How To Add Friends on Minecraft (PC, Xbox, Switch, PS4)

Building, exploring, and discovering new things in the Minecraft world is fun, but playing with friends is the cherry on the cake.

It’s impossible to get bored while playing Minecraft! There’s always something entirely new in each game mode that the game offers.

However, you might be having a hard time trying to add friends in Minecraft.

If that’s the case, worry not - we will show you efficient solutions so you can play Minecraft with your friends in no time.

A new world with awesome quests is rising on the horizon in the Overworld, and the best way to enjoy it is by playing Minecraft with your friends!

Keep on reading to get precise information about:

• How to add friends on Minecraft;
• Differences between Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Java Edition;
• All you must know about cross-platform play.

3 Things You Must Know Before You Add Friends in Minecraft

Before you start a multiplayer game on Minecraft, there are some fundamental things that you must get to know.

As you might know, Mojang encourages all users to play with friends whenever they can. So, in theory, if you want to play this game with your beloved colleagues, then it shouldn’t be that hard.

But Minecraft is a game with over 10 years of trajectory. That creates the need to take a closer look at the available options before we start to play online.

1. Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition

Okay, so Minecraft has two main editions: Bedrock and Java. There’s also Education Edition, but that’s a whole other story.

It basically works like this:

• Java Edition is the original version of this game. You can only play it on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Java users can only play with other Java Edition players;
• Bedrock Edition is available for Computers and all other platforms, such as Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and even mobile.

Therefore, you can all start playing together only if you have the same version of the game.

2. Play With Friends with Minecraft Realms

Minecraft Realms is an official subscription that allows you to play with friends in different Minecraft worlds.

You can start a new world or play all together in an existing world. The thing is that both of you need to have an active Minecraft Realms subscription to play together.

Realms is the easiest way to go on new adventures with cross-platform friends, and it’s pretty straightforward to use.

Pro Tip: You and your friend can Cancel Minecraft Realms whenever you want, even if you don’t play on the same platform.

3. Host Your Own Minecraft Server and Invite Friends

Having a private online server is the number one choice of most Minecraft players.

There are plenty of server providers out there which you can choose to start a new adventure with a friend, such as Apex Hosting.

Local game on a Minecraft server is also a good alternative, but you all need to be on the same network to play properly.

Either way, we are back to it again: There are Java and Bedrock Edition multiplayer servers. In order to play with a friend at the same time, it’s fundamental for you both to be on the exact same edition of the game.

Pro Tip: Some errors, such as the “Unable to Connect to World” Minecraft issue, might appear when trying to play with friends in Minecraft. In that case, having a good provider is the difference between solving it quickly and struggling to fix the issue.

How to Add Friends in Minecraft

Now that you know the basics about adding friends on Minecraft, we can proceed to the step-by-step guidance you need.

Just keep in mind that there are different steps depending on the version you are playing in.

It’s all really easy, so if you follow all these steps correctly, you will be able to add friends on Minecraft on the play menu in no time. Let’s get to it!

Adding Friends on Windows PC and Mac

If you play Minecraft PC or Mac version, it will be really quick for you to add friends right away.

Method 1: Using Java Edition

If you both play Minecraft on the Java Version, then you have three alternatives to play with friends:

• Realms: Assuming you already have a premium subscription, you must send or receive a friend invite in order to continue. Press start, type in your friends’ Minecraft ID, and click on “Send Invites” - easy peasy!
• LAN: If you are both on the same network, just launch the game, press the ESC key, and click on “Open to Lan.” Then, select “Start LAN World” and your friend will be able to join.
• Minecraft PC server: In this case, you can’t play cross-platform with a friend. You must go to the main menu and click on “add server.” There, enter the IP addresses of the host computer, and you are good to go.

Step 2: Using Bedrock Edition

The procedures here are pretty similar to the previously mentioned ones, but the difference is that you will be able to play with cross-platform friends.

