
      • Log into your Microsoft account or Xbox account privacy settings.
      • Navigate to Privacy & online safety.
      • Under the Xbox One/Windows 10 Online Safety tab (or similar for other platforms), ensure that options like "You can join multiplayer games" and "You can create and join clubs" are set to Allow or Everybody.
      • For child accounts, the parent account may need to make these changes.

2. Network & Connectivity Issues

A stable and correctly configured network connection is essential for multiplayer gaming.

  • Internet Connection Problems: A weak, unstable, or non-existent internet connection will prevent you from connecting to online multiplayer worlds or servers.
    • Solutions:
      • Check your internet connection speed and stability.
      • Restart your router and modem.
  • Firewall and Antivirus Restrictions: Your computer's firewall (like Windows Defender Firewall) or third-party antivirus software can block Minecraft from communicating over the network, preventing multiplayer connections.
    • Solutions:
      • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to test if it's the culprit.
      • Add Minecraft (javaw.exe for Java Edition, or the Minecraft application for Bedrock) as an exception to your firewall and antivirus software.
  • Router Settings (NAT Type/Port Forwarding): For direct connections or hosting a server, your router's Network Address Translation (NAT) type can sometimes restrict connectivity. Port forwarding might be necessary to allow incoming connections to your world or server.
    • Solutions:
      • Check your router's settings for NAT type. An "Open" NAT type is ideal for multiplayer.
      • If hosting a server or direct connection, you may need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow traffic on Minecraft's default ports (25565 for Java, 19132-19133 for Bedrock). Consult your router's manual or ISP for specific instructions.

3. Game Version & Platform Mismatch

Minecraft has two main editions with different multiplayer capabilities, and all players must be on the same game version.

  • Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: These are fundamentally different versions of Minecraft.
    • Minecraft Java Edition (for PC, Mac, Linux) can only play with other Java Edition players.
    • Minecraft Bedrock Edition (for Windows 10, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices) supports cross-play between all Bedrock platforms.
    • Solution: Ensure all players attempting to join are on the same edition of Minecraft.
  • Outdated Game Versions: All players must be running the exact same version of Minecraft to join a world or server.
    • Solution: Update your Minecraft game to the latest version. Ensure your friends do the same.

4. Specific Multiplayer Scenarios

How you're trying to play multiplayer also impacts what might be going wrong.

  • Hosting a LAN World: For local area network (LAN) games, ensure everyone is on the same local network and that no firewalls are blocking communication between devices.
  • Joining a Friend's World (Bedrock Edition): The host needs to be actively in the world for others to join.
  • Minecraft Realms: If you're using a Minecraft Realm, ensure your subscription is active and that players are invited correctly. Realms offer a persistent, always-online world.
  • Dedicated Servers: If you're trying to join a dedicated server, ensure you have the correct IP address and port, and that the server is online and accessible. The server host may also have whitelist or permission settings preventing you from joining.

By systematically checking these potential issues, you can often identify and resolve why your Minecraft world isn't allowing multiplayer access.