Minecraft Java Edition gives you three ways to play with other people: join a public server, open a world to your local network, or share a hosted server or Realm with friends. Here is how each one works.
Join a public Minecraft server
Public servers are the fastest way to find other players. Pick one from the server list, copy its address, and add it in the game.
Open Multiplayer
Launch Minecraft Java Edition and choose Multiplayer from the title screen.
Add the server
Select Add Server, give it any name, and paste the address into Server Address.
Join
Save the entry, select it in your list, and choose Join Server.
Play on a local network (LAN)
When everyone is on the same Wi-Fi or wired network, one player can host straight from a single-player world.
Open to LAN
In the host's world, press Esc and choose Open to LAN, then Start LAN World.
Find the world
Other Java players on the same network open Multiplayer; the world appears under Scanning for games on your local network.
Play with friends over the internet
A hosted server or a Minecraft Realm is usually simpler and safer than exposing a home computer to the internet. Realms are run by Mojang; hosted servers let you choose plugins and mods.
Common connection problems
- Wrong version. Match the game version the server lists, or pick it in the launcher's installations.
- Typo in the address. Copy it rather than typing it, and keep any port after the colon.
- Whitelist. Some servers only accept approved players; check their website or Discord.
- Server offline. Check the listing's latest status. A timeout does not always mean a confirmed outage.
Still stuck? Check the Minecraft authentication server status and fixes for sign-in errors.