• Realms: You need to log in with your Microsoft Account. In this case, the only way to “add friend” is by knowing their Xbox live Account Gamertag. Look for them and send them an invite.
• LAN: LAN Players can join just by starting a LAN world in the in-game menu. They should all appear on the Friends Tab and join the LAN whenever they want.
• Minecraft Server: In this scenario, you can invite cross-platform friends that play on Mobile, Xbox, or PC. Go to the pause menu, browse your friends’ list and send a request to your friends to join your private server.

Play Minecraft with Friends on Mobile Devices (Pocket Edition)

Minecraft Pocket Edition is an adapted mobile version of the Bedrock Edition we all know. If you play Minecraft PE, then you have one option for playing with a friend.

Method 1: Local Game Using a Microsoft Account

You need to select the Local Server Multiplayer in the start menu. There, sign in with your Microsoft Account and create a world.

Once you select “Play,” your friend list will show the available friends in your area.

Invite Friends to Play On a Gaming Console

If you need to add friends who play on gaming consoles, then follow these quick steps on the game.

Read Also: Are you tired of that annoying voice that appears once you start this game? Read here to know how to Turn Off Narrator Minecraft.

Add Friends in Minecraft (Xbox Users)

Xbox users have it easier since Minecraft is owned by Microsoft. Naturally, you need to use your Xbox account and log in to Xbox Live before you start doing this.

Method 1: Add Friends On the Xbox App

If you want to play online with friends, do this:

• Realms: Go to the main menu of the game, go to “Worlds,” and just before you press play, send a Friend Request using your friends’ Gamertag.
• Server: To add friend on a server using the Xbox app, you need to follow the specific instructions given by your server provider. Either way, the “Add server” option will pop up in the upper right corner of the main menu, so it’s all pretty easy here.

Step 2: Play a Local Game

Here, make sure your friend is already on your friends’ list. Open the multiplayer option and edit a LAN world by selecting the pen icon.

We cannot stress this enough - you won’t be able to send a friend request if you are not both using the same connection network.

Adding Minecraft Friends On PlayStation 4

Even though some users also enjoy playing Minecraft on PlayStation, there are more restrictions than we might imagine.

Method 1: Using Minecraft Realms

This is your best shot if you want to play with friends. Go to the game menu, sign in with your Microsoft Account (even if you are playing on a Sony console, Realms will still be linked to Microsoft), press the edit button, and look for your friend.

Once they receive a pop-up of their invite, you will all be able to join a world.

Method 2: Split-Screen Play

This is a console-exclusive feature that’s also available for Xbox and Nintendo. All you need to do here is add up to 4 controllers and press play on the bottom left corner.

You don’t even need to send a friend invite! It’s quick and efficient.

Note: You can’t add External Servers on the PlayStation 4 version.

Inviting Friends On Nintendo Switch

In case you enjoy this game on a Nintendo Switch, follow these methods.

Long story short:

• The procedures are exactly the same as on other platforms - nothing is different;
• You have access to the four players split-screen feature;
• To “add friend” using Realms, it’s fundamental to know their Minecraft ID - don’t get confused with the Nintendo ID;
• You can’t add external servers - this feature is only available for Xbox, PC, and PE.

How to Find Cross-Platform Friends On Minecraft

To find cross-platform friends, it’s fundamental to go to the main game menu and click or tap on the “Invite to Game” option.

Note that this feature is only available for Bedrock Edition (Console, PC, and Mobile) the “Find Cross-Platform Friends” option will appear along with a search bar where you need to put your friend’s Gamertag:

Then, just go wait for them to accept your invitation and that’s it! It’s the very same procedure on all Bedrock Edition versions of this game.

You can now start playing new adventures regardless of the platform you use!

If you enjoyed reading this guide, check the other pieces of content we have for you here at Hypenoon.

FAQ

Why Can’t I Add Friends in Minecraft?

It is possible that your account is restricted somehow. Check your email, and try to log out and log it back again. Also, the Parental Control option might be toggled in on your profile.

Can Java and Bedrock Play Together?

Absolutely not. Java players with Java players, and Bedrock players with Bedrock players - there’s no middle ground here.