How to Join a Minecraft LAN Server: A Step-by-Step Guide for Java & Bedrock Editions

Playing Minecraft with friends is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game. If you’re on the same local network, setting up a LAN (Local Area Network) server is a fantastic and straightforward way to play together. This guide will walk you through exactly how to join a Minecraft LAN server, whether you’re using Java Edition or Bedrock Edition.

Joining a Minecraft LAN Server on Java Edition

If you and your friends are playing on Java Edition on your PCs, connecting via LAN is a simple process. Follow these steps:

1. Host Computer: Open Your World to LAN

   • Launch Minecraft Java Edition and enter the world you wish to play with your friends.
   • Once in your world, press the ESC key to open the in-game menu (pause menu).
   • Click on “Open to LAN”.

   Alt text: Screenshot of the Minecraft Java Edition pause menu with the “Open to LAN” button clearly highlighted.

2. LAN World Settings

   • You’ll see a screen with “Game mode”, “Allow Cheats”, and “Player vsPlayer”. You can adjust these settings if you wish. If you’re unsure, leave them as they are.
   • Click “Start LAN World”.

   Alt text: Image showing the Minecraft Java Edition “Open to LAN” settings screen where players can choose the game mode and enable cheats.

3. Note the Port Number

   • After clicking “Start LAN World”, a message will appear in the chat. This message will display a 5-digit number. This is your server’s port number, which your friends will need. Note this number down.

   Alt text: A close-up of the Minecraft Java Edition chat window displaying the message confirming the LAN world is open and showing the 5-digit port number.

4. Client Computer: Join Multiplayer

   • On your daughter’s laptop (or your friend’s computer), launch Minecraft Java Edition.
   • From the main menu, click on “Multiplayer”.

   Alt text: Screenshot of the Minecraft Java Edition main menu with the “Multiplayer” button clearly indicated.

5. Locate the LAN World

   • Minecraft will automatically scan for LAN worlds on your network. Your hosted world should appear in the list of servers. It will typically be at the top under “Local Network Worlds”.
   • Click on your world’s name and then “Join Server”.

   Alt text: Image of the Minecraft Java Edition multiplayer server list, with a LAN world prominently displayed under the “Local Network Worlds” section.

Joining a Minecraft LAN Server on Bedrock Edition

For those using Bedrock Edition, which includes PCs running Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, the process is slightly different but still easy to follow:

1. Host Computer: Enable Multiplayer Settings

   • Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition and load into the world you want to share.
   • Pause the game and go to “Settings”.
   • Navigate to the “Multiplayer” section in the settings menu.
   • Ensure that “Multiplayer Game” and “Visible to LAN Players” are both toggled ON.

   Alt text: Screenshot of the Minecraft Bedrock Edition settings menu, specifically highlighting the “Multiplayer” section with “Multiplayer Game” and “Visible to LAN Players” options enabled (toggled ON).

2. Client Computer: Find Friends

   • On your daughter’s laptop (or friend’s device), launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
   • From the main menu, click “Play”.
   • Go to the “Friends” tab.

   Alt text: Image of the Minecraft Bedrock Edition “Play” menu with the “Friends” tab selected, ready to show available LAN games.

3. Locate and Join the LAN World

   • Your hosted world should appear under “LAN Games” or “[Your Gamertag]’s Games”.
   • Click on the world to join.

   Alt text: Screenshot of the Minecraft Bedrock Edition “Friends” tab, showcasing a Minecraft world listed under the “LAN Games” section, ready to be joined.

Troubleshooting LAN Connection Issues

If you encounter problems joining a LAN server, here are a few common issues and solutions to check:

1. Same Minecraft Edition: Ensure everyone is using the same edition of Minecraft. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are not compatible for LAN play. Java players can only play with other Java players, and Bedrock players with other Bedrock players. Double-check which version you are both launching.

2. Same Minecraft Version: While Bedrock Edition usually updates automatically to the latest version, Java Edition allows for different versions. Make sure all players are using the same version of Java Edition. You can check and change versions in the Minecraft Launcher before launching the game.

3. Same Network: All computers or consoles must be connected to the same local network (same router). It doesn’t matter if some are using Ethernet cables and others are on Wi-Fi, as long as they are connected to the same router.

4. Direct Connection (Java Edition Specific): If automatic discovery isn’t working for Java Edition, you can use direct connection:

   • On the host computer, after opening to LAN, note down the 5-digit port number from the chat.
   • Open Command Prompt (search “cmd” in the Windows search bar).
   • Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
   • Find “Ethernet adapter Ethernet” or “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi” (depending on your connection type).
   • Locate “IPv4 Address” and note down the number (four sets of numbers separated by periods).
   • On the client computer, in Minecraft Multiplayer, click “Direct Connection”.
   • Enter the IPv4 address followed by a colon and the port number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:54321). Click “Join Server”.

By following these steps, you should be able to easily join a Minecraft LAN server and start playing with your friends or family. Enjoy building and exploring together